Associations between Rest-Activity Rhythms and Liver Function Tests: The US National Health and Nutrition Examination...

Liver functions are regulated by the circadian rhythm; however, whether a weakened circadian rhythm is associated with impaired liver function is unclear. This study aims to investigate the association of characteristics of rest-activity rhythms with abnormal levels of biomarkers of liver function. Data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2014. Seven rest-activity rhythm parameters were derived from 24 h actigraphy data using the extended cosine model and non-parametric methods. Multiple logistic regression and multiple linear regression models were used to assess the associations between rest-activity rhythm parameters and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transaminase (GGT), albumin and bilirubin. Weakened overall rhythmicity characterized by a lower F statistic was associated with higher odds of abnormally elevated ALP (OR_Q1vs.Q5: 2.16; 95% CI 1.19, 3.90) and GGT (OR_Q1vs.Q5: 2.04; 95% CI 1.30, 3.20) and abnormally lowered albumin (OR_Q1vs.Q5: 5.15; 95% CI 2.14, 12.38). Similar results were found for a lower amplitude, amplitude:mesor ratio, interdaily stability and intradaily variability. Results were robust to the adjustment of confounders and cannot be fully explained by individual rest-activity behaviors, including sleep and physical activity. Weakened rest-activity rhythms were associated with worse liver function as measured by multiple biomarkers, supporting a potential role of circadian rhythms in liver health.