Associations Between Reproductive and Hormone-Related Factors and Risk of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in a Multiethnic Population

Menopause and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, recently proposed to be renamed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, is a highly prevalent disease (25-30 % of the global general population) whose prevalence increases after menopause. Apart from the rates of simple steatosis, the severity of the disease (e.g., hepatic fibrosis) increases after menopause. Menopause is associated with higher abdominal adiposity and dysmetabolism of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, which may contribute to the development and severity of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and the higher cardiovascular risk observed after menopause. The association between menopause and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease renders menopausal hormone therapy an appealing way to reverse hepatic disease in parallel with the benefits of menopausal hormone therapy in other tissues. In this regard, most animal studies have shown a beneficial effect of estrogens on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Still, clinical studies are few, and their data are conflicting. The effect of menopausal hormone therapy on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease may be distinct among estrogen monotherapies and the combinations of estrogens and progestogens. It may also depend on the type of progestogen and the route of administration. However, more studies specifically designed for these aims are needed to draw secure conclusions. This review summarizes the data related to the association between menopause and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, as well as between menopausal hormone therapy and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, with a special focus on clinical studies.

Hypogonadism and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), recently proposed to be renamed to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is a major global public health concern, affecting approximately 25-30% of the adult population and possibly leading to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver transplantation. The liver is involved in the actions of sex steroids via their hepatic metabolism and production of the sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Liver disease, including NAFLD, is associated with reproductive dysfunction in men and women, and the prevalence of NAFLD in patients with hypogonadism is considerable. A wide spectrum of possible pathophysiological mechanisms linking NAFLD and male/female hypogonadism has been investigated. As therapies targeting NAFLD may impact hypogonadism in men and women, and vice versa, treatments of the latter may affect NAFLD, and an insight into their pathophysiological pathways is imperative. This paper aims to elucidate the complex association between NAFLD and hypogonadism in men and women and discuss the therapeutic options and their impact on both conditions.

Age at menopause and risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: A 14-year cohort study

BACKGROUNDS & AIMS

Menopause, characterized by a sudden decline in estrogen levels, has significant effects on women's health, especially when it occurs early. This study aimed to investigate the associations between menopausal age and incidence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) using a large cohort and a long-term follow-up.

METHODS

Menopausal age was categorized into four groups (G1-4 [<40, 40-44, 45-49, and ≥50 years, respectively]). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to assess the risk of developing MAFLD during the follow-up period according to the menopausal age categories.

RESULTS

A total of 1,888 participants were included in the final analysis and followed for a median period of 12.3 years. The unadjusted hazard ratios (95 % CIs) for the incidence of new-onset MAFLD were 1.11 (0.93-1.32), 1.15 (0.90-1.47), and 1.52 (1.12-2.07) in G3, G2, and G1, respectively, compared with that in G4. After adjusting for confounders, the hazard ratio (95 % CIs) for the incidence of new-onset MAFLD was 1.40 (1.00-1.95) in G1 compared with that in G4.

CONCLUSION

The risk of developing MAFLD was higher in women with premature menopause (<40 years) than in those with menopause aged ≥50 years.

Association of hysterectomy with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease among US women

BACKGROUND

A postmenopausal rise in the rates of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been reported in women. This study thus sought to further probe the association of hysterectomy with NAFLD.

METHODS

The data utilized in this investigation were attained from the 2017-March 2020 cycle of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), reflecting a strategic utilization of comprehensive health and nutrition information in the US population, to conduct a cross-sectional examination of the relationship between self-reported hysterectomy and NAFLD. Subjects included in this study were women aged 20 years or older. The multivariable logistic regression methodologies were utilized to determine the pertinent odds ratios (ORs) and their associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Of the 2,868 subjects enrolled in this study (mean age: 51.3 years, 95%CI: 50.0-52.6 years), 22.1% (95%CI: 19.7-24.7%) reported having undergone a hysterectomy, while 31.1% (95%CI: 28.1-34.1%) exhibited elastographic evidence of NAFLD, and 3.8% (95%CI: 2.6-5.6%) exhibited clinically significant fibrosis (CSF). Relative to women with no history of hysterectomy, those that had undergone hysterectomy exhibited a higher odd of NAFLD (OR:1.66, 95%CI: 1.24-2.21) in a multivariable model fully adjusted for age, ethnicity, body mass index, female hormone use, oophorectomy, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and smoking status. Subgroup analyses revealed a stronger association among women who were not obese (OR:2.23, 95%CI:1.61-3.11), women who were not affected by diabetes (OR:1.76, 95%CI: 1.25-2.46), and without hyperlipidemia (OR: 1.87, 95%CI: 1.10-3.16). No significant association of hysterectomy with NAFLD encompassing CSF was identified.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present nationally representative analysis suggested an association between hysterectomy and increased NAFLD prevalence among US women. Knowledge of this relationship may better aid clinical efforts to screen for and manage NAFLD.

