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Association of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease with systemic atherosclerosis: a community-based cross-sectional study

Yanli Zhang, Z. Xia, Xue-Li Cai, Xin Su, A. Jin, Lerong Mei, J. Jing, Suying Wang et al.

Cardiovascular Diabetology, 2023

3,047 participants · 18 citations

Abstract

Background Data are limited on the association of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) with systemic atherosclerosis. This study aimed to examine the relationship between MAFLD and the extent of atherosclerotic plaques and stenosis, and presence of polyvascular disease (PolyVD). Methods In this cross-sectional study, MAFLD was diagnosed based on the presence of metabolic dysfunction (MD) and fatty liver disease (FLD). MAFLD was divided into three subtypes: MAFLD with diabetes mellitus (DM), MAFLD with overweight or obesity (OW), as well as MAFLD with lean/normal weight and at least two metabolic abnormalities. Atherosclerosis was evaluated, with vascular magnetic resonance imaging for intracranial and extracranial arteries, thoracoabdominal computed tomography angiography for coronary, subclavian, aorta, renal, iliofemoral arteries, and ankle-brachial index for peripheral arteries. The extent of plaques and stenosis was defined according to the number of these eight vascular sites affected. PolyVD was defined as the presence of stenosis in at least two vascular sites. Results This study included 3047 participants, with the mean age of 61.2 ± 6.7 years and 46.6% of male (n = 1420). After adjusting for potential confounders, MAFLD was associated with higher extent of plaques (cOR, 2.14, 95% CI 1.85–2.48) and stenosis (cOR, 1.47, 95% CI 1.26–1.71), and higher odds of presence of PolyVD (OR, 1.55, 95% CI 1.24–1.94) as compared with Non-MAFLD. In addition,…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 3,047 participants or records.

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