Prevalence and Risk Factors of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Advanced Fibrosis in General Population: the French Nationwide NASH-CO Study

Fatty Liver Disease Along Cushing Syndrome Evolution

CONTEXT

The clinical manifestations of Cushing syndrome are variable, but an important number of patients present a metabolic syndrome, strongly associated with hepatic steatosis.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) at the diagnosis of Cushing syndrome.

METHODS

We conducted a single-center retrospective study at Angers Hospital (France) between 2010 and 2020. Forty-nine patients followed for Cushing syndrome with available abdominal imaging at diagnosis were included. A mean liver/spleen density ratio < 1 on computed tomography was diagnostic of hepatic steatosis. Simple clinico-biological scores predictive of hepatic fibrosis (FIB-4, NAFLD Fibrosis Score, and eLIFT) were calculated for patients with hepatic steatosis.

RESULTS

Of the 49 patients, 13 (26.5%) had hepatic steatosis at diagnosis of Cushing syndrome. All 13 had MASLD. These patients had a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes and higher triglyceride levels in multivariate analysis. There was no difference according to the intensity or duration of Cushing syndrome. Among the 13 patients with MASLD, 2 (15.4%) had a significant fibrosis predictive score. Of the 4 patients with follow-up imaging after remission of Cushing syndrome, 3 had remission of steatosis between 1 and 5 years after remission of Cushing syndrome. No patient without MASLD at diagnosis had a worsening liver/spleen ratio after remission.

CONCLUSION

We estimated the prevalence of hepatic steatosis at the diagnosis of Cushing syndrome at 26.5%. The presence of metabolic factors was associated with the occurrence of hepatic steatosis.

The use of ELF in predicting liver fibrosis prevalence and fibrosis progression in the general population

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) test has good discrimination performance in detecting advanced liver fibrosis. The chronic liver disease (CLivD) risk score based on clinical data accurately predicts risk for future severe liver disease. Considering the ELF test as a surrogate marker for liver fibrosis, we analyzed predictors of elevated ELF (eELF) and its change.

METHODS

The study cohort consisted of Finnish general population-based health surveys Health2000 and a follow-up study 10 years later Health2011 with 6084 and 2937 individuals, respectively with phenotype and ELF data. eELF was defined as ELF ≥ 9.8, and clinically relevant fibrosis progression as an ELF change ≥0.6. CLivD risk score was calculated at baseline. Analyses were age-adjusted.

RESULTS

Obesity measures and diabetes predicted eELF at baseline. Only waist-hip ratio (WHR) could predict clinically relevant fibrosis progression over the follow-up consistently among men and women (OR 1.35 and 1.41, respectively). High-risk alcohol use was a significant risk factor for eELF only among men (OR 1.72, p = 0.049), and it did not predict fibrosis progression in either sex. Although elevated transaminases were associated with eELF, in most individuals with eELF they were within reference limits. Increased CLivD scores correlated with baseline and the change of ELF values over the 10-year follow-up independent of baseline ELF (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Liver fibrosis progression is difficult to predict based on single risk factors or liver enzymes. ELF had limited value to predict fibrosis progression. The CLivD score, based on multiple risk factors, predicted both occurrence of baseline eELF and its progression over a 10-year follow-up.

Unraveling Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Through the Use of Omics Technologies

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now referred to as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is the most prevalent liver disorder globally, linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular risk. Understanding its potential progression from simple steatosis to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is crucial for patient management and treatment strategies. The disease's complexity requires innovative approaches for early detection and personalized care. Omics technologies-such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and exposomics-are revolutionizing the study of MASLD. These high-throughput techniques allow for a deeper exploration of the molecular mechanisms driving disease progression. Genomics can identify genetic predispositions, whilst transcriptomics and proteomics reveal changes in gene expression and protein profiles during disease evolution. Metabolomics offers insights into the metabolic alterations associated with MASLD, while exposomics links environmental exposures to MASLD progression and pathology. By integrating data from various omics platforms, researchers can map out the intricate biochemical pathways involved in liver disease progression. This review discusses the roles of omics technologies in enhancing the understanding of disease progression and highlights potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets within the MASLD spectrum, emphasizing the need for non-invasive tools in disease staging and treatment development.

Prevalence of advanced hepatic fibrosis and individualization of associated risk factors by Bayesian analysis in MASLD patients in French cardio-metabolic health networks

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of advanced hepatic fibrosis and to individualize using Bayesian analysis its associated risk factors in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) being cared for in three Alsatian cardio-metabolic health networks in the North East of France. Overall, 712 patients aged ≥18 years with a female predominance were included into a prospective, cross-sectional, and observational study. Advanced fibrosis and severe steatosis were evaluated using transient elastography (FibroScan®). The proportion of MASLD patients was 80% and 84% in women and men (difference -4.2% [-10.0; 1.9]), respectively. Advanced fibrosis was observed in 11% of patients, being more common in men (16.9%) than women (7.5%) (difference 9.4 [4.3-15.0]). Severe steatosis was also more common in men (74.9%) than women (63.4%) (difference 11.4 [4.2-18.2]). Only three of the tested variables were likely associated with advanced fibrosis: gender (OR: 1.78 [1.17-2.68]; Pr [OR >1] = 1), T2DM (OR: 1.54 [1-2.37]; Pr [OR >1] = 0.97) and hypertriglyceridemia (OR: 1.49 [0.97-2.27]; Pr (OR >1) = 0.97). In conclusion, this study confirmed the usefulness of assessing hepatic fibrosis in patients with metabolic dysfunction. Therefore, access to FibroScan® should be facilitated in all cardio-metabolic health networks.

Examining the prevalence of hepatic steatosis and advanced fibrosis using non-invasive measures across Canada: A national estimate using the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) from 2009-2019

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Prevalence estimates are crucial for enhancing preparedness to prevent and manage chronic diseases. This is the first study to estimate the prevalence of hepatic steatosis and advanced fibrosis in Canada, leveraging a nationally representative survey and multiple validated non-invasive tests (NITs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) is Canada's largest direct health measures survey, which collects data on sociodemographic, clinical factors, and blood chemistry. We determined steatosis using two NITs: the Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI) and the NAFLD Ridge Score (NRS). The FIB-4 Index and NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) were used to assess the risk of advanced fibrosis among adults with steatosis. Survey weights were incorporated to account for oversampling, survey nonresponse, and post-stratification.

