Fatty liver: Possible risk of hypertension

BUFFALO, N.Y., Nov 2, 2005 (UPI via COMTEX) -- University at Buffalo scientists say the accumulation of fat in the liver might be an underlying mechanism for hypertension.

The researchers say a "fatty liver" resulting from accumulation of central body fat, and perhaps not alcohol consumption, may represent an important underlying mechanism for the association between liver enzymes and hypertension.

"Our findings extend previous work, and indicate that the association of the liver enzyme GGT with hypertension risk is strongly affected by variation in weight and, above all, body fat distribution," said lead author Saverio Stranges, assistant professor of social and preventive medicine. "Specifically, we found GGT was a significant predictor of hypertension only among overweight participants with increased central body fat.

"If we consider that fatty liver is the most common cause of liver injury in the United States, these findings may have both important clinical and public health implications."

Fatty liver has no symptoms, but can develop into the chronic conditions of hepatitis or cirrhosis.

The study appears in the current issue of the journal Hypertension.

Stranges and colleagues are now studying the association between liver enzymes and diabetes.

URL: www.upi.com