Fatty Liver Index and Skeletal Muscle Density

Accumulation of fat in the liver and skeletal muscle is associated with obesity and poor health outcomes. Liver steatosis is a characteristic of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and myosteatosis, of poor muscle quality in sarcopenia. In this study of 403 men (33–96 years), we investigated associations between the fatty liver index (FLI) and muscle density, as markers of fat accumulation in these organs. We also investigated associations between the FLI and parameters of sarcopenia, including DXA-derived appendicular lean mass (ALM) and handgrip strength by dynamometry. Muscle density was measured using pQCT at the radius and tibia. FLI was calculated from BMI, waist circumference, and levels of triglycerides and gamma-glutamyltransferase. There was a pattern of decreasing muscle density across increasing quartiles of FLI. After adjusting for age and lifestyle, mean radial muscle density in Q4 was 2.1% lower than Q1 (p < 0.001) and mean tibial muscle density was 1.8% lower in Q3 and 3.0% lower in Q4, compared to Q1 (p = 0.022 and < 0.001, respectively). After adjusting for age and sedentary lifestyle, participants in the highest FLI quartile were sixfold more likely to have sarcopenia. In conclusion, our results suggest that fat accumulation in the liver co-exists with fat infiltration into skeletal muscle.

Triglyceride-Rich Lipoproteins and Glycoprotein A and B Assessed by 1H-NMR in Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease

High plasma triglyceride (TG) levels and chronic inflammation are important factors related to metabolic-associated fatty liver disease in patients at cardiovascular risk. Using nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), we aimed to study the triglyceride-rich lipoprotein (TRL) and acute-phase glycoprotein profiles of a cohort of patients with metabolic disease and their relationship with fatty liver. Plasma samples of 280 patients (type 2 diabetes, 81.1%; obesity, 63.3%; and metabolic syndrome, 91.8%) from the University Hospital Lipid Unit were collected for the measurement of small, medium and large TRL particle numbers and sizes and glycoprotein profiles (Glyc-A and Glyc-B) by 1H-NMR. Liver function parameters, including the fatty liver index (FLI) and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score, were assessed. Hepatic echography assessment was performed in 100 patients, and they were followed up for 10 years. TRL particle concentrations showed a strong positive association with Glyc-A and Glyc-B (ρ=0.895 and ρ=0.654, p&lt;0.001, respectively) and with the liver function-related proteins ALT ρ=0.293, p&lt;0.001), AST (ρ=0.318, p&lt;0.001) and GGT (ρ=0.284, p&lt;0.001). Likewise, TRL concentrations showed a positive association with FLI (ρ=0.425, p&lt;0.001) but not with FIB-4. During the follow-up period of 10 years, 18 new cases of steatosis were observed among 64 patients who were disease-free at baseline. Baseline TRL particle numbers and glycoprotein levels were associated with the new development of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) (AUC=0.692, p=0.018 and AUC=0.669, p=0.037, respectively). Overall, our results indicated that TRL number and acute-phase glycoproteins measured by 1H-NMR could be potential biomarkers of the development of hepatic steatosis in patients at metabolic risk.

Quality of Life in Adults with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease

The aims of this study were as follows: to investigate the association between metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), to evaluate whether stress perception and mental health among patients with MAFLD affect HRQoL, and to identify the underrated burden on MAFLD patients. Nationwide data from the 5th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES V, 2010 to 2012) were used. MAFLD was defined by a fatty liver index (FLI) of ≥60, and the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) was used to assess HRQoL. Logistic regression analysis and odds ratios (ORs) were used to determine the associations of MAFLD with stress, mental health, and HRQoL. Previous suicidal impulse was not found to be significantly associated with HRQoL. The risk of MAFLD increased 1.265-fold with an increase in stress levels based on the stress perception rate (confidence index (CI): 1.046–1.530; p < 0.05), while it increased 1.091-fold with a 1-point decrease in the EQ-5D score (CI: 1.019–1.169; p < 0.05). HRQoL impairment and stress levels are associated with MAFLD. It is important to evaluate stress levels among MAFLD patients and implement stress management and HRQoL improvement strategies.

Fatty Liver Index for Predicting Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in an Asymptomatic Korean Population

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing worldwide, highlighting the importance of early and accurate detection and the appropriate management of NAFLD. However, ultrasonography (US) is not included in many mass screening programs, and people have limited access to it. The aim of this study is to validate the fatty liver index (FLI) and investigate the optimal cutoff value for predicting NAFLD in an asymptomatic population. We conducted a retrospective cohort study in Korea. All subjects who underwent health checkup exams, including abdominal US, controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and blood testing, were enrolled. Analyses of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) were used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and to calculate the optimal FLI cutoff for US-NAFLD. Among the 4009 subjects (mean age 54.9 years, 83.5% male), the prevalence of US-diagnosed NAFLD and CAP-defined hepatic steatosis was 61.4% and 55.4%. The previously used cutoff of FLI = 60 showed poor performance in predicting US-diagnosed NAFLD, with an AUROC of 0.63 (0.62–0.64), and CAP-defined NAFLD, with an AUROC 0.63 (0.62–0.64). The optimal FLI cutoff values to discriminate fatty liver detected by US were 29 for the entire population, with an AUROC of 0.82 (0.81–0.84). The sex-specific values were 31 for males and 18 for females (sensitivity 72.8% and 73.4%; specificity 74.2% and 85.0%, respectively). The FLI cutoff for US-diagnosed NAFLD can be set as 29 for the entire Korean population. Considering the sex dimorphism in NAFLD, different cutoff values are suggested to predict US-diagnosed NAFLD. These results may be helpful in the accurate non-invasive diagnosis of NAFLD.