RESULTS

Between 2009 and 2019, 1365 children (55 % males, median age 13 (IQR: 10-15) and 4664 adults (51 % males, median age 45 (IQR: 34-62), 57 % reporting weekly alcohol consumption) were included in our study. The weighted steatosis prevalence ranged from 9 to 11 % among children to 38-48 % among adults based on the NRS and HSI, respectively. Between 86-87 % of adults with type 2 diabetes and 65-72 % with hypertension had evidence of steatosis. Overall, 1.2-2.4 % of adults with steatosis were at risk of advanced liver fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

We estimate between 1 in 3 and 1 in 2 adults have hepatic steatosis, and 195,000-406,200 are at high risk of advanced liver fibrosis in Canada. No routine screening guidelines for liver fibrosis exist in Canada, and most patients are unaware of their condition. Prevalence studies are essential for raising awareness and advocating for the inclusion of steatotic liver disease on national public health agendas.

Forns index and fatty liver index, but not FIB-4, are associated with indices of glycaemia, pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes: analysis of The Maastricht Study

OBJECTIVE

Glucose metabolism status (GMS) is linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Higher levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are observed in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and NAFLD. We examined the association between GMS, non-invasive tests and AGEs, with liver steatosis and fibrosis.

METHODS

Data from The Maastricht Study, a population-based cohort, were analysed. Participants with alcohol overconsumption or missing data were excluded. GMS was determined via an oral glucose tolerance test. AGEs, measured by skin autofluorescence (SAF), were assessed using an AGE Reader. Associations of GMS and SAF with the fibrosis-4 score (FIB-4), Forns index (FI) and fatty liver index (FLI) were investigated using multivariable linear regression, adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle and clinical variables.

RESULTS

1955 participants (56.6%) were analysed: 598 (30.6%) had T2DM, 264 (13.5%) had pre-diabetes and 1069 (54.7%) had normal glucose metabolism. Pre-diabetes was significantly associated with FLI (standardised regression coefficient (Stβ) 0.396, 95% CI 0.323 to 0.471) and FI (Stβ 0.145, 95% CI 0.059 to 0.232) but not FIB-4. T2DM was significantly associated with FLI (Stβ 0.623, 95% CI 0.552 to 0.694) and FI (Stβ 0.307, 95% CI 0.226 to 0.388) but not FIB-4. SAF was significantly associated with FLI (Stβ 0.083, 95% CI 0.036 to 0.129), FI (Stβ 0.106, 95% CI 0.069 to 0.143) and FIB-4 (Stβ 0.087, 95% CI 0.037 to 0.137).

CONCLUSION

The study showed that adverse GMS and higher glycaemia are positively associated with steatosis. FI, but not FIB-4, was related to adverse GMS concerning fibrosis. This study is the first to demonstrate that SAF is positively associated with steatosis and fibrosis.

Serum biomarkers for liver fibrosis assessment

Liver fibrosis is the result of chronic liver injury of different etiologies produced by an imbalance between the synthesis and degeneration of the extracellular matrix and dysregulation of physiological mechanisms. Liver has a high regenerative capacity in the early stage of chronic diseases so a prompt liver fibrosis detection is important. Consequently, an easy and economic tool that could identify patients with liver fibrosis at the initial stages is needed. To achieve this, many non-invasive serum direct, such as hyaluronic acid or metalloproteases, and indirect biomarkers have been proposed to evaluate liver fibrosis. Also, there have been developed formulas that combine these biomarkers, some of them also introduce clinical and/or demographic parameters, like FIB-4, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score (NFS), enhance liver fibrosis (ELF) or Hepamet fibrosis score (HFS). In this manuscript we critically reviewed different serum biomarkers and formulas for their utility in the diagnosis and progression of liver fibrosis.

Natural history of lean and non-lean metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

BACKGROUND

Conflicting evidence regarding the prognosis of lean metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has raised substantial questions.

AIM

This study aimed to elucidate the prognosis of lean MASLD by conducting a comprehensive analysis of a vast Asian cohort.

METHODS

This study used a nationwide, population-based database and analyzed 2.9 million patients. The primary endpoints were liver-related events (LREs) and cardiovascular events (CVEs) in patients with lean MASLD, non-lean MASLD, and normal liver control groups.

RESULTS

The median observation period was 4.2 years. The 5-year incidence values of LREs in the lean MASLD, non-lean MASLD, and normal liver control groups were 0.065%, 0.039%, and 0.006%, respectively. The LRE risk of lean MASLD was significantly higher than that of normal liver control (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 5.94, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.95-8.92) but comparable to that of non-lean MASLD (aHR: 1.35, 95% CI: 0.87-2.08). By contrast, for CVEs, the non-lean MASLD group exhibited a higher 5-year cumulative incidence rate (0.779%) than the lean MASLD (0.600%) and normal liver control (0.254%) groups. The lean MASLD group had a reduced risk of CVEs compared with the non-lean MASLD group (aHR, 0.73; 95% CI: 0.64-0.84), and comparable risk of CVEs to the normal liver control group (aHR, 0.99; 95% CI: 0.88-1.12).

CONCLUSION

Lean MASLD exhibits a similar LRE risk and a lower CVE risk to non-lean MASLD. Therefore, follow-up and treatment strategies should be tailored to the specific MASLD condition.

Biomarcadores séricos para la evaluación de la fibrosis hepática

La fibrosis hepática se desarrolla como respuesta a la presencia de daño hepático crónico de diferentes etiologías, provocando un desequilibrio entre la síntesis y degeneración de la matriz extracelular y la desregulación de diversos mecanismos fisiológicos. En los estadios iniciales de las patologías crónicas, el hígado posee una elevada capacidad de regeneración, por lo que la detección temprana de la fibrosis hepática resulta esencial. En este contexto, es preciso contar con herramientas sencillas y económicas que permitan detectar la fibrosis hepática en sus fases iniciales. Para evaluar la fibrosis hepática, se han propuesto multitud de biomarcadores séricos no invasivos, tanto directos, como el ácido hialurónico o las metaloproteasas, como indirectos. Así mismo, se han desarrollado diversas fórmulas que combinan dichos biomarcadores junto con parámetros demográficos, como el índice FIB-4, el índice de fibrosis en la enfermedad de hígado graso no alcohólico (NFS, por sus siglas en inglés), la prueba ELF o el score de fibrosis Hepamet (HFS, por sus siglas en inglés). En el presente manuscrito, realizamos una revisión crítica del valor diagnóstico y pronóstico de los diferentes biomarcadores séricos y fórmulas actualmente existentes.

