Prospective study of relationship between serum ferritin and metabolic associated fatty liver disease / 中华健康管理学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate the relationship between serum ferritin (SF) and metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).Methods:A total of 7 980 adults from physical examination in Tianjin Medical University General Hospital who met selection criterion were recruited as participants. Subjects were divided into 4 groups ( Q1- Q4) according to quartiles of SF level by gender. The incidence of MAFLD in each group in 2018-2020 were observed and cumulative incidence of MAFLD was compared between each group. Cox regression model was used to analyze the correlation between different SF levels and new-onset MAFLD, and stratified analysis was performed according to factors as gender, age, smoking status and body mass index (BMI). Results:The mean follow up period was 3.2 years, and there were 25 323 person-years of follow-up, and 1 696 subjects developed MAFLD. The incidence density of MAFLD in Q1- Q4 groups were 53.30, 56.39, 72.80 and 85.78/1 000 person-years, respectively. The incidence density of MAFLD increased along with the increase of SF levels, and the differences were statistically significant ( P values between Q3, Q4 and Q1 groups were both<0.001) with SF ≥ 162.47 μg/L (male) and 49.94 μg/L (female). The risk of MAFLD were 1.173 (95% CI 1.093-1.258) and 1.174 (95% CI 1.122-1.228) times higher in Q3 and Q4 group than that in Q1 group ( P<0.001). After adjusting for age, smoking status and other confounding factors, the risks of MAFLD in the Q3 and Q4 groups were 1.092 (95% CI 1.017-1.172) and 1.084 (95% CI 1.035-1.136) times higher in Q3 and Q4 group than that in Q1 group (all P<0.001). The stratified analyses based on gender, age, smoking status, BMI and other factors indicated that high SF levels showed significant association with MAFLD risk in those with the male sex, younger age, non-smokers and higher BMI population. Conclusions:High SF levels might increase the risk of MAFLD and this positive association might be associated with gender, age, smoking status and BMI.