17β-Estradiol (E2) Upregulates the ERα/SIRT1/PGC-1α Signaling Pathway and Protects Mitochondrial Function to Prevent Bilateral Oophorectomy (OVX)-Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Premature menopause is associated with an increased prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) has been widely used in clinical practice and has the potential to protect mitochondrial function and alleviate NAFLD. After bilateral oophorectomy (OVX), female rats without 17β-estradiol (E2) intervention developed NAFLD, whereas E2 supplementation was effective in preventing NAFLD in female rats. The altered pathways and cellular events from both comparison pairs, namely, the OVX vs. sham group and the OVX vs. E2 group, were assessed using transcriptomic analysis. KEGG pathways enriched by both transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses strongly suggest that oxidative phosphorylation is a vital pathway that changes during the development of NAFLD and remains unchanged when E2 is applied. Liver tissue from the OVX-induced NAFLD group exhibited increased lipid peroxidation, impaired mitochondria, and downregulated ERα/SIRT1/PGC-1α expression. An in vitro study indicated that the protective effect of E2 treatment on hepatic steatosis could be abolished when ERα or SIRT1 was selectively inhibited. This damage was accompanied by reduced mitochondrial complex activity and increased lipid peroxidation. The current research indicates that E2 upregulates the ERα/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway and protects mitochondrial function to prevent OVX-induced NAFLD.

Age at menarche and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: Evidence from a large population-based epidemiological study in Southwest China

BACKGROUND

The relationship between age at menarche and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease remains largely not clear. The objective of this study was to examine the association between age at menarche (AAM) and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in Chinese women and whether any observed associations were mediated by early adulthood adiposity.

METHODS

The cross-sectional study included 46,873 Chinese women, aged 30-79 from baseline data of the China Multi-Ethnic Cohort study. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between AAM and MAFLD. Mediation analysis was adopted to examine whether early adulthood adiposity (around 25 years) mediated the association between AAM and MAFLD.

RESULTS

AAM was linearly and inversely associated with the risk of MAFLD (P for nonlinearity =0.743). In a multivariable-adjusted model, the odds ratios and 95% confidence interval (ORs (95% CI)) for MAFLD comparing menarche at <12, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, ≥18 years to menarche at 14 years were 1.290 (1.082-1.537), 1.172 (1.068-1.285), 1.042 (0.960-1.131), 0.937 (0.861-1.020), 0.911(0.835-0.994), 0.868 (0.786-0.959), and 0.738 (0.670-0.814), respectively (P for trend <0.001). The 6.4% increased MAFLD risk was associated with each preceding year in AAM. The association between AAM and MAFLD was modified by age, ethnicity, and menopause. Early adulthood adiposity partially mediated this association.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study suggest that obesity prevention strategies are needed from young adulthood in women who undergo early menarche to reduce the risk of MAFLD.

Endocrine aspects of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD): Beyond insulin resistance

While the association of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) with obesity and insulin resistance is widely appreciated, there are a host of complex interactions between the liver and other endocrine axes. While it can be difficult to definitively distinguish direct causal relationships and those attributable to increased adipocyte mass, there is substantial evidence of the direct and indirect effects of endocrine dysregulation on the severity of MASLD, with strong evidence that low levels of growth hormone, sex hormones, and thyroid hormone promote the development and progression of disease. The impact of steroid hormones, e.g. cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone, and adipokines is much more divergent. Thoughtful assessment, based on individual risk factors and findings, and management of non-insulin endocrine axes is essential in the evaluation and management of MASLD. Multiple therapeutic options have emerged that leverage various endocrine axes to reduce the fibroinflammatory cascade in MASH.

