Effect of Adding TENS to Mediterranean Diet on Appetite and Liver Enzymes in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Patients

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), also termed metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease, is one of the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide. The development of NAFLD is fueled by a sedentary lifestyle, low frequency of physical activity, unhealthy diet and excessive calorie intake. NAFLD is characterized by fat accumulation in the liver accounting for >5% of hepatic tissue weight (fatty liver), as well as liver inflammation, which is not caused by alcohol abuse.

NAFLD prevalence is on the rise, mainly due to the presence of the obesity epidemic. Nowadays, NAFLD has been suggested to affect approximately 25% of the population worldwide. they have found a greater increase among men than women regarding the prevalence of NAFLD. Moreover, its mortality is projected to approach an increase of 65% to 100% by 2030 in Asian-Pacific regions.

Globally, NAFLD prevalence averages 24.1%, ranging from 13.5% in Africa to 31.8% in the Middle East. Despite limited data on the extent of NAFLD in Egypt, the available data indicate a prevalence of nearly 32% among Egyptians, compared to a global prevalence of 25% Egypt ranks among the top ten countries with the highest obesity rates in the world.

Lifestyle modifications are the cornerstone of NAFLD management. A Mediterranean diet (MD), rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and olive oil, is proven to improve liver health by reducing inflammation and fat accumulation.

Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) of T6 dermatome on the abdomen generates impulses which are carried to the spinal cord via afferent pathways, in turn, efferent impulses pass through the vagus nerve, and effects are induced similar to the gastric stimulator .This somato-autonomic reflex helps in decreasing appetite.