Factors associated with high costs of patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: an observational study using the French CONSTANCES cohort

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Despite its high prevalence in the western world metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) does not benefit from targeted pharmacological therapy. We measured healthcare utilisation and identified factors associated with high-cost MASLD patients in France.

METHODS

The prevalent population with MASLD (including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) in the CONSTANCES cohort, a nationally representative sample of 200,000 adults aged between 18 and 69, was linked to the French centralised national claims database (SNDS). Study participants were identified by the fatty liver index (FLI) over the period 2015-2019. MASLD individuals were classified according as "high-cost" (above 90th percentile) or "non-high cost" (below 90th percentile). Factors significantly associated with high costs were identified using a multivariate logistic regression model.

RESULTS

A total of 14,437 predominantly male (69%) participants with an average age of 53 ± SD 12 years were included. They mainly belonged to socially deprived population groups with co-morbidities such as diabetes, high blood pressure, mental health disorders and cardiovascular complications. The average expenditure was €1860 ± SD 4634 per year. High-cost MASLD cost €10,863 ± SD 10,859 per year. Conditions associated with high-cost were mental health disorders OR 1.79 (1.44-2.22), cardiovascular diseases OR 1.54 (1.21-1.95), metabolic comorbidities OR 1.50 (1.25-1.81), and respiratory disease OR 1.50 (1.11-2.00). The 10% high-cost participants accounted for 58% of the total national health care expenditures for MASLD.

CONCLUSION

Our results emphasize the need for comprehensive management of the comorbid conditions which were the major cost drivers of MASLD.

Global epidemiology of type 2 diabetes in patients with NAFLD or MAFLD: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) shares common pathophysiological mechanisms with type 2 diabetes, making them significant risk factors for type 2 diabetes. The present study aimed to assess the epidemiological feature of type 2 diabetes in patients with NAFLD or MAFLD at global levels.

METHODS

Published studies were searched for terms that included type 2 diabetes, and NAFLD or MAFLD using PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Web of Science databases from their inception to December 2022. The pooled global and regional prevalence and incidence density of type 2 diabetes in patients with NAFLD or MAFLD were evaluated using random-effects meta-analysis. Potential sources of heterogeneity were investigated using stratified meta-analysis and meta-regression.

RESULTS

A total of 395 studies (6,878,568 participants with NAFLD; 1,172,637 participants with MAFLD) from 40 countries or areas were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of type 2 diabetes among NAFLD or MAFLD patients was 28.3% (95% confidence interval 25.2-31.6%) and 26.2% (23.9-28.6%) globally. The incidence density of type 2 diabetes in NAFLD or MAFLD patients was 24.6 per 1000-person year (20.7 to 29.2) and 26.9 per 1000-person year (7.3 to 44.4), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study describes the global prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes in patients with NAFLD or MAFLD. The study findings serve as a valuable resource to assess the global clinical and economic impact of type 2 diabetes in patients with NAFLD or MAFLD.

[Diagnosis and evaluation of metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)]

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or recently called Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), is the leading cause of liver disease, with an estimated worldwide prevalence of 25%. MASLD is suspected, in a metabolic condition, in the presence of hepatic steatosis, moderate hepatic cytolysis or hyperferritinemia. The severity of the disease depends on the stage of liver fibrosis, which can be suspected in clinical practice by simple blood tests such as the FIB-4 or NAFLD fibrosis Score. The treatment is based on lifestyle intervention combining weight loss, increased physical activity and a Mediterranean-style diet. Only a small minority of patients with MASLD will develop advanced liver disease and require liver specialist. Given the high prevalence of MASLD, the identification of these patients cannot be envisaged without the taking part in the screening of all physicians (general practitioners and specialists).

Hepatic steatosis in people older and younger than fifty who are living with HIV and HIV-negative controls: A cross-sectional study nested within the POPPY cohort

BACKGROUND

Hepatic steatosis is a major cause of chronic liver disease associated with several negative health outcomes. We compared the prevalence of and factors associated with steatosis in people living with and without HIV.

METHODS

Older (>50 years) and younger (<50 years) people with HIV and older HIV-negative controls (>50 years) underwent liver transient elastography examination with controlled attenuation parameter (steatosis ≥238 dB/m, moderate/severe steatosis ≥280 dB/m, liver fibrosis ≥7.1 kPa). We compared groups using logistic regression/Chi-squared/Fisher's exact/Kruskal-Wallis tests.

RESULTS

In total, 317 participants (109 older people with HIV; 101 younger people with HIV; 107 HIV-negative controls) were predominantly white (86%) and male (76%), and 21% were living with obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 ). Most (97%) people with HIV had undetectable HIV RNA. The prevalence of fibrosis was 8.4%, 3.0%, and 6.5% in the three groups, respectively (p = 0.26). Fibrosis was predominately (>65%) mild. The prevalence of steatosis was the same in older people with HIV (66.4%) and controls (66.4%) but lower in younger people with HIV (37.4%; p < 0.001). After adjustment, younger people with HIV were less likely to have steatosis (odds ratio [OR] 0.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.14-0.52) than controls, but male sex (OR 2.45; 95% CI 1.20-4.50) and high waist-to-hip ratio (OR 3.04; 95% CI 1.74-5.33) were associated with an increased odds of steatosis. We found no association between steatosis and HIV-related variables.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis was similar between older participants regardless of HIV status. Age, sex, and abdominal obesity, but not HIV-related variables, were associated with steatosis. Interventions for controlling obesity should be integrated into routine HIV care.

Noninvasive biomarkers of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with metabolic syndrome: insights from the RESOLVE Study

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to evaluate: 1) the presence of liver steatosis using Fatty Liver Index (FLI), Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI) and Liver Fat Score (LFS) in patients suffering from metabolic syndrome (MS); and 2) the association of FLI, HSI and LFS with the cardiometabolic risks.

METHODS

A total of 91 patients with MS (39 men, 52 women) and 44-age matched healthy subjects (control; 23 men and 21 women) were enrolled in the study. A continuous cardiometabolic score (MetsScore) and the noninvasive tests of hepatic steatosis were calculated for comparison and association analysis.

RESULTS

Liver steatosis was detected in 86%, 84% and 80% of people diagnosed with MS using FLI, HSI and LFS respectively and MetsScore increases with FLI severity (P<0.05). Also, FLI and LFS were positively associated with MetsScore (P<0.01 and P<0.05 respectively) but not HSI. Multivariate linear regression models revealed that FLI has a stronger association with MetsScore compared with HSI and LFS (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

FLI is associated with the severity of MS and represent a good indicator to assess the relation between liver steatosis and a cardiometabolic disorders in clinical routine.

