Gut Liver.  2024 May;18(3):509-519. 10.5009/gnl230238.

Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass to Visceral Fat Area Ratio Predicts Hepatic Morbidities

• Han E
• Lee Yh
• Ahn SH
• Cha BS
• Kim SU
• Lee BW

• KMID: 2555848
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5009/gnl230238

Abstract

Background/Aims
Reports on the association between sarcopenic visceral obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-associated morbidities remain scarce. We investigated the association between sarcopenia and visceral obesity, and the influence of this association on hepatic and coronary comorbidities.
Methods
The appendicular skeletal muscle mass to visceral fat area ratio (SV ratio) was evaluated using bioelectric impedance analysis. NAFLD and significant liver fibrosis were assessed using transient elastography, and high atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk was defined as a 10-year ASCVD risk score >10%. Sarcopenia was defined as appendicular skeletal muscle mass adjusted by body mass index (<0.789 for men and <0.512 for women).
Results
In total, 82.0% (n=1,205) of the entire study population had NAFLD, and 14.6% of these individuals (n=176) exhibited significant liver fibrosis. Individuals with the lowest SV ratio had a significantly increased risk of NAFLD, significant liver fibrosis, and high ASCVD risk (all p<0.05). Individuals with both the lowest SV ratio and sarcopenia had the highest risk of developing NAFLD (odds ratio [OR]=3.11), significant liver fibrosis (OR=2.03), and high ASCVD risk (OR=4.15), compared with those with a higher SV ratio and without sarcopenia (all p<0.05).
Conclusions
Low SV ratio combined with sarcopenia was significantly associated with an increased risk of NAFLD, significant liver fibrosis, and high ASCVD risk among individuals with a high risk of NAFLD.

Keyword

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; Obesity; Sarcopenia; Morbidity