Anti-inflammatory diet consumption reduced fatty liver indices

The aim of this study was to assess the association between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and non-invasive markers of liver status in adults. This cross-sectional study was performed on 8520 adults, recruited in Ravansar Non-Communicable Diseases (RaNCD) cohort study, western Iran. The DII score was calculated based on participants’ dietary intakes obtained from Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Fatty Liver Index (FLI) score was calculated by anthropometric measurements and some non-invasive markers of liver status. Linear regression models were applied to estimate the associations and adjust the possible confounding factors. A greater DII score was significantly associated with higher energy intake, body mass index (BMI), body fat mass (BFM), blood pressure, and FLI (P < 0.001). Participants with the highest DII score had a significantly higher consumption saturated fat, trans fat and red meat than those in the lowest quartile (P < 0.001). After adjustments of age and sex, participants in the highest quartile of the DII score had a greater risk of FLI (β: 0.742, 95% CI: 0.254, 0.601). More pro-inflammatory diet in participants was associated with a higher FLI. The DII score was positively associated with non-invasive liver markers. Thus, having an anti-inflammatory diet can help balance liver enzymes, reduce obesity, and decrease fatty liver.

Independent associations of thyroid-related hormones with hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance in euthyroid overweight/obese Chinese adults

Purpose The aim of the study is to explore the independent association of free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) with hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance. Methods A cross-sectional study of 88 overweight/obese adults who underwent anthropometric measurements [BMI, waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR)], hepatic steatosis assessment (FibroScan) and thyroid-related hormones tests was conducted from 2018 to 2020 in Xiamen, China. Results Subjects with increasing tertiles of FT3 showed significantly higher levels of controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) ((295.4 ± 44.1, 290.1 ± 68.2 and 331.7 ± 43.6 (dB/m) for tertile 1–3, respectively, p = 0.007) and fatty liver index (FLI) score (47.7 (33.9–60.8), 61.5 (45.1–88.9) and 90.5 (84.5–94.8), respectively, p < 0.001). FT3 significantly and positively correlated with obesity index (BMI, WC, and WHtR), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and hepatic steatosis (CAP and FLI). Multivariable linear regression analyses with adjustment for potential confounding factors showed FT3 was independently associated with BMI (regression coefficient (β (95%CI): 0.024 (0.004–0.043), p = 0.020), HOMA-IR (β (95%CI): 0.091 (0.007–0.174), p = 0.034), CAP (β (95%CI): 25.45 (2.59–48.31), p = 0.030) and FLI (β (95%CI): 0.121 (0.049–0.194), p = 0.001). Neither FT4 nor TSH was significantly associated with any indicators of obesity, insulin resistance or hepatic steatosis. Conclusions Increased FT3, but not FT4 or TSH, was independently associated with higher risks of hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance in euthyroid overweight/obese Chinese adults. Trial registration Registration is not applicable for our study.

Evolution of Metabolic Phenotypes of Obesity in Coronary Patients after 5 Years of Dietary Intervention: From the CORDIOPREV Study

Background: Obesity phenotypes with different metabolic status have been described previously. We analyzed metabolic phenotypes in obese coronary patients during a 5-year follow-up, and examined the factors influencing this evolution. Methods: The CORDIOPREV study is a randomized, long-term secondary prevention study with two healthy diets: Mediterranean and low-fat. All obese patients were classified as either metabolically healthy obese (MHO) or metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO). We evaluated the changes in the metabolic phenotypes and related variables after 5 years of dietary intervention. Results: Initially, 562 out of the 1002 CORDIOPREV patients were obese. After 5 years, 476 obese patients maintained their clinical and dietary visits; 71.8% of MHO patients changed to unhealthy phenotypes (MHO-Progressors), whereas the MHO patients who maintained healthy phenotypes (MHO-Non-Progressors) lost more in terms of their body mass index (BMI) and had a lower fatty liver index (FLI-score) (p < 0.05). Most of the MUO (92%) patients maintained unhealthy phenotypes (MUO-Non-Responders), but 8% became metabolically healthy (MUO-Responders) after a significant decrease in their BMI and FLI-score, with improvement in all metabolic criteria. No differences were found among dietary groups. Conclusions: A greater loss of weight and liver fat is associated with a lower progression of the MHO phenotype to unhealthy phenotypes. Likewise, a marked improvement in these parameters is associated with regression from MUO to healthy phenotypes.