Nonlinear association between TyG-BMI and MAFLD: A cross-sectional study.

Area of Science:

• Metabolic disease research
• Hepatology
• Biomarker discovery

Background:

• The triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI) is an emerging metric linked to metabolic health.
• Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a growing public health concern.
• Understanding the relationship between TyG-BMI and MAFLD is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between TyG-BMI and the incidence of MAFLD.
• To explore how TyG-BMI influences the development of different MAFLD phenotypes.
• To determine the predictive value of TyG-BMI in MAFLD.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study design was employed.
• Curve fitting analysis assessed the nonlinear relationships between TyG-BMI and MAFLD phenotypes.
• Multivariate ordinal logistic regression confirmed the stability and independence of these associations.

Main Results:

• A nonlinear relationship was identified between TyG-BMI and MAFLD, with a critical threshold around 176.78.
• TyG-BMI was independently associated with both nonfibrotic (OR=5.99) and fibrotic (OR=5.24) MAFLD phenotypes after full adjustment.
• Positive correlations were found between TyG-BMI and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), and a weaker correlation with shear wave elastography (SWE).

Conclusions:

• TyG-BMI exhibits a nonlinear association with the risk of developing distinct MAFLD phenotypes.
• The TyG-BMI serves as a significant indicator for MAFLD risk.
• These findings support the use of TyG-BMI in developing screening and preventive strategies for MAFLD.