Association between triglyceride-glucose index combinations and infertility: findings from a nationally representative study.

BACKGROUND

Infertility has emerged as a significant public health concern with implications for population development. Despite its relevance, there has been limited research addressing the association between infertility and triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index-derived indicators. This study examined the relationship between infertility and three TyG-related composite indices: TyG-BMI (TyG index combined with body mass index), TyG-WC (TyG index combined with waist circumference), and TyG-WHtR (TyG index combined with waist-to-height ratio).

METHODS

Data were obtained from the 2013-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, including a representative sample of 2856 adult participants. TyG-related indices were calculated using fasting triglyceride and glucose concentrations in combination with anthropometric measurements. Associations between infertility and TyG, TyG-BMI, TyG-WC, and TyG-WHtR were assessed using weighted multivariate logistic regression, subgroup analyses, smooth curve fitting, and threshold effect modeling.

RESULTS

Significant positive associations were observed between infertility and TyG-BMI (odds ratio (OR), 1.003; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.001-1.004), TyG-WC (OR, 1.001; 95% CI, 1.000-1.002), and TyG-WHtR (OR, 1.186; 95% CI, 1.058-1.329). Subgroup analyses indicated consistent positive associations within specific populations. Among Mexican American participants, all TyG-related indicators were significantly associated with infertility. In married participants and non-Hispanic White participants, TyG-BMI, TyG-WC, and TyG-WHtR demonstrated significant associations with infertility. Two-stage linear regression analyses did not depict any evidence of nonlinear relationships between these indices and infertility.

CONCLUSION

TyG-BMI, TyG-WC, and TyG-WHtR were identified as risk factors for infertility, with no observed nonlinear associations. These findings highlight the relevance of TyG-related metabolic indicators in reproductive health, warranting further investigation into their underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.