Association between ALT/AST and Muscle Mass in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Disorders
• Hepatology

Background:

• The alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase (ALT/AST) ratio is implicated in metabolic disorders and insulin resistance.
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a significant risk factor for sarcopenia (low muscle mass).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the ALT/AST ratio and muscle mass in patients with T2DM.
• To explore the relationship between ALT/AST, skeletal muscle index (SMI), and metabolic characteristics in T2DM patients.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 1068 T2DM patients (566 males, 502 females).
• Skeletal muscle index (SMI) was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
• Logistic and multiple linear regression analyses were employed to assess correlations.

Main Results:

• Low muscle mass was observed in 20.3% of males and 14.1% of females.
• The ALT/AST ratio was associated with an increased risk of low muscle mass in both genders.
• SMI was negatively correlated with ALT/AST, age, HbA1c, and HDL in males, and positively with SBP and negatively with ALT/AST and age in females.

Conclusions:

• The ALT/AST ratio demonstrates a negative association with muscle mass in individuals with T2DM.
• Liver enzyme ratios may serve as potential indicators for muscle mass in T2DM management.