Association between atherogenic index of plasma and chronic diarrhea: a cross-sectional study of the NHANES 2005-2010

Chronic diarrhea (CD), a common chronic condition resulting from various mechanisms, has chronic inflammation as a primary determinant. Despite recent research exploring the potential mechanisms linking lipids and diarrhea, clinical studies on the relationship between lipids and the onset of CD are limited. This study aimed to investigate the association between the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and CD risk.

This cross-sectional study used data from the 2005-2010 NHANES. The association between AIP and CD was examined through multiple linear regression analyses. A smooth curve-fitting algorithm was applied to assess the potential non-linear dose-response relationship between AIP and CD, and subgroup analyses were conducted.

Among 5,948 participants, 440 (7.4%) had CD. After adjusting for potential confounders, AIP was significantly associated with CD (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.08-2.30; P = 0.018). The highest AIP quartile (Q4; 0.18 to 0.92) showed an adjusted OR for CD of 1.51 (95% CI, 1.10-2.07; P = 0.011) versus the lowest quartile (Q1; -1.15 to -0.25). Subgroup analyses indicated that diabetic individuals with higher AIP had a higher CD risk (OR, 3.84; 95% CI, 1.45-10.15), with an observed additive interaction (P for interaction = 0.045).

This study demonstrates a significant association between AIP and CD risk. AIP may serve as a promising indicator for assessing CD risk, offering valuable insights for prevention and treatment strategies.