The aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase ratio: A novel indicator for skeletal muscle mass in Chinese community adults

Abstract

ObjectivesThe aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT) ratio, an indicator for liver fibrosis, could be easily detected in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to examine the association between the AST/ALT ratio and skeletal muscle mass among Chinese community adult residents. MethodsWe enrolled 2644 participants, age ≥18 y, undergoing bioelectrical impedance analysis and liver function test. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze the effect of the AST/ALT ratio on the presence of low muscle mass (LMM). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess the factors associated with the skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and to construct a formula to calculate the SMI. ResultsWhen the AST/ALT ratio was regarded as a categorical variable, AST/ALT quartiles 9-2.19) kept independent effects on the presence of LMM status. When it was regarded as a continuous variable, each unit of the AST/ALT ratio was significantly associated with a 49% (P < 0.01) augment of the prevalence of LMM. By multiple general linear regression analysis, the formula was constructed with an adjusted R2 of 0.72: SMI (kg/m2) = –0.14 AST/ALT ratio + 1.35 sex (male: 1; female: 0) + 0.72 overweight status (yes: 1; no: 0) – 0.14 age (≤65: 0; >65: 1) + 6.26. ConclusionIn general, the high AST/ALT ratio was an independent adverse indicator of the presence of LMM.