Metabolic Syndrome as a Risk Factor for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome has been linked to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The purpose of the current study was to evaluate metabolic syndrome as a risk factor for NAFLD in Taiwanese adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted in which 876 subjects were enrolled. The diagnosis of NAFLD was made by abdominal ultrasonography. The Asia-Pacific modification of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III guidelines was used to establish the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. NAFLD was diagnosed in 373 (42.6%) of the study population. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 202 (23.1%) of the study population, and it was independently associated with NAFLD (odds ratio [OR] = 2.37; P < 0.001). Among the components of metabolic syndrome, hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 2.24; P < 0.001), hyperglycemia (OR = 2.23; P = 0.001), increased waist circumference (OR = 1.76; P = 0.013), and the diagnostic components of metabolic syndrome were independently associated with NAFLD. Metabolic syndrome and some of its diagnostic components are independent risk factors for NAFLD.