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In Vitro Modeling of Fat Deposition in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease
Published on: July 19, 2024
High Remnant Cholesterol Increased the Risk of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) or
Taufik Biya1, Himawan Sanusi1, Andi Makbul Aman1
1Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia.
Background:
MAFLD is currently acknowledged as the most common chronic liver disease and is strongly associated with obesity, metabolic dysregulation and diabetes. MAFLD is defined by the accumulation of lipids within the liver due to impaired lipid metabolism.
Objective:
The objective of this study is to assess the association between increased remnant cholesterol levels and the likelihood of developing MAFLD or NAFLD.
Methodology:
A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed in accordance with PRISMA recommendations. Databases such as the Cochrane Library and PubMed were queried for relevant material through March 21, 2025, using specific keywords related to remnant cholesterol and fatty liver disorders. The inclusion criteria concentrated on research investigating the influence of remnant cholesterol on the incidence of NAFLD/MAFLD. Data extraction and quality evaluation were conducted utilizing the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Cohort Studies and ROBINS-I instruments.
Results:
Six studies were eventually included in our systematic review, including cross-sectional studies with a total of 45,821participants. The meta-analysis, conducted with Review Manager version 5.4, demonstrated a significant association between elevated remnant cholesterol levels and an increased risk of NAFLD/MAFLD, yielding a relative risk (RR) of 3.18 (95% CI 1.89-5.37; p <0.00001; I2 = 99%). This indicates a robust link between remnant cholesterol and the prevalence of various hepatic disorders.
Conclusion:
Remnant cholesterol is associated with MAFLD or NAFLD. Increased remnant cholesterol is a risk factor for MAFLD or NAFLD.
Insights
Elevated remnant cholesterol significantly increases the risk of developing metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This finding highlights remnant cholesterol as a key risk factor for these common liver conditions.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Metabolic Disorders
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver condition.
- MAFLD is closely linked to obesity, diabetes, and metabolic dysregulation.
- It is characterized by hepatic lipid accumulation due to impaired lipid metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between elevated remnant cholesterol levels and the incidence of MAFLD and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Main Methods:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
- Searched Cochrane Library and PubMed for studies up to March 21, 2025, on remnant cholesterol and fatty liver disease.
- Included six cross-sectional studies with 45,821 participants; assessed data quality using JBI and ROBINS-I tools.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between higher remnant cholesterol levels and increased risk of MAFLD/NAFLD.
- The meta-analysis revealed a relative risk (RR) of 3.18 (95% CI 1.89-5.37; p <0.00001).
- High heterogeneity (I² = 99%) indicates a robust link between remnant cholesterol and hepatic disorders.
Conclusions:
- Increased remnant cholesterol is a significant risk factor for MAFLD and NAFLD.
- This finding underscores the importance of monitoring remnant cholesterol in liver health.
- Remnant cholesterol levels are strongly associated with the prevalence of fatty liver diseases.
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