Association of liver enzymes levels with fasting plasma glucose levels in Southern China: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

ObjectiveAccording to several studies, liver enzymes levels are associated with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels. However, the association stratified by body mass index (BMI) remains to be elucidated, especially in Southern China. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between liver enzymes levels and FPG levels stratified by BMI in Southern China.DesignCross-sectional study.Participants and setting3056 individuals participated in real-time interviews and blood tests in Southern China. Participants were divided into three groups (underweight, normal weight and overweight or obesity) based on BMI cut-offs.Main outcome measuredPartial correlation analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between FPG levels and liver tests. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to calculate the adjusted ORs for FPG levels based on liver enzymes levels.ResultsThere was no association between liver enzymes and FPG either in the underweight group or in the normal weight group; however, a significant correlation was observed in the overweight or obesity group (alanine transaminase (ALT), p<0.01; aspartate aminotransferase (AST), p<0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors, the highest tertiles of ALT still remained significantly positively related to FPG levels in the overweight or obesity group, with an OR of 2.205 (95% CI 1.442 to 3.371) for the 5.56≤FPG<7.00 mmol/L vs the FPG<5.56 mmol/L group and with an OR of 2.297 (95% CI 1.017 to 5.187) for the FPG≥7.00 mmol/L vs the FPG<5.56 mmol/L group, but this correlation was not found for AST.ConclusionsThe association of liver enzymes levels with FPG levels differed based on different BMI cut-offs. ALT levels were significantly positively associated with FPG levels in the overweight or obesity group, but not in the other two groups; AST levels were not associated with FPG levels in any group.

Changes in plasma IRAK-M in patients with prediabetes and its relationship with related metabolic indexes: a cross-sectional study

“…The plasma levels of liver enzymes have been shown to be positively correlated with FPG, and patients with T2D often have liver dysfunction. [54][55][56] Our results showed that the levels of ALT and AST were highest in the PD-B group rather than in the T2D group; therefore, liver function might have deteriorated before the FPG level reached the diagnostic threshold for T2D. Similarly, the level of UA increased as the FPG level increased but was highest in the PD-B group and decreased in the T2D group.…”

The link between theANPEPgene and type 2 diabetes mellitus may be mediated by the disruption of glutathione metabolism and redox homeostasis

“…These enzymes utilize amino acids, such as L-alanine (ALT) and L-aspartate (AST), with 2-oxoglutarate derived from the tricarboxylic acid cycle to produce L-glutamate [100]. Increased plasma levels of these enzymes, regularly detected in type 2 diabetes, have been found to be associated with hyperinsulinemia, decreased insulin sensitivity, and hyperglycemia [101,102]. Moreover, the AST/ALT ratio was found to be negatively associated with type 2 diabetes [103–106].…”

Genetic Causal Relationship Between Alanine Aminotransferase Levels and Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Mendelian Randomization Analysis Based on Two Samples

“…Insulin resistance, which is crucial in GDM development, may impair liver function and elevate ALT levels (Sakurai et al, 2021). GDM has been associated with metabolic disorders and chronic inflammation (Bakhshimoghaddam et al, 2023), potentially exacerbating liver stress and ALT levels (Huang et al, 2019). Moreover, the interplay between inflammation and insulin resistance could intensify GDM progression (Zheng et al, 2016).…”