Fatty liver index (FLI) was developed as a simple and accurate marker of hepatic steatosis. FLI is derived from an
algorithm based on
body mass index,
waist circumference, and levels of
triglycerides and
gamma-glutamyltransferase, and it is widely used in clinical and
epidemiological studies as a
screening tool for discriminating between healthy and
nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (
NAFLD) subjects. However, a
systematic review of the
literature regarding FLI revealed that this index has more extensive relationships with biochemical and physiological
parameters. FLI is associated with key
parameters of
lipid,
protein and
carbohydrate metabolism,
hormones,
vitamins and markers of
inflammation, or
oxidative stress. FLI can be a predictor or
risk factor for a number of metabolic and nonmetabolic
diseases and
mortality. FLI is also used as an
indicator for determining the effects of
health-related prevention interventions, medications, and
toxic substances on
humans. Although in most cases, the exact mechanisms underlying these
associations have not been fully elucidated, they are most often assumed to be mediated by
insulin resistance,
inflammation, and
oxidative stress. Thus, FLI may be a promising marker of metabolic
health due to its multiple
associations with
parameters of physiological and
pathological processes. In this context, the present
review summarizes the data from currently available
literature on the
associations between FLI and biochemical variables and physiological functions. We believe that this
review will be of interest to
researchers working in this area and can provide new perspectives and directions for
future studies on FLI. (AU)