The Comparation of Anthropometric and Metabolic Indices in the Regulation and Prediction of Fatty Liver: a population-based cross-sectional study in China

Background: The association between anthropometric and metabolic indices and fatty liver (FL) remain not fully elucidated. We aimed to determine the role of these anthropometric and metabolic indices on FL prediction and regulation via cross-sectional study, thus providing clues for further research in FL field. Methods: A total of 658 participants aged over 18 years were included in this study. Anthropometric and metabolic indices (including WC, WHR, BMI, BFM, VFA, TG/HDL, AST/ALT, SBP, DBP and FBG) were measured. Difference analyses, logistic and predictive analyses were used to evaluate the association and discrimination ability between these indices and FL. Results: Compared with non-FL, anthropometric and metabolic indices in FL and mild FL people showed a significant increase after adjustment. In the multivariate ranked logistic regression analysis, WC, TG/HDL, AST/ALT and FBG have a strong association with FL (β = 0.03, 0.19, 0.41, -1.89 and 0.28, P<0.05). And AST/ALT showed the lowest predicted power with an AUC of 0.22 among all indices. WC showed to be the best predictors with an AUC of 0.86 in participants. Conclusions: This is a comprehensive profile for FL related indices. These can enhance our understanding of the mechanisms for hepatic on inflammation and fat and is also important for the prevention and treatment of FL.