Metabolic syndrome as a risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Background: Metabolic syndrome has been linked to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Objectives: The purpose of the current study was to evaluate metabolic syndrome as a risk factor for NAFLD in Taiwanese adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in which 876 subjects were enrolled. The diagnosis of NAFLD was made by abdominal ultrasonography. The Asia-Pacific modification of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III guideline was used to establish the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. Results: NAFLD was diagnosed in 373 (42.6%) of the study population. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 202 (23.1%) of the study population, and it was independently associated with NAFLD (odds ratio [OR] = 2.37; P < 0.001). Among the components of metabolic syndrome, hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 2.24; P < 0.001), hyperglycemia (OR = 2.23; P = 0.001), increased waist circumference (OR = 1.76; P = 0.013), and the diagnostic components of metabolic syndrome were independently associated with NAFLD. Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome and some of its diagnostic components are independent risk factors for NAFLD.