Association between raised blood pressure and elevated serum liver enzymes among active-duty Royal Thai Army personnel in Thailand

Abstract

Background The relationship between hypertension (HT) and serum liver enzymes was reported in a few studies, but the findings were inconsistent. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the association between elevated serum liver enzymes and raised BP through the use of a large sample of Royal Thai Army (RTA) personnel. Methods The dataset obtained from the annual health examination database of RTA personnel in Thailand was utilized. A total of 244,281 RTA personnel aged 35–60 were included in the current study. Elevated serum liver enzymes were defined as aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≥ 40 U/L in males and ≥ 35 U/L in females. HT was defined as systolic BP ≥ 140 or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg. A multivariable linear regression model was used to estimate the coefficient and 95% confidence intervals (CI), whereas a multivariable logistic regression model was applied to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% CI for the association between raised BP and serum liver enzymes. Results Compared to individuals with SBP < 120 and DBP < 80 mmHg, the β coefficients of log-transformed AST and ALT were 0.13 (95% CI: 0.12–0.13) and 0.11 (95% CI: 0.11–0.12) in males with HT. Meanwhile, the β coefficients of log-transformed AST and ALT were 0.03 (95% CI: 0.02–0.04) and 0.07 (95% CI: 0.05–0.08) in females with HT. In males, HT was associated with elevated AST (AOR: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.85–2.01) and elevated ALT (AOR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.38–1.48). On the other hand, in females, HT was associated with elevated AST (AOR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.21–1.66) and elevated ALT (AOR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.21–1.57). Conclusion Raised BP was positively correlated with elevated AST and ALT in active-duty RTA personnel. Moreover, HT was independently attributed to higher odds of elevated AST and ALT in comparison to optimal BP in both males and females. Furthermore, the relationship between serum liver enzymes and BP was modified by sex.

Associations of triglyceride-glucose index with hyperuricemia among Royal Thai Army personnel

“…This occurrence can be attributed to the relatively elevated prevalence of metabolic syndrome in RTA staff in contrast to the normal Thai population [ 23 ]. Additionally, a notable predominance of males was spotted within the RTA personnel group, and it is known that males tend to exhibit a greater pervasiveness of psychological risk parameters, encompassing smoking and drinking consumption [ 24 , 25 ].…”

Lifestyle factors modified the mediation role of liver fibrosis in the association between occupational physical activity and blood pressure

“…After an inflammatory response in the body caused by external stimuli, liver injury can be exacerbated by triggering the activation of hepatic stellate cells, which can transform into fibroblasts and promote liver fibrosis by secreting type I collagen ( 42 , 54 ). Liver fibrosis and the development of portal hypertension generate an increase in intrahepatic blood flow resistance, which puts strain on the cardiovascular system and increases the risk of CVD ( 55 ). In addition, our study found that lifestyle factors moderated the mediating effect of liver fibrosis on the relationship between OPA and BP.…”

Relationship between triglyceride-glucose index and aminotransferase among Royal Thai Army personnel 2017–2021: a serial cross-sectional study

“…This may be due to the lower insulin resistance among females in comparison with males of similar age, particularly before menopause [ 31 ]. Furthermore, males are known to exhibit higher behavioral risks, including smoking and alcohol consumption, causing a higher prevalence of elevated aminotransferases in comparison with females [ 32 , 33 ].…”