Correlation Between Serum Nociceptin and Sympathetic Nerve Activity in Diabetic Patients With MAFLD

This observational study aims to investigate the relationship between serum nociceptin levels and sympathetic nervous system activity in patients with both type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). A total of 100 participants, aged 18 to 75 years, who are scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy at our hospital will be enrolled. Participants will be divided into two groups: 50 patients with both T2DM and MAFLD, and 50 healthy controls without either condition. The main goals are to determine if nociceptin levels correlate with liver function, liver fibrosis severity, and sympathetic nerve activity. During a single study visit, a 5 mL blood sample will be collected to measure serum nociceptin and norepinephrine (a marker of sympathetic activity). Routine clinical data will also be retrieved from medical records. This study involves no experimental drugs or devices, and all participants will continue to receive standard care. The findings may identify nociceptin as a potential diagnostic biomarker for this comorbidity.