The NAFLD burden on mortality and morbidities in general population: A community-based longitudinal study (NASH-CO study)

BACKGROUND

The impact of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) on morbidity and mortality has yet to be documented at the general population level. This study aimed to assess whether NAFLD was associated with morbidities and mortality and to estimate its impact on health status and mortality.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 137 206 participants from Constances cohort. Non-invasive diagnosis of NAFLD and advanced fibrosis was performed using the fatty liver index and Forns index, respectively. Constances data were linked to health care and hospitalization data to identify liver-related events, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), extrahepatic cancers (EHC), chronic kidney disease (CKD) and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

The prevalence of NAFLD was 18.3% in subjects without other chronic liver diseases, among whom 2.7% had fibrosis. NAFLD after IPTW-weighted remained associated with an increased risk of death (HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.01-1.57), hepatic-related complications (HR 2.48, 95% CI 1.99-3.29), CVD (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.30-1.55), EHC (HR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01-1.28) and CKD (HR 1.81, 95% CI 1.53-2.07) compared to those without chronic liver diseases risk factors (Non-NAFLD). In the trend analysis over the study period of inclusion and compared to Non-NAFLD, NAFLD has shown a fastest growing cause of hepatic events (HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.07-1.76 per year), CVD (HR 1.08, 95% CI 1.03-1.12), CKD (HR 1.16, 95% CI 1.07-1.25), and death (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.39-1.50).

CONCLUSION

This large community-based cohort showed that NAFLD was associated with excess morbidity and mortality and demonstrated a fastest-growing trend.

The bidirectional association of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease with depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a complex metabolic-inflammatory disease associated with poor outcomes and decreased quality of life. NAFLD is overrepresented in patients with psychiatric disorders like depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia; however, a comprehensive review on NAFLD and psychiatric disorders remains to be delineated. This review endeavors to investigate the association of NAFLD with psychiatric disorders, including shared pathogenesis and future clinical derivatives. Extant literature suggests that patients with psychiatric disorders (in particular, mood disorders) are more susceptible to the development of NAFLD due to multiple reasons, including but not limited to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation, metabolic syndrome, and chronic perceived stress. Moreover, the clinical manifestations of mood disorders (e.g., anhedonia, psychomotor retardation, lifestyle modification, etc.), and potentially long-term treatment with weight-gaining agents, differentially affect these patients, making them more prone to NAFLD. Considering the increased morbidity associated with both mood disorders and NAFLD, our review recommends regular screenings for NAFLD in select patients with mood disorders exhibiting signs of increased risk (i.e., obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, or family history of NAFLD) for better diagnosis and holistic care of both potentially interrelated conditions.

Lean individuals with NAFLD have more severe liver disease and poorer clinical outcomes (NASH-CO Study)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The severity of liver injury and clinical outcomes in lean individuals with NAFLD is a subject of debate and very few studies have been performed in the general population. The aim of this study was to compare subject characteristics and mortality between lean and nonlean NAFLD in a community setting.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

The study population included 169,303 participants from the nationwide Constances cohort. Subjects with excessive alcohol consumption, viral hepatitis, or other liver diseases were excluded and 137,206 subjects were analyzed. The diagnosis of NAFLD and fibrosis was performed using the Fatty Liver Index and the Forns Index. The median follow-up was 3.58 years. The prevalence of NAFLD was 5.3% (95% CI: 5.2-5.4) in lean subjects, while 16.3% (95% CI: 15.7-16.8) of NAFLD subjects were lean. Despite their better metabolic profile, the prevalence of advanced fibrosis was significantly higher in lean than in nonlean NAFLD (3.7% vs. 1.7%, respectively, p < 0.01). Among NAFLD subjects and after adjustment for demographics, metabolic risk factors and lifestyle, lean status was associated with advanced fibrosis (OR=1.26, 95% CI: 1.20-1.65, p = 0.005), an increased risk of liver-related events (adjusted HR=5.84, 95% CI: 4.03-8.46), chronic kidney disease (adjusted HR=2.49, 95% CI: 1.49-4.16), and overall mortality (adjusted HR=3.01, 95% CI: 2.21-4.11). Liver-related events and overall mortality were related to the severity of fibrosis, both in lean and nonlean NAFLD subjects, whatever the usual risk factors.

CONCLUSION

This study in a large community-based cohort confirms that NAFLD in lean subjects is more severe for fibrosis, the progression of liver disease, chronic kidney disease, and overall mortality.

Association of the android to gynoid fat ratio with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming a severe global public health problem, and can developed into fibrotic nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), but its risk factors have not been fully identified. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between the android-to-gynoid fat ratio (A/G ratio) and the prevalence of NAFLD.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study is based on the 2003-2006 and 2011-2018 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and included 10,989 participants. Participants aged 20 and older without viral hepatitis or significant alcohol consumption were included. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to assess body composition. NAFLD was diagnosed using the United States fatty liver index (US FLI). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between the A/G ratio and NAFLD.

RESULTS

The prevalence of NAFLD was 32.15% among the study population. Android percent fat and the A/G ratio were significantly higher in patients with NAFLD than in those without NAFLD [41.68% (0.25) vs. 32.80% (0.27), p < 0.001; 1.14 ± 0.01 vs. 0.94 ± 0.00, p < 0.001, respectively]. Logistic regression analysis showed that android percent fat was positively correlated to NAFLD (OR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.11-1.18), while gynoid percent fat was negatively correlated to NAFLD (OR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.90-0.94), and the A/G ratio was significantly associated with the prevalence of NAFLD (OR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.38-1.82) and fibrotic NASH (OR: 2.01, 95% CI: 1.71-2.38). We also found that females had a notably diminished A/G ratio compared with males (0.91 vs. 1.12, p < 0.001). In addition, the female population proportion was negatively correlated with the A/G ratio, which may partly explain the lower prevalence of NAFLD in females. What is more, the OR value of the A/G ratio in the female subgroup was much higher than that in the male subgroup in all adjusted models.

CONCLUSION

A/G ratio is significantly associated with NAFLD and fibrotic NASH. Women have a lower A/G ratio than men, which may explain the sex difference in NAFLD prevalence. Furthermore, with a higher A/G ratio, the association between females and NAFLD are greatly elevated.

