Newer laboratory indices for identification of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in obesity

The global incidence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is in the rise in the setting of obesity. Currently, hepatic steatosis is being diagnosed with imaging techniques, blood biomarkers, or liver biopsy. This study explores the newer laboratory indices like albumin/GGT ratio, ALT/HDL ratio, and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) in overweight and obese individuals predicted with hepatic steatosis.

Patients attending master health screening were recruited and were divided into healthy control, overweight, and obese groups based on their body mass index (BMI). Fasting venous samples were collected from all the participants. Lipid profile and parameters related to liver function were processed, and the new indices albumin/GGT ratio, ALT/HDL ratio, and AIP were calculated and evaluated.

The mean concentration of all three indices showed statistically significant differences, especially between the control and obesity groups. Albumin GGT ratio correlated negatively, whereas ALT HDL ratio and AIP correlated positively with fatty liver index (FLI) and hepatic steatosis index (HSI). The cut-off value obtained for predicting MASLD in the study was <0.20, >0.49, >0.58 for Albumin GGT ratio, AIP, and ALT HDL ratio respectively.

These novel indices can serve as a cost-effective tool to predict MASLD in a population, especially in resource-limited settings. Hence, these indices can be included in the laboratory reports during routine health screening, and lifestyle intervention can be initiated at the early stage.