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The Association Between Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease and Peripheral Arterial Disease in the
Xiao-Hui Song1, Bo Liu2,3, Fang Lei2,4
1Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.
Purpose:
Emerging evidence suggested that metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) was significantly associated with atherosclerotic diseases. Atherosclerosis in the peripheral arteries is the most common cause of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which has not been substantially controlled in the past. We aimed to investigate the association between MAFLD and PAD in the Chinese population.
Patients And Methods:
This observational study covered 102,115 participants who underwent health checkups with detailed examinations for PAD and MAFLD. PAD was measured by ankle-brachial index, and MAFLD was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound. The generalized linear mixed models and random-effects Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze the relationship between MAFLD and PAD.
Results:
The baseline characteristics showed that patients with MAFLD had higher prevalence of PAD compared with those without MAFLD (2.7% vs 2.2%). Compared to non-MAFLD, the individuals with MAFLD were associated with a higher risk of the presence of PAD (adjusted odds ratio: 1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19-1.42, P < 0.001). In the prospective cohort study, 6833 participants underwent a follow-up of 2.76 (standard deviation: 1.36) years, and MAFLD at baseline was a higher risk of associated with incident PAD (adjusted hazards ratio: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.17-2.38, P = 0.005). Moreover, with the accumulation of metabolic abnormalities, the risk of the PAD was increased in the individuals with MAFLD. Furthermore, MAFLD attributed risk of PAD was more evident in participants without metabolic comorbidities.
Conclusion:
MAFLD was associated with a significantly higher risk for the prevalence and incidence of PAD in the Chinese population. The finding suggested that individuals with MAFLD are not only have a higher risk of coronary heart diseases but also have an increased risk of atherosclerosis in peripheral arteries.
Insights
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) significantly increases the risk of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in Chinese adults. Early detection and management of MAFLD are crucial for preventing PAD progression and cardiovascular events.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Hepatology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is increasingly linked to atherosclerotic diseases.
- Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a common manifestation of atherosclerosis, remains a significant health concern.
- Investigating the association between MAFLD and PAD is crucial for understanding cardiovascular risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between MAFLD and PAD in the Chinese population.
- To determine if MAFLD is a risk factor for the prevalence and incidence of PAD.
- To explore the impact of metabolic abnormalities on the MAFLD-PAD relationship.
Main Methods:
- An observational study involving 102,115 participants undergoing health checkups.
- MAFLD diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound; PAD assessed using ankle-brachial index.
- Generalized linear mixed models and random-effects Cox proportional hazards models were employed for analysis.
Main Results:
- MAFLD was associated with a higher prevalence of PAD (2.7% vs 2.2%).
- MAFLD significantly increased the risk of PAD presence (aOR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.19-1.42).
- MAFLD at baseline predicted incident PAD (aHR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.17-2.38) over a mean follow-up of 2.76 years.
Conclusions:
- MAFLD is significantly associated with both the prevalence and incidence of PAD in the Chinese population.
- Individuals with MAFLD face an elevated risk of peripheral artery atherosclerosis, in addition to coronary heart disease.
- The findings underscore the importance of considering MAFLD in cardiovascular risk assessment and management.
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