Studies on the serum lipid and lipoproteins in steatosis of the liver.

In a medical department, specialized in liver diseases, 45 patients (33 men and 12 women) suffering from steatosis of the liver have been examined with reference to serum lipid abnormalities. Twenty-eight of the patients were chronic alcoholics. Annual check-ups, including biopsy of the liver, were made to evaluate the development of the steatosis. The patients did not receive treatment with drugs or diet. Thirteen patients showed hypercholesterolemia, 16 increased serum triglyceride and 8 increased serum phosphorus lipid. Two showed a type I lipoprotein anomaly and 33 a type II-like pattern, defined as increased beta-lipoprotein associated with increase of serum cholesterol, was found in four cases. Three had a type III and three a type IV abnormal pattern, with increased pre-beta-lipoprotein and serum triglyceride levels. Correlation analysis revealed correlations between pre-beta-lipoprotein and serum triglyceride as well as between serum triglyceride and serum free fatty acid levels.