Global incidence and prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a leading cause of liver disease worldwide. The estimated global incidence of NAFLD is 47 cases per 1,000 population and is higher among males than females. The estimated global prevalence of NAFLD among adults is 32% and is higher among males (40%) compared to females (26%). The global prevalence of NAFLD has increased over time, from 26% in studies from 2005 or earlier to 38% in studies from 2016 or beyond. The prevalence of NAFLD varies substantially by world region, contributed by differing rates of obesity, and genetic and socioeconomic factors. The prevalence of NAFLD exceeds 40% in the Americas and South-East Asia. The prevalence of NAFLD is projected to increase significantly in multiple world regions by 2030 if current trends are left unchecked. In this review, we discuss trends in the global incidence and prevalence of NAFLD and discuss future projections.

Combination of sarcopenia and prognostic nutritional index to predict long-term outcomes in patients undergoing initial hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To determine if preoperative sarcopenia and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) could accurately predict the postoperative outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing initial hepatectomy.

METHODS

Three hundred three patients who underwent curative hepatectomy for HCC between January 2010 and August 2021 were enrolled and their data were retrospectively analyzed. Sarcopenia was determined from computed tomography images obtained 3 weeks prior to surgery, and PNI was calculated from preoperative albumin and whole lymphocyte count data in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, with a cutoff value of 46.2 to categorize high and low groups.

RESULTS

One hundred six (35%) patients had sarcopenia prior to surgery. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that sarcopenia and low PNI were associated with significantly worse overall survival (OS) compared with no sarcopenia and high PNI, respectively (P = 0.023 and P = 0.035, respectively). In addition, patients with sarcopenia had worse OS than those without sarcopenia in the high and low PNI groups (P = 0.058 and P = 0.038, respectively). Sarcopenia (hazard ratio [HR] 1.66; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00-2.76; P = 0.048) and PNI ≤46.2 (HR 1.96; 95% CI 1.17-3.27; P = 0.011) were independent prognostic factors on multivariate analysis, and combined sarcopenia and PNI had a higher AUC value (AUC = 0.722, P < 0.001) than either one alone in ROC analysis.

CONCLUSION

Combined sarcopenia and PNI as a prognostic marker can better predict the postoperative prognostic outcomes of HCC patients following hepatectomy than either sarcopenia or PNI alone.

Inevitability of disease recurrence after liver transplantation for NAFLD cirrhosis

Background & Aims

Liver transplantation (LT) is the only available treatment for end-stage non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (related decompensated cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma). The aim of our study was to evaluate the risk of disease recurrence after LT and the factors influencing it.

Method

This retrospective multicenter study included adults transplanted for NAFLD cirrhosis between 2000 and 2019 in 20 participating French-speaking centers. Disease recurrence (steatosis, steatohepatitis and fibrosis) was diagnosed from liver graft biopsies.

Results

We analyzed 150 patients with at least one graft liver biopsy available ≥6 months after transplantation, among 361 patients transplanted for NAFLD. The median (IQR) age at LT was 61.3 (54.4-64.6) years. The median follow-up after LT was 4.7 (2.8-8.1) years. The cumulative recurrence rates of steatosis and steatohepatitis at 5 years were 80.0% and 60.3%, respectively. Significant risk factors for steatohepatitis recurrence in multivariate analysis were recipient age at LT <65 years (odds ratio [OR] 4.214; p = 0.044), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol <1.15 mmol/L after LT (OR 3.463; p = 0.013) and grade ≥2 steatosis on the graft at 1 year after LT (OR 10.196; p = 0.001). The cumulative incidence of advanced fibrosis (F3-F4) was 20.0% at 5 years after LT and significant risk factors from multivariate analysis were metabolic syndrome before LT (OR 8.550; p = 0.038), long-term use of cyclosporine (OR 11.388; p = 0.031) and grade ≥2 steatosis at 1 year after LT (OR 10.720; p = 0.049). No re-LT was performed for NAFLD cirrhosis recurrence.

Conclusion

Our results strongly suggest that recurrence of initial disease after LT for NAFLD is inevitable and progressive in a large proportion of patients; the means to prevent it remain to be further evaluated.

Impact and implications

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing indication for liver transplantation, but the analysis of disease recurrence, based on graft liver biopsies, has been poorly studied. Cumulative incidences of steatosis, steatohepatitis and NAFLD-related significant fibrosis recurrence at 5 years were 85.0%, 60.3% and 48.0%, respectively. Grade ≥2 steatosis on graft biopsy at 1 year (present in 25% of patients) is highly predictive of recurrence of steatohepatitis and advanced fibrosis: bariatric surgery should be discussed in these patients specifically.

Artificial intelligence in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has led to serious health-related complications worldwide. NAFLD has wide pathological spectra, ranging from simple steatosis to hepatitis to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Artificial intelligence (AI), including machine learning and deep learning algorithms, has provided great advancement and accuracy in identifying, diagnosing, and managing patients with NAFLD and detecting squeal such as advanced fibrosis and risk factors for hepatocellular cancer. This review summarizes different AI algorithms and methods in the field of hepatology, focusing on NAFLD.

Methods

A search of PubMed, WILEY, and MEDLINE databases were taken as relevant publications for this review on the application of AI techniques in detecting NAFLD in suspected population

Results

Out of 495 articles searched in relevant databases, 49 articles were finally included and analyzed. NASH-Scope model accurately distinguished between NAFLD and non-NAFLD and between NAFLD without fibrosis and NASH with fibrosis. The logistic regression (LR) model had the highest accuracy, whereas the support vector machine (SVM) had the highest specificity and precision in diagnosing NAFLD. An extreme gradient boosting model had the highest performance in predicting non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Electronic health record (EHR) database studies helped the diagnose NAFLD/NASH. Automated image analysis techniques predicted NAFLD severity. Deep learning radiomic elastography (DLRE) had perfect accuracy in diagnosing the cases of advanced fibrosis.

Conclusion

AI in NAFLD has streamlined specific patient identification and has eased assessment and management methods of patients with NAFLD.

