Cardiometabolic risk factors, metabolic profile and body composition in young adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Aim. To compare cardiometabolic risk factors, metabolic parameters and body composition in young adults with and withou tnon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Material and methods. This observational case-control study in­clu­ded 100 participants, which were divided into groups 1 (n=50) and 2 (n=50) with and without NAFLD, respectively. The mean age in the NAFLD group was 38 [34-40] years, while in the group without NAFLD — 34,5 [28-38] years (p=0,004). Clinical and paraclinical examination was conducted. Body composition was determined using bioelectrical impedance analysis on Inbody 370 analyzer.

Results. Young adults with NAFLD had a higher prevalence of over­weight/obesity, positive family history of cardiovascular disease, hyperuricemia, and hyperglycemia, along with higher serum tri­gly­ceride levels and lower serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol le­vels compared to individuals without NAFLD. Body composition asses­sment showed that young adults with NAFLD had higher total and visceral fat levels compared to individuals without NAFLD. Visceral fat levels in young adults with NAFLD were positively associated with anthropometric (waist circumference, body mass index, waist/hip ratio) and metabolic (fasting insulin) parameters.

Conclusion. Identification of a cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors in young individuals with NAFLD is important in clinical practice for early inter­vention, which can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and complications. Visceral fat accumulation is closely associated with NAFLD and hepatic steatosis, which determines the importance of assessing body composition with visceral fat measurement in such patients.

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