Changing epidemiology, global trends and implications for outcomes of NAFLD

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has rapidly become the most common liver disease globally and is currently estimated to affect 38% of the global population. Only a minority of patients with NAFLD will progress to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma, but from this vast population the total number of patients who are at risk of such severe outcomes is increasing. Worryingly, individuals are increasingly being affected by NAFLD at an earlier age, meaning there is more time for them to develop severe complications. With considerable changes in dietary composition and urbanisation, alongside the growth in obesity and type 2 diabetes in the global population, in particular in developing countries, the global proportion of persons affected by NAFLD is projected to increase further. Yet, there are large geographical discrepancies in the prevalence rates of NAFLD and its inflammatory component non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Such differences are partly related to differing socio-economic milieus, but also to genetic predisposition. In this narrative review, we discuss recent changes in the epidemiology of NAFLD and NASH from regional and global perspectives, as well as in special populations. We also discuss the potential consequences of these changes on hepatic and extrahepatic events.

An Observational Data Meta-analysis on the Differences in Prevalence and Risk Factors Between MAFLD vs NAFLD

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The shift to redefine nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) can profoundly affect patient care, health care professionals, and progress within the field. To date, there remains no consensus on the characterization of NAFLD vs MAFLD. Thus, this study sought to compare the differences between the natural history of NAFLD and MAFLD.

METHODS

Medline and Embase databases were searched to include articles on prevalence, risk factors, or outcomes of patients with MAFLD or NAFLD. Meta-analysis of proportions was conducted using the generalized linear mix model. Risk factors and outcomes were evaluated in conventional pairwise meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-two articles involving 379,801 patients were included. Pooled prevalence of MAFLD was 39.22% (95% confidence interval [CI], 30.96%-48.15%) with the highest prevalence in Europe and Asia, followed by North America. The current MAFLD Definition only accounted for 81.59% (95% CI, 66.51%-90.82%) of NAFLD diagnoses. Patients had increased odds of being diagnosed with MAFLD compared with NAFLD (odds ratio, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.16-1.63; P < .001). Imaging modality resulted in a significantly higher odds of being diagnosed with MAFLD compared with NAFLD, but not biopsy. MAFLD was significantly associated with males, higher body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, lipids, transaminitis, and greater fibrosis scores compared with NAFLD.

CONCLUSIONS

There were stark differences in the prevalence and risk factors between MAFLD and NAFLD. However, in the use of the MAFLD Definition, a greater emphasis on the management of concomitant metabolic diseases and a collaborative effort is required to explore the complex pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying the disease.

Age and the relative importance of liver-related deaths in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

It is unclear if the leading causes of death in patients with NAFLD differ by age. We aimed to investigate if the relative importance of liver-related deaths is lower and overshadowed by cardiovascular and cancer-related deaths in the elderly population.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

We conducted a territory-wide retrospective cohort study of adult patients with NAFLD between 2000 and 2021 in Hong Kong. The outcomes of interest were all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Age groups at death were studied at 10-year intervals. During 662,471 person-years of follow-up of 30,943 patients with NAFLD, there were 2097 deaths. The top three causes of death were pneumonia, extrahepatic cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Liver disease was the sixth leading cause of death in patients aged 70-79 and 80-89 years, accounting for 5.1% and 5.9% of deaths, respectively, but only accounted for 3% or fewer of the deaths in the other age groups. Nonetheless, liver disease was the leading cause of death in patients with NAFLD-related cirrhosis, accounting for 36.8% of all deaths. The incidence of liver-related death was higher in men younger than age 70 but higher in women afterwards. The incidence of liver-related death in women increased from 0.62 to 7.14 per 10,000 person-years from age 60-69 to 70-79 years.

CONCLUSION

The relative importance of liver-related death increases with age in patients with NAFLD, especially among women. In patients with cirrhosis, liver disease is the leading cause of death.

Life-course fertility and multimorbidity among middle-aged and elderly women in China: Evidence from China health and retirement longitudinal study

Background

Multimorbidity has become an important public health problem in China, especially among middle-aged and elderly women. Few studies have been reported on the association between multimorbidity and female fertility, which is an important stage in the life course. This study aimed to explore the association between multimorbidity and fertility history among middle-aged and elderly women in China.

Methods

Data from 10,182 middle-aged and elderly female participants in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in 2018 were used in this study. Multimorbidity was defined as the presence of at least two or more chronic conditions. Logistic regression analysis, negative binomial regression analysis, and restrictive cubic splines (RCSs) were used to analyze the relationship between female fertility history and multimorbidity or the number of chronic conditions. Multivariable linear regression was used to analyze the relationship between female fertility history and multimorbidity pattern factor scores.