Association between birth weight, preterm birth, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in a community-based cohort

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The association between birth weight (BW) and metabolic outcomes has been described since the 1980s but NAFLD has been rarely studied. This study aimed to investigate the association between BW and NAFLD occurrence in adult subjects.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

The study population consisted of participants from the French nationwide Constances cohort from 2012 to 2019. Participants with a history of chronic viral hepatitis or excessive alcohol consumption were excluded. Noninvasive diagnosis of NAFLD and fibrosis was performed using a combination of the Fatty Liver Index (FLI) and the Forns Index. The relationship between BW and NAFLD was analyzed with a sex-stratified logistic regression model adjusted for sociodemographic parameters, lifestyle, and birth term, whereas liver fibrosis was analyzed with a sex-stratified linear regression model. In total, 55,034 individuals with reliable BW were included (43% men, mean age: 38 years). NAFLD (FLI ≥ 60) was present in 5530 individuals (10%). Multivariate logistic regression showed a significant U-shaped relationship between BW and NAFLD, with no significant interaction with sex. A significant and slightly decreasing association was found between BW and Forns Index (β = -0.05; p = 0.04). Premature birth (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.03-1.48 for birth between 33 and 37 weeks versus ≥ 37 weeks) was associated with NAFLD, with a significant direct effect of premature birth, and without an indirect effect of low BW in mediation analysis. Forns Index was not significantly higher in participants with preterm birth compared to full-term birth.

CONCLUSIONS

This large prospective adult-based cohort confirms the relationship between BW and NAFLD occurrence.

Association between arterial hypertension and liver outcomes using polygenic risk scores: a population-based study

Arterial hypertension (HTA) is associated with liver disease, but causality remains unclear. We investigated whether genetic predisposition to HTA is associated with liver disease in the population, and if antihypertensive medication modifies this association. Participants of the Finnish health-examination surveys, FINRISK 1992–2012 and Health 2000 (n = 33,770), were linked with national electronic healthcare registers for liver-related outcomes (K70-K77, C22.0) and with the drug reimbursement registry for new initiation of antihypertensive medication during follow-up. Genetic predisposition to HTA was defined by polygenic risk scores (PRSs). During a median 12.9-year follow-up (409,268.9 person-years), 441 liver-related outcomes occurred. In the fully-adjusted Cox-regression models, both measured systolic blood pressure and clinically defined HTA were associated with liver-related outcomes. PRSs for systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly associated with liver-related outcomes (HR/SD 1.19, 95% CI 1.01–1.24, and 1.12, 95% CI 1.01–1.25, respectively). In the highest quintile of the systolic blood pressure PRS, new initiation of antihypertensive medication was associated with reduced rates of liver-related outcomes (HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.31–0.97). HTA and a genetic predisposition for HTA are associated with liver-related outcomes in the population. New initiation of antihypertensive medication attenuates this association in persons with high genetic risk for HTA.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Current Global Burden

The map and global disease burden of chronic liver diseases are markedly changing, with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) becoming the most common cause of liver diseases coinciding with the current epidemics of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Understanding the incidence and prevalence of NAFLD is critical because of its linkage to a significant economic burden of hospitalization and changing patterns in consequences, such as liver transplantation. Moreover, the long-term average health care expenses of NAFLD patients have exceeded those of other liver diseases. To lessen the imminent burden of NAFLD, immediate actions to raise worldwide awareness and address metabolic risk factors are required. This review summarizes key data about the global disease burden of NAFLD, modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors, and current preventive approaches.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: opinions, population served, and management from a sample of French hepato(gastroentero)logists (PERSEPT study)

OBJECTIVE

The three-fold objective of this study was to describe the opinions, the population served, and tools used for the management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by French hepato(gastro)enterologists (HGEs).

METHODS

Seventy-five French HGEs working in hospitals or in private practice, who regularly managed patients with NAFLD, completed three questionnaires: one about their opinions about disease management, one on the 10 first patients with NAFLD they saw in February 2020, and the third about the first five patients meeting the 2016 European Association for the Study of the Liver criteria for specialist referral.

RESULTS

Management of NAFLD was seen as challenging, complex, time-consuming, and frustrating. Available treatments were considered to be unsatisfactory by most participants. In the whole population studied (671 patients), 41% were obese, 50% overweight, 49% had type 2 diabetes, 61% dyslipidemia, 51% arterial hypertension, 57% nonalcoholic steato-hepatitis (NASH), 37% advanced fibrosis, and 19% cirrhosis. In the subgroup of 313 patients needing specialist referral, the use of liver biopsy was low (30%) and decreasing, whereas vibration-controlled transient elastometry was high (66%) and increasing; blood fibrosis tests were rarely used. NASH was usually diagnosed without liver biopsy. Nutritional counseling was provided to 3/4 patients, physical activity counseling in 1/5. A personalized therapeutic project was defined in less than one-third of patients. Ursodeoxycholic acid and vitamin E were used in a minority of patients.

CONCLUSION

The management of NAFLD is not considered satisfactory by French HGE who care for a relatively severe population. Noninvasive assessment of fibrosis and multidisciplinary management should be improved.

Comorbidities Are Associated with Fibrosis in NAFLD Subjects: A Nationwide Study (NASH-CO Study)

BACKGROUND

The relationship between the severity of NAFLD and extra-hepatic events such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), extra-hepatic cancer (EHC) or chronic kidney diseases (CKD) has not been clearly investigated in the general population.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to assess whether the severity of fibrosis in NAFLD subjects was associated with extra-hepatic diseases based on noninvasive markers in a large population-based cohort.

METHODS

The study population included a cohort of 118,664 participants from the nationwide CONSTANCES cohort. After excluding individuals with excessive alcohol consumption and other causes of liver disease, 102,344 were included. The noninvasive diagnosis of NAFLD and fibrosis was performed using a combination of the Fatty Liver Index (FLI) and the Forns Index. The history of CVD or EHC was recorded by a physician, and CKD was defined by a glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/mn.

RESULTS

The prevalence of NAFLD (FLI > 60) was 18.2%, 10% with mild fibrosis (Forns Index < 4.2), 7.7% with intermediate fibrosis (Forns Index 4.2-6.9), and 0.4% with advanced fibrosis (Forns Index > 6.9). The prevalence of CVD, EHC, or CKD increased significantly with the severity of fibrosis (p < 0.0001). When adjusted for demographic, metabolic risk factors, and smoking, NAFLD with intermediate or advanced fibrosis remained associated with CVD (OR 1.36, p < 0.0001 and OR 3.07, p < 0.0001, respectively), EHC (OR 1.24, p = 0.001 and OR 1.64, p = 0.004, respectively), and CKD (OR 1.18, p = 0.03 and OR 2.09, p < 0.0001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In a large adult population-based cohort, there is a dose-dependent relationship between the severity of fibrosis and CVD, EHC, or CKD in NAFLD subjects.

