Fatty Liver Is Associated with Low N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide in a Healthy Population

Abstract

Fatty liver (FL), insulin resistance (IR) and obesity often coexist, but data on the independent impacts of these factors on N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels are scarce. We examined the impact of FL, IR and obesity on NT-proBNP levels using a large set of cross-sectional data. The associations of FL, IR and obesity with NT-proBNP were analyzed in 39,923 healthy adult participants. IR was estimated using a homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index. A multivariable regression model was conducted to identify associations between NT-proBNP and FL on abdominal ultrasound. FL, IR and obesity showed independent inverse associations with NT-proBNP after multiple adjustments for baseline characteristics. In a multivariable regression model adjusting for IR and obesity, FL was independently associated with lower levels of NT-proBNP (estimates, Exp(β) 0.864, 0.849-0.880). The combination of FL and IR was a powerful dual indicator, lowering NT-proBNP levels approximately 25% in the generally healthy study population. In conclusion, FL was independently associated with lower NT-proBNP levels. FL and a high HOMA-IR index are a powerful indicator combination for lower NT-proBNP levels. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanism underlying the association between FL and NT-proBNP.

Keywords: biomarkers; epidemiology; insulin resistance; liver/diagnostic imaging.

Figure 1

Forest plots are shown depicting the estimates, Exp(β) for N-terminal pro-B-natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels in a multivariate logistic regression analysis. Fatty liver and HOMA-IR index (top quartile) were treated as categorical variables. Data points represent the OR ± the standard error. 95% CI indicates 95% confidence interval.