Photo Credit: Mohammed Haneefa Nizamudeen

The following is a summary of “Association between the lymphocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein ratio and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease among US adults: a cross-sectional study from NHANES 2017 to 2020” published in the December 2024 issue of Gastroenterology by Tang et al.  

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a condition linked to chronic low-grade inflammation and liver fibrosis. Still, the lymphocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein ratio (LHR) remains an underexplored biomarker for the progression.  

Researchers conducted a retrospective study investigating the relationship between the lymphocyte-to-high-density LHR and MASLD.  

They analyzed data from 15,560 adults (2017–2020) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The lymphocyte-to-high-density LHR was calculated, and liver steatosis was assessed using the Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) and liver stiffness measurements. Multivariate regression and threshold effect analysis were employed to investigate associations.  

The results showed a significant positive link between lymphocyte-to-high-density LHR and MASLD (OR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.40–1.92). An inverted L-shaped relationship between LHR and CAP was observed, with a critical inflection point at -2.58. Subgroup analysis indicated stronger associations among individuals with obesity (OR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.66–2.32) and females (OR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.25–2.46). No significant correlation was found between LHR and clinically significant fibrosis.  

They concluded that the LHR was positively associated with MASLD and may be an early marker for diagnosis and treatment monitoring.  

Source: bmcgastroenterol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12876-024-03565-5