Awareness of chronic liver diseases, a comparison between diabetologists and general practitioners

BACKGROUNDS AND AIMS

Because of the high prevalence of chronic liver disease (CLD), it is crucial that general practitioners (GPs, in contact with the general population) and diabetologists (in contact with the most at-risk non-alcoholic fatty liver disease population) identify patients with advanced CLD requiring specialized management. The aim of this study was to evaluate CLD and CLD management awareness among diabetologists and GPs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A questionnaire was sent to diabetologists within the Francophone Diabetes Society and to GPs in southern and western France. The questionnaire sounded participant characteristics and knowledge of CLD and its management.

RESULTS

678 questionnaires were completed by 500 GPs and 178 diabetologists. CLD prevalence was underestimated by 90% of GPs and 59% of diabetologists (p<0.001). For biological CLD follow-up, liver injury explorations (transaminases) were systematically included whereas severity explorations (prothrombin time, bilirubin) were prescribed for less than 50% of blood samples; GPs were more likely to prescribe severity explorations than diabetologists were (p<0.001). 74% of GPs and 97% of diabetologists (p<0.001) were familiar with non-invasive tests, Fibroscan and Fibrotest being the two most-frequently mentioned of them. In contrast, the simple blood test Fibrosis-4 was cited by less than 15% of GPs and 30% of diabetologists (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

GPs and diabetologists have limited knowledge of CLD, despite its high prevalence. Continuing medical education among GPs and diabetologists is therefore necessary to enable the discovery of patients with advanced fibrosis and early management for them so as to avoid liver-related complications.

The triglycerides and glucose (TyG) index: A new marker associated with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in obese patients

AIM

Diagnosis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) relies on liver biopsy. Noninvasive tools would be useful to target patients to refer for a biopsy. We aimed to determine the diagnostic value of the triglycerides and glucose (TyG) index, an insulin-resistance indicator, to predict NASH.

METHODS

Our study included grade II-III obese patients aged 18-65 years undergoing bariatric surgery and included in the COMET (COllection of MEtabolic Tissues) biobank (NCT02861781). Liver biopsies performed during bariatric surgery were collected from the biobank along with blood derivatives. Biopsies were analysed according to the steatosis, activity and fibrosis (SAF) scoring system to diagnose NASH, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and fibrosis. Logistic regression models were performed to identify factors predicting NASH, NAFLD, and fibrosis.

RESULTS

Of 238 analysed subjects (mean age 43±12 years, 33.6% men), 29% had type 2 diabetes. Steatosis was present in 67.2%, while NASH and advanced fibrosis (stage F3) were diagnosed in 18.1% and 2.9% respectively. TyG index was independently associated with NASH (odds ratio (OR): 4.7 [95% confidence interval: 2.3;9.5] P < 0.0001), NAFLD (OR: 2.0 [1.1;3.7] P = 0.03) and stages 2-3 fibrosis (OR: 4.0 [1.5;10.8] P = 0.007). NASH was also predicted by gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) with an area under the ROC curve: 0.79 [0.71;0.87 P = 0.04] for GGT and TyG index combined.

CONCLUSION

In our cohort of severely obese patients, TyG index, when associated with GGT level, exhibited high diagnostic performance to predict NASH. Although validation in larger populations is needed, this result may be of considerable clinical value to predict need for liver biopsy.

Impact of Type 2 Diabetes on the Accuracy of Noninvasive Tests of Liver Fibrosis With Resulting Clinical Implications

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Noninvasive tests (NITs) of liver fibrosis have been suggested to be less accurate in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We aimed to compare the accuracy of 6 NITs between patients with or without T2DM, explain any differences, and adapt diagnostic algorithms for clinical practice accordingly.

METHODS

We included 1051 patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease with liver biopsy, blood fibrosis tests (Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Fibrosis Score, FIB4, Fibrotest, FibroMeter), vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE), and the combinatory elasto-blood test FibroMeter^VCTE. The study endpoint was advanced fibrosis on liver biopsy.

RESULTS

NIT areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were significantly lower in patients with T2DM, mostly because of a decrease in specificity. For FIB4, this decrease in specificity was only related to the higher age of patients with T2DM enrolled. For Fibrotest, FibroMeter, and FibroMeter^VCTE, the decrease in specificity was related to age but also to higher alpha2-macroglobulin level, which is known to increase in T2DM. Sensitivity was unaffected by T2DM, but it masked a doubled raw number of false negatives because of the 2-fold higher prevalence of advanced fibrosis in that setting. The sequential algorithm FIB4-vibration-controlled transient elastography had 90.3% accuracy in patients without T2DM vs 79.0% in those with (P < .001). Algorithms using first-line specialized tests maintained a low rate of false negatives and false positives in T2DM.

CONCLUSIONS

The decrease in NIT accuracy observed in T2DM is partly biased by the different characteristics of the groups studied, but also linked to T2DM itself through modification of the levels of some NIT biomarkers. Specialized tests should be used first-line to diagnose advanced liver fibrosis in T2DM.

The burden of NAFLD in type 2 diabetic subjects from the general population: A Nationwide population-based follow-up study (NASHCO)

BACKGROUND

The epidemiology and natural history of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in diabetes have been mainly investigated in the hospital setting. The goal of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of NAFLD and its impact on morbidity and mortality in type 2 diabetic subjects in a community setting.

METHOD

This study included 199 341 participants in the nationwide Constances cohort. After patients with excessive alcohol consumption, viral hepatitis or other causes of liver disease were excluded, 164 285 were analysed and 8386 (5.3%) were considered to have type 2 diabetes. The non-invasive diagnosis of NAFLD and advanced fibrosis was made using a combination of the fatty liver index and Forns index. Median follow-up was 2.5 years.

RESULTS

Diabetes increased the risk of NAFLD by sixfold (adjusted OR 6.05, 95% CI 5.68-6.45) and the risk of advanced fibrosis by 3.76-fold (aOR 3.76, 95% CI 2.87-4.91) in NAFLD subjects. After controlling for confounders, the presence of NAFLD in diabetic subjects was associated with an increased risk of severe liver-related events (aHR 2.53, 95% CI 1.36-4.69), cardiovascular disease (CVD, aHR 2.71, 95% CI 1.72-4.26) and overall mortality (aHR 2.91, 95% CI 1.53-5.53). The risk of hepatic and extrahepatic complications in diabetic subjects with NAFLD significantly increased with the severity of fibrosis (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

This prospective, longitudinal study in a large community-based cohort provides real-world evidence of the risk for NAFLD and advanced fibrosis in diabetes, and its impact on liver disease progression, diabetes-related complications such as CVD, and overall mortality. These data could be used to estimate real clinical and economic burden of NAFLD in diabetic subjects.