Results

The results of this study showed that high parity and early childbearing were significantly associated with an increased risk of multimorbidity and an increased number of chronic conditions among middle-aged and elderly women in China. Late childbearing was significantly associated with reduced risk of multimorbidity and lessened diseases. Parity and age of first childbirth were significantly correlated with the odds of multimorbidity. The association between fertility history and multimorbidity was found to be influenced by age and urban-rural dual structure. Women with high parity tend to have higher factor scores of cardiac-metabolic, visceral-arthritic, and respiratory-psychiatric patterns. Women with early childbearing tended to have higher factor scores of the visceral-arthritic pattern and those with late childbearing tended to have lower factor scores of the cardiac-metabolic pattern.

Conclusion

Fertility history has a significant effect on multimorbidity in the middle and later lives of Chinese women. This study is of great importance for reducing the prevalence of multimorbidity among Chinese women through their life course and promoting health during their middle and later lives.

Current status of disparity in liver disease

Disparities have emerged as an important issue in many aspects of healthcare in developed countries and may be based on race, ethnicity, sex, geographical location, and socioeconomic status. For liver disease specifically, these potential disparities can affect access to care and outcome in viral hepatitis, chronic liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Shortages in hepatologists and medical providers versed in liver disease may amplify these disparities by compromising early detection of liver disease, surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma, and prompt referral to subspecialists and transplant centers. In the United States, continued efforts have been made to address some of these disparities with better education of healthcare providers, use of telehealth to enhance access to specialists, reminders in electronic medical records, and modifying organ allocation systems for liver transplantation. This review will detail the current status of disparities in liver disease and describe current efforts to minimize these disparities.

Association of age at first birth and risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in women: evidence from the NHANES

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies have suggested that age at first birth (AFB) is inversely associated with metabolic diseases, but positively associated with liver cancer in women. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a canonical example of metabolic dysfunction and inflammation-based liver disease, while the association between AFB and the risk of NAFLD remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between AFB and the odds of NAFLD in women.

METHODS

Women older than 20 years at the time of the survey were analyzed using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 1999 to 2018 in the US. AFB was obtained with self-administered questionnaires. NAFLD was diagnosed as fatty liver index (FLI) ≥ 60. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Of the 12,188 women included in this study, 5670 (46.5%) had NAFLD. Compared to individuals with AFB of 30-32 years old (reference group), the fully adjusted ORs and 95% CI in women with AFB < 18, 18-20, 21-23, and 24-26 years were 1.52 (95% CI 1.14, 2.03), 1.60 (95% CI 1.21, 2.11), 1.40 (95% CI 1.06, 1.84), and 1.33 (95% CI 1.01-1.76), respectively. Yet there was no significant difference between AFB of 27-29, 33-35, or > 35 years compared to the reference group.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with younger AFB have higher odds of NAFLD in later life. Policymakers should consider focusing on those with earlier AFB for screening and prevention of NAFLD.

Forecasted 2040 global prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease using hierarchical bayesian approach

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Due to increases in obesity and type 2 diabetes, the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has also been increasing. Current forecast models may not include non-obese NAFLD. Here, we used the Bayesian approach to forecast the prevalence of NAFLD through the year 2040.

METHODS

Prevalence data from 245 articles involving 2,699,627 persons were used with a hierarchical Bayesian approach to forecast the prevalence of NAFLD through 2040. Subgroup analyses were performed for age, gender, presence of metabolic syndrome, region, and smoking status. Sensitivity analysis was conducted for clinical setting and study quality.

RESULTS

The forecasted 2040 prevalence was 55.7%, a three-fold increase since 1990 and a 43.2% increase from the 2020 prevalence of 38.9%. The estimated average yearly increase since 2020 was 2.16%. For those aged <50 years and ≥50 years, the 2040 prevalence were not significantly different (56.7% vs. 61.5%, P=0.52). There was a significant difference in 2040 prevalence by sex (males: 60% vs. 50%) but the trend was steeper for females (annual percentage change: 2.5% vs. 1.5%, P=0.025). There was no difference in trends overtime by region (P=0.48). The increase rate was significantly higher in those without metabolic syndrome (3.8% vs. 0.84%, P=0.003) and smokers (1.4% vs. 1.1%, P=0.011). There was no difference by clinical/community setting (P=0.491) or study quality (P=0.85).

