Abstract
The association between nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) or liver fibrosis and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) has not been well studied. We aimed to investigate the association of NAFL or liver fibrosis indices and DPN in individuals with type 2 diabetes. In this observational study, we included 264 individuals with type 2 diabetes, and calculated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) liver fat score, NAFLD fibrosis score, and Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index to evaluate the status of NAFLD or liver fibrosis. DPN was diagnosed when the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument—Physical Examination score was ≥ 2.5. The NAFLD fibrosis score and FIB-4 index were significantly higher in individuals with DPN than in those without DPN. Logistic analyses showed that the NAFLD fibrosis score and FIB-4 index were associated with DPN after adjustment for covariates (adjusted odds ratio 1.474 and 1.961, respectively). In the subgroup analysis, this association was only significant in the group with a high NAFLD liver fat score (> − 0.640). Serum levels of fetuin-A, a hepatokine, were decreased in individuals with abnormal vibration perception or 10-g monofilament tests compared with their counterparts. The present study suggests that liver fibrosis might be associated with DPN in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Highlights
The association between nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) or liver fibrosis and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) has not been well studied
The prevalence of suspected non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) based on NAFLD liver fat score > − 0.640 was compatible between individuals with and without DPN (73.3% vs. 69.3%, p = 0.493)
In contrast to the subgroup with a low NAFLD liver fat score (≤ − 0.640), the NAFLD fibrosis score and FIB-4 index were significantly higher in individuals with DPN than in those without DPN among individuals with a high NAFLD liver fat score (> − 0.640)
Summary
The association between nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) or liver fibrosis and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) has not been well studied. We aimed to investigate the association of NAFL or liver fibrosis indices and DPN in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Individuals with type 2 diabetes showed an increased risk of developing NASH, advanced fibrosis, and c irrhosis[4,5,6,7]. NAFLD in individuals with type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD)[8,9] and an increased risk of microvascular complications, such as nephropathy and r etinopathy[10,11,12]. Considering that NAFLD, CVD, and DPN share risk factors and that NAFLD is associated with an increased risk of other microvascular complications, it is reasonable to hypothesize that individuals with diabetes and NAFL or liver fibrosis would have a high risk for DPN. We tested the association between DPN and fetuin-A, a hepatokine that is known to be elevated in individuals with N AFLD15
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