Long-term prognosis of patients with alcohol-related liver disease or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease according to metabolic syndrome or alcohol use

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The boundary between non-alcoholic (NAFLD) and alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) is based on alcohol consumption. However, metabolic syndrome and alcohol use frequently co-exist. The aim of this study was to determine prognostic factors of long-term morbidity and mortality in patients with NAFLD or ALD.

METHODS

From 2003 to 2016, all consecutive NAFLD or ALD patients were prospectively included in this cohort study. We evaluated overall survival, specific cause of mortality and occurrence of any complication. The primary endpoint was analysed by the Kaplan Meier method, secondary endpoints were estimated by Gray test method or logistic regressions. Factors independently associated with overall mortality and morbidity were identified by a multivariate Cox model.

RESULTS

A total of 3365 patients (1667 with ALD and 1698 with NAFLD) were included. Median follow-up was 54 months (range: 30-86) and 563 subjects died. In the overall population, overall mortality was higher in patients with ALD (HR: 10.1 [7.57-13.3]), and with weekly alcohol consumption >7 units (HR:1.66 [1.41-1.96]). Liver-related mortality was higher in patients with ALD (HR: 11 [7.27-16.5]). In the NAFLD group, weekly alcohol consumption >1 unit was associated with higher overall mortality (HR: 1.9 [1.1-3.4]), and weekly alcohol consumption >7 units was associated with higher overall morbidity (OR: 1.89 [1.61-2.21]). In the ALD group, the presence of metabolic syndrome was associated with higher overall (HR:1.27 [1.02-1.57]), and liver (HR: 1.47 [1.1-1.96]) mortalities, and overall (OR: 1.46 [1.14-1.88]), liver (OR: 1.46 [1.14-1.88]) morbidities.

CONCLUSION

In fatty liver diseases, light alcohol consumption and metabolic syndrome are prognosis cofactors.

Estimation of the Prevalence of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in an Adult Population in Northern China Using the Data Mining Approach

BACKGROUND

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the commonest form of chronic liver disease worldwide and its prevalence is rapidly increasing. Screening and early diagnosis of high-risk groups are important for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD; however, traditional imaging examinations are expensive and difficult to perform on a large scale. This study aimed to develop a simple and reliable predictive model based on the risk factors for NAFLD using a decision tree algorithm for the diagnosis of NAFLD and reduction of healthcare costs.

METHODS

This retrospective cross-sectional study included 22,819 participants who underwent annual health examinations between January 2019 and December 2019 at Physical Examination Center in Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University. After rigorous data screening, data of 9190 participants were retained in the final dataset for use in the J48 decision tree algorithm for the construction of predictive models. Approximately 66% of these patients (n=6065) were randomly assigned to the training dataset for the construction of the decision tree, while 34% of the patients (n=3125) were assigned to the test dataset to evaluate the performance of the decision tree.

RESULTS

The results showed that the J48 decision tree classifier exhibited good performance (accuracy=0.830, precision=0.837, recall=0.830, F-measure=0.830, and area under the curve=0.905). The decision tree structure revealed waist circumference as the most significant attribute, followed by triglyceride levels, systolic blood pressure, sex, age, and total cholesterol level.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that a decision tree analysis can be used to screen high-risk individuals for NAFLD. The key attributes in the tree structure can further contribute to the prevention of NAFLD by suggesting implementable targeted community interventions, which can help improve the outcome of NAFLD and reduce the burden on the healthcare system.

Green Tea and Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) for the Management of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Diseases (NAFLD): Insights into the Role of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Mechanism

Nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD) represent a set of liver disorders progressing from steatosis to steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, which induce huge burden to human health. Many pathophysiological factors are considered to influence NAFLD in a parallel pattern, involving insulin resistance, oxidative stress, lipotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammatory cascades, fibrogenic reaction, etc. However, the underlying mechanisms, including those that induce NAFLD development, have not been fully understood. Specifically, oxidative stress, mainly mediated by excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species, has participated in the multiple NAFLD-related signaling by serving as an accelerator. Ameliorating oxidative stress and maintaining redox homeostasis may be a promising approach for the management of NAFLD. Green tea is one of the most important dietary resources of natural antioxidants, above which epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) notably contributes to its antioxidative action. Accumulative evidence from randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analysis has revealed the beneficial functions of green tea and EGCG in preventing and managing NAFLD, with acceptable safety in the patients. Abundant animal and cellular studies have demonstrated that green tea and EGCG may protect against NAFLD initiation and development by alleviating oxidative stress and the related metabolism dysfunction, inflammation, fibrosis, and tumorigenesis. The targeted signaling pathways may include, but are not limited to, NRF2, AMPK, SIRT1, NF-κB, TLR4/MYD88, TGF-β/SMAD, and PI3K/Akt/FoxO1, etc. In this review, we thoroughly discuss the oxidative stress-related mechanisms involved in NAFLD development, as well as summarize the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of green tea and EGCG against NAFLD.

Possible unrecognised liver injury is associated with mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) with acute respiratory distress syndrome is a life-threatening condition. A previous diagnosis of chronic liver disease is associated with poorer outcomes. Nevertheless, the impact of silent liver injury has not been investigated. We aimed to explore the association of pre-admission liver fibrosis indices with the prognosis of critically ill COVID-19 patients.

METHODS

The work presented was an observational study in 214 patients with COVID-19 consecutively admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Pre-admission liver fibrosis indices were calculated. In-hospital mortality and predictive factors were explored with Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

The mean age was 59.58 (13.79) years; 16 patients (7.48%) had previously recognised chronic liver disease. Up to 78.84% of patients according to Forns, and 45.76% according to FIB-4, had more than minimal fibrosis. Fibrosis indices were higher in non-survivors [Forns: 6.04 (1.42) versus 4.99 (1.58), p < 0.001; FIB-4: 1.77 (1.17) versus 1.41 (0.91), p = 0.020)], but no differences were found in liver biochemistry parameters. Patients with any degree of fibrosis either by Forns or FIB-4 had a higher mortality, which increased according to the severity of fibrosis (p < 0.05 for both indexes). Both Forns [HR 1.41 (1.11-1.81); p = 0.006] and FIB-4 [HR 1.31 (0.99-1.72); p = 0.051] were independently related to survival after adjusting for the Charlson comorbidity index, APACHE II, and ferritin.

CONCLUSION

Unrecognised liver fibrosis, assessed by serological tests prior to admission, is independently associated with a higher risk of death in patients with severe COVID-19 admitted to the ICU.