CONCLUSION

By 2040, over half the adult population is forecasted to have NAFLD. The largest increases are expected to occur in women, smokers, and those without metabolic syndrome. Intensified efforts are needed to raise awareness of NAFLD and to determine long-term solutions addressing the driving factors of the disease.

Menopausal hormone therapy in women with dyslipidemia and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

The cessation of ovarian function is associated with an increase in abdominal adipose tissue, dyslipidemia, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which may contribute to the augmented cardiovascular risk observed in postmenopausal women. After ovarian function stops, circulating triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations increase, whereas high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and lipoprotein (Lp(a)) remain essentially unchanged. Similarly, the rates of NAFLD, possibly including the advanced forms of the disease (e.g., hepatic fibrosis), increase in postmenopausal compared with premenopausal women. These effects make menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) an attractive way to restore them. Estrogen per os decreases LDL-C and Lp(a) and increases HDL-C and triglyceride concentrations. The transdermal administration of estrogen has a more neutral effect on triglycerides, albeit a less beneficial effect on LDL-C, HDL-C, and Lp(a). Co-administration of a progestagen diminishes the effect of estrogen on LDL-C, HDL-C, and Lp(a), which, however, remains beneficial. Importantly, the effect may vary with different progestagens, being lesser with natural progesterone and dydrogesterone. Regarding the effect of MHT on NAFLD, though experimental data are currently favorable, clinical evidence is to date limited and controversial. Therefore, there is a need for specifically designed clinical trials, ideally with paired liver biopsies, to demonstrate the effect of different MHT schemes on NAFLD, which is of considerable importance, given that NAFLD is more prevalent after the cessation of ovarian function.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease through the female lifespan: the role of sex hormones

The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) differs between various stages of the female lifespan. The aim of this review is to summarize current evidence on the association of NAFLD and circulating sex hormones and to explore the pathogenesis of NAFLD within the context of (1) sex hormone changes during the reproductive, post-reproductive female life and beyond and (2) the in vitro and in vivo evidence on pharmacological modulation in women on menopausal hormone treatment (MHT) or endocrine therapy after breast cancer. The fluctuation in estrogen concentrations, the relative androgen excess, and the age-related reduction in sex hormone-binding globulin are related to increased NAFLD risk. Moreover, the peri-menopausal changes in body composition and insulin resistance might contribute to the increased NAFLD risk. Whether MHT prevents or improves NAFLD in this population remains an open question. Studies in women with breast cancer treated with tamoxifen or non-steroidal aromatase inhibitors point to their adverse effects on NAFLD development, although a more pronounced effect of tamoxifen is reported. Future studies focusing on the underlying pathogenesis should identify subgroups with the highest risk of NAFLD development and progression into more aggressive forms, as well as elucidate the role of hormone therapies, such as MHT.

Systematic review with meta-analysis: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and the association with pregnancy outcomes

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant patients with Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have been largely unexplored. To determine the level of evidence associated with maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant women with NAFLD.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive literature search. The studies included pregnant patients with a previous, current or subsequent diagnosis of NAFLD. We used a random-effects model using odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

Twenty-two studies, with 13,641 female NAFLD patients were reviewed. The results highlight that NAFLD patients had a statistically significant increased likelihood of baseline diabetes mellitus (OR, 6.00; 95% CI, 2.21-16.31; P<0.001; n=7), baseline Hypertension (OR, 3.75; 95% CI, 2.13-6.59; P<0.001; n=4), gestational hypertension (OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.03-3.26; P=0.041; n=2), and pre-eclampsia (OR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.46-4.04; P=0.001; n=3). The odds for a past and current history of gestational diabetes mellitus were OR, 3.78; 95% CI, 2.21-6.44; P<0.001; n=5 and OR, 3.23; 95% CI, 1.97- 5.31; P<0.001; n=6, respectively. As for fetal outcomes, pregnant NAFLD patients were significantly more likely to have a premature birth (OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.44-2.85; P<0.001; n=4), large for gestational age birth (OR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.72-2.37; P<0.001; n=2) or a history of prior miscarriage or abortion (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.02-1.30; P=0.02; n=2). Egger's regression revealed no evidence of publication bias (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis provides pooled evidence that NAFLD is associated with a substantial increase in maternal diabetic and hypertensive complications and multiple adverse fetal outcomes. This data is important for clinicians managing these patients before, during and after pregnancy.

