Purpose
Although fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) is involved in the development of metabolic diseases, its association with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) remains unknown. We explored the relationship between serum fibroblast growth factor-23 level, metabolic associated fatty liver disease, and liver fat content.
Patients and Methods
Participants were enrolled from communities in Shanghai. Serum fibroblast growth factor-23 level was determined using two-side sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. MAFLD was diagnosed using the international expert consensus (2020) criteria. Liver fat content was assessed using ultrasound.
Results
We enrolled 1827 individuals aged 30–80 years (mean age, 59.4±7.3 years). MAFLD was diagnosed in 445/1393 (31.9%) non-diabetic participants and 245/434 (56.5%) diabetic participants. After adjusting for confounders, one standard deviation increase in serum FGF23 was associated with MAFLD in diabetic (odds ratio, 1.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.15–1.49;
P
<0.001) and non-diabetic (odds ratio, 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–1.74;
P
=0.030) groups. In a fully adjusted linear regression model, serum FGF23 emerged as a positive determinant of liver fat content in both diabetic and non-diabetic groups (
P
=0.039;
P
=0.034).
Conclusion
Participants with MAFLD had higher serum fibroblast growth factor-23 level than those without MAFLD, regardless of diabetes status. Serum fibroblast growth factor-23 was independently related to MAFLD and liver fat content.