title: [Non-alcoholic hepatic steatosis: the role of policosanols in associated hyperlipidemia].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of policosanols in the treatment of associated hyperlipidemia in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a retrospective study on 52 patients with NAFLD. Pretreatment patients' data (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, ALT, and AST) were collected and analyzed. Furthermore, based on weight and height, we calculated the Body Mass Index (BMI) and, based on blood glucose and insulin levels, we estimated the Human Omeostatic Assesment Index (HOMA). After that, all patients were treated with a policosanols' supplement (Frilipid®) and a hypocaloric balanced diet, and then followed over time with quarterly inspections. We collected and analyzed data on three subsequent quarterly monitoring during treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The collected and analyzed data showed a significant reduction in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and HOMA index (P<0.002). It was also found a trend not statistically significant for a marked reduction in ALT, AST, triglycerides, and BMI.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of policosanols is shown effective in the treatment of associated hyperlipidemia and insulin resistance in patients with fatty liver disease.
authors.affiliation: Unità Operativa Complessa di Gastroenterologia e Endoscopia Digestiva, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Napoli, Italia. dario.musto@alice.it
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Musto
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Martorelli
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Russo
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Esposito
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Amato
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Esposito
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Riegler
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood; D005233:Fatty Alcohols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005234:Fatty Liver / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006903:Hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA Reductases / Q000235:genetics*; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D065626:Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000187:drug effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D015415:Biomarkers; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D005233:Fatty Alcohols; D014280:Triglycerides; C080710:policosanol; D002784:Cholesterol; D006903:Hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA Reductases