The Effect of Pentoxifylline on Liver Function Tests in Fatty Liver Disease

This randomized double blind clinical trial was performed in patients with the evidence of fatty liver in ultrasonography. After excluding other causes, participants with persistent elevated serum aminotransferase levels were presumed to have NAFLD. Those with NAFLD liver fat score greater than (-0.64) were enrolled. They were randomly assigned to lifestyle modification alone or lifestyle modification plus Pentoxifylline groups. Fasting serum glucose, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, triglyceride, cholesterol, high and low-density lipoprotein,homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance(HOMA-IR), and anthropometric measurements (body mass index and waist circumference) were checked at baseline and six months later.

Inclusion criteria

Patients with persistent elevated aminotransferase levels and the evidence of fatty liver in ultrasonography, who were referred to a gastroenterology clinic.

Exclusion criteria

• alcohol use (more than 20 gram per day in men and 10 gram per day in women per day),
• heart disease (ischemic or congestive),
• hepatic disease (viral hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, wilson disease, hemochromatosis, liver mass lesion),
• renal disease (serum creatinine concentration of > 1.5 mg/dl),
• any severe systemic co-morbidities, neoplasm,
• using any hepatotoxic medication during the past 3 months,
• pregnant or lactating women.