Asociación entre hígado graso no alcohólico, riesgo metabólico y vascular

Abstract

Background Hepatic steatosis is a public health problem with increased incidence and prevalence Objective To determine whether the liver steatosis, as measured by the Fatty Liver Index (FLI), is related to metabolic risk and vascular factors and, if so, to identify the clinical-metabolic factor that explains the higher vascular risk. Methods Cross-sectional study including a sample of 531 men who came to the University of Navarra Clinic Check-up Unit. The degree of steatosis was determined by the FLI. The metabolic risk was assessed using a scale based on determinations of HDL, LDL, triglycerides, blood glucose, HOMA-IR, neutrophil/lymphocyte index, and systolic blood pressure. The vascular risk was assessed by the presence of carotid and/or femoral atheromatous plaques. The dose-response association between FLI and both risks was analysed using non-parametric models (splines) and logistic regression. Results The sample studied had a mean age of 52.70 years, with 49.3% having an FLI ≥ 60, as well as 33.6% with metabolic syndrome, and 43.9% with carotid and/or femoral atheromatous plaques. The relationship between FLI and metabolic risk and vascular was linear (metabolic: non-linear P = .097; linear P < .001; vascular: non-linear P = 1.000; linear P = .028). For every 10 units of increase in FLI, the odds of presenting with atheroma plaques increased by 9.7% (OR = 1.097; 95% confidence interval 1.010-1.191). When adjusting for triglyceridaemia, the association disappeared (OR = 1.001). Conclusions Patients with fatty liver disease had an increased metabolic and vascular risk. The increased vascular risk is associated with the triglyceride level. On a clinical level, this study suggests that these patients could benefit from treatment of hypertriglyceridaemia.