Independent and joint effects of moderate alcohol consumption and smoking on the risks of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in elderly Chinese men

Abstract

BackgroundWhether cigarette smoking and moderate drinking are associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)has not been fully described. This study investigated the separate and joint effects of smoking and moderate drinking on Chinese men with NAFLD.MethodsAcross-sectional assay from DFTJ Cohort study was performed with a size of 9432 elderly Chinese men excluding excessive alcohol consumption (<210g/week). Fatty liver was diagnosed by standardized ultrasonographic inspection. The odds ratio (OR) of alcohol consumption and smoking for the prevalence of NAFLD were analyzed using multiple logistic regression with multiple adjustments.ResultsThe prevalence of NAFLD in current smokers (pack-year≥40) and drinkers (80~210g/week or drinking duration≥35years) was significantly higher than that in non-smokers and non-drinkers, respectively. The combination of current smoking (pack-year≥40) and drinking (80~210g/week) was associated with the highest risk of NAFLD (OR 1.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28–2.68;P<0.01). The similar combined effect was found in participants with pack-year≥40 and drinking duration≥35 years (OR 1.72; 95% CI 1.26–2.34;P<0.01). Moreover, an interaction was observed between current smoking and moderate drinking in NAFLD.ConclusionsIn elderly Chinese men, cigarette smoking and moderate alcohol consumption exerts an evident joint effect and interaction on the prevalence of NAFLD, although both are significantly and independently associated with NAFLD prevalence. Such findings highlight particular significance of avoidance of cigarette and alcohol on NAFLD prevention.

Association between motoric cognitive risk syndrome and frailty among older Chinese adults

“…Smoking status was categorized into nonsmokers, former smokers and current smokers on the basis of self-reported amount and length of cigarette smoking. Current smokers were those who smoked regularly at least once a day or more for more than half a year, and former smokers were those who used to smoke but stopped smoking at least half a year prior to the study [38]. Alcohol drinking status was classified into non-drinkers, former drinkers and current drinkers based on the self-reported amount and duration of alcoholic beverages.…”

Association between cotinine‐verified smoking status and risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

“…15 In addition, a recent cross-sectional study showed that current smokers had a higher risk of NAFLD than nonsmokers. 17 Contrary to these studies, some other studies have been unable to demonstrate an association between smoking and NAFLD. Chavez-Tapia et al 13 showed that the risk of NAFLD was not different between current smokers and nonsmokers.…”

“…A population‐based study from China also reported that passive smoking (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.05‐1.50) and active heavy smoking (OR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.30‐4.03) significantly increased the risk of NAFLD . In addition, a recent cross‐sectional study showed that current smokers had a higher risk of NAFLD than nonsmokers . Contrary to these studies, some other studies have been unable to demonstrate an association between smoking and NAFLD.…”

“…However, the impact of cigarette smoking on NAFLD in humans has been controversial, with inconsistent results. Some studies have suggested weak or null associations between smoking and NAFLD, whereas several other studies have shown a significant increased risk of NAFLD in smokers . The relatively small number of subjects in previous studies may be one of the reasons for the inconsistent results.…”

“…Some studies have suggested weak or null associations between smoking and NAFLD, 13,14 whereas several other studies have shown a significant increased risk of NAFLD in smokers. [15][16][17] The relatively small number of subjects in previous studies may be one of the reasons for the inconsistent results. Moreover, these discrepancies may be partly explained by the fact that most studies have relied on self-reported questionnaires that may be inaccurate when assessing smoking status.…”