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. 2024 Dec 18;13(24):7717.
doi: 10.3390/jcm13247717.

The Role of SHBG as a Marker in Male Patients with Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease: Insights into Metabolic and Hormonal Status

Ljiljana Fodor Duric  1   2 , Velimir Belčić  3 , Anja Oberiter Korbar  4 , Sanja Ćurković  5   6 , Bozidar Vujicic  7   8 , Tonko Gulin  9   10 , Jelena Muslim  3 , Matko Gulin  11 , Mladen Grgurević  12 , Edina Catic Cuti  13
Affiliations

The Role of SHBG as a Marker in Male Patients with Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease: Insights into Metabolic and Hormonal Status

Ljiljana Fodor Duric et al. J Clin Med. .

Abstract

Background: Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a spectrum of liver diseases linked to insulin resistance (IR), type 2 diabetes, and metabolic disorders. IR accelerates fat accumulation in the liver, worsening MAFLD. Regular physical activity and weight loss can improve liver function, reduce fat, and lower cardiovascular risk. This study examines the role of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in MAFLD, focusing on its potential as a biomarker and its relationship with insulin resistance. Methods: The study included 98 male patients (ages 30-55) with MAFLD, identified through systematic examinations, and 74 healthy male controls. All participants underwent abdominal ultrasound and blood tests after fasting, assessing markers such as glucose, liver enzymes (AST, ALT, γGT), lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides), insulin, SHBG, estradiol, and testosterone. SHBG levels were analyzed in relation to body mass index (BMI) and age. Results: A significant association was found between low SHBG levels and the presence of fatty liver. Individuals with MAFLD had lower SHBG levels compared to controls. BMI and age were key factors influencing SHBG, with higher BMI linked to lower SHBG in younger men, while SHBG remained stable in older individuals regardless of BMI. Conclusion: SHBG may serve as a valuable biomarker for early detection and risk assessment of MAFLD. The complex relationship between SHBG, BMI, and age highlights the importance of considering both hormonal and metabolic factors when assessing fatty liver risk. Our findings support the need for comprehensive metabolic evaluations in clinical practice.

Keywords: Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD); cardiovascular health; insulin resistance; physical activity; sex hormone-binding globulin.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Boxplot of SHBG by MAFLD.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Interaction Between BMI and Age on SHBG Levels.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Plot of Odds Ratios and 95% Wald Confide.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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