Association between a new indicator with non-alcoholic fatty liver and liver fibrosis in US adults: findings from NHANES 2017-2018.

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) significantly threatens public health. Early diagnosis of NAFLD can prevent adverse outcomes, but the current diagnosis system is still imperfect. Serum markers and their combinations are valuable for detecting diseases, including NAFLD. The advanced lung cancer inflammatory index (ALI) is a comprehensive indicator that reflects the inflammation and nutritional status. Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is an evaluation index for liver function. This study aims to construct a novel indicator based on ALI and GGT to evaluate NAFLD.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2018. Binary logistic regression model and multivariate logistic regression model were utilized to examine the associations. Stratified and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were applied to confirm whether the dependent and independent variables had stable associations in the population.

RESULTS

This population-based study included 3,905 American adults. According to binary logistic regression analysis, an increase in ALI × GGT was significantly correlated with an increased risk of liver fibrosis, and multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that ALI × GGT was an independent risk factor for liver fibrosis. After grouping adjustment, we found that the diagnostic value of ALI × GGT was greater among participants under 50 years of age, women, those with diabetes mellitus or borderline diabetes, those without hypertension, and those without non-alcoholic fatty liver.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed a new indicator, ALI × GGT, which could serve as a potential biomarker for early liver fibrosis in specific populations.