Colonoscopy and Risk of Colorectal Cancer in Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Retrospective Territory-Wide Cohort Study

The benefit of colonoscopy and/or polypectomy for colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains unclear. We aimed to estimate the incidence rate of CRC in patients with NAFLD who had and had not undergone colonoscopy. We conducted a retrospective territory-wide cohort study for patients aged over 40 years with NAFLD identified with the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2014. Patients were followed until CRC diagnosis, death, or December 31, 2017. We estimated CRC incidence and standardized incidence ratio (SIR) using the general population of Hong Kong as reference. We included 8,351 patients with NAFLD in the final analysis (median age, 56.2 years; interquartile ratio [IQR], 49.2-65.3 years; 45.4% male; median follow-up, 7.4 years; IQR, 5.4-9.6 years). Compared with the general population, patients with NAFLD who had not undergone colonoscopy had a higher incidence of CRC (SIR, 2.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.64-2.88; P < 0.001). Patients with NAFLD who had undergone colonoscopy had a lower incidence of CRC (SIR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.37-0.75; P < 0.001), especially among those aged above 50 years or with diabetes mellitus (DM). Patients with NAFLD with a high fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score (>2.67) had a significantly higher risk of CRC after adjusting for demographic and metabolic factors. Conclusion: Patients with NAFLD who had undergone colonoscopy had a lower incidence of CRC than the general population, especially among those aged ≥50 years or with DM. A high FIB-4 index was associated with a higher risk of CRC.

The association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (with or without metabolic syndrome) and extrahepatic cancer development

BACKGROUND AND AIM

This study was designed to determine whether non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), with or without metabolic syndrome (MetS), is a risk factor for cancer development.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective longitudinal study at the Center for Preventive Medicine, St. Luke's International Hospital. Among all participants who underwent a health checkup between 2005 and 2019, cancer development tendencies were compared between those who were diagnosed with NAFLD and those who were not. Further evaluation was conducted among NAFLD-diagnosed participants with versus without MetS in the same manner. Those with a history of a specific liver disease, any type of cancer, or alcohol consumption in any amount at the time of the initial visit were excluded from the study.

RESULTS

Data were collected from 30 172 participants who underwent health checkups, among whom 4394 (14.6%) had NAFLD. Over the 14-year follow-up period, 2086 participants (6.9%) developed cancer. Participants with NAFLD had a higher incidence of digestive organ neoplasms (odds ratio [OR]: 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-1.67), especially in the stomach (OR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.02-1.94) and small intestine (OR: 2.80, 95% CI: 0.87-8.96), than did those without NAFLD. Participants with NAFLD and MetS had significantly lower rates of neoplasms in respiratory and intrathoracic organs (OR: 0.35 95% CI: 0.14-0.88) and male genital organs (OR: 0.46 95% CI: 0.24-0.87) than did individuals without NAFLD.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with the development of gastrointestinal malignancies, while MetS is a negative risk factor for lung and prostate cancer.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in premenopausal women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and Aim

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are prevalent conditions sharing common pathogenic factors. We performed a systematic literature review and meta‐analysis aiming to investigate the association between NAFLD and PCOS among premenopausal PCOS patients.

Methods

Relevant studies were systematically identified from scientific databases until 2019. We calculated pooled odds ratio (OR) using a random‐effect model, and heterogeneity was addressed through I². Subgroup analyses and meta‐regression for various covariates were performed.

Results

Of the 1833 studies retrieved, 23 studies with 7148 participants qualified for quantitative synthesis. The pooled result showed that women with PCOS had a 2.5‐fold increase in the risk of NAFLD compared to controls (pooled OR 2.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.20–2.82). In subgroup analyses comparing PCOS to controls, South American/Middle East PCOS patients had a greater risk of NAFLD (OR 3.55, 95% CI 2.27–5.55) compared to their counterpart from Europe (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.85–2.67) and Asia (OR 2.63, 95% CI 2.20–3.15). Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome were more frequent in the PCOS group (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.44–2.71 and OR 3.39, 95% CI 2.42–4.76, respectively). Study quality and body mass index (BMI) were the only covariates that showed a relationship with the outcome in the meta‐regression, with a regression coefficient of −2.219 (95% CI −3.927 to −0.511) and −1.929 (95% CI −3.776 to −0.0826), respectively.

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis indicates that premenopausal PCOS patients are associated with 2.5‐fold increase in the risk of NAFLD, and BMI seems to be the main cofactor.