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

Abstract

Background Insulin resistance (IR) is a major pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index has recently gained popularity to assess IR and NAFLD due to its simplicity and low cost. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the relationship between the TyG index and aminotransferase. Methods A serial cross-sectional study was conducted among 232,235 Royal Thai Army (RTA) personnel aged 35–60 years from 2017–2021. Elevated aminotransferase was defined as ≥ 40 U/L and ≥ 35 U/L among males and females, respectively. A linear regression analysis between the TyG index and log-transformed aminotransferase was performed. High- and low-TyG index groups were divided according to Youden’s index cut point for predicting elevated aminotransferase. Multivariable logistic analysis was also utilized to investigate the association between the TyG index and elevated aminotransferase. Results The TyG index revealed a dose‒response relationship with log-transformed aminotransferase in both sexes and all age groups. The TyG index was positively associated with the prevalence of elevated aminotransferases. In comparison with the first TyG quartile (< 8.37), participants in the fourth quartile (> 9.23) had a higher chance for elevated ALT (AOR: 2.81, 95% CI: 2.71–2.90 for males and AOR: 4.01, 95% CI: 3.50–4.60 for females, P < 0.001 for both). In the fourth TyG quartile, the prevalence of elevated ALT was 47.8% and 40.2% in the participants aged 35–44 and male participants, respectively. Conclusion A high TyG index is a novel risk factor for elevated aminotransferase among RTA personnel. Those with a high TyG index should be screened for elevated aminotransferase, particularly males aged 35–44 years.

An Elevated Triglyceride-Glucose Index Correlates with a Higher Risk of Gout: NHANES 2009-2018

“…Similarly, Ghorbani and colleagues, in their cross-sectional study, demonstrated that, with adjustments for confounding factors, the TyG index in individuals suffering from coronary artery disease (CAD) is connected to the greater chance of hyperuricemia (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.02-2.51) [22]. In studies involving other regions and populations, similar conclusions have been reached [23,24]. Since hyperuricemia is a precursor to gout, the research noted a nonlinear constructive correlation associating the TyG index with increased likelihood of gout in the adjusted model.…”

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

“…In a recent study by Lertsakulbunlue et al, it was stated that a TyG index threshold of 8.89 for males and 8.57 for females could effectively predict elevated aminotransferase levels [ 15 ]. Accordingly, the present study unveiled similar TyG index edges of 8.88 for males and 8.54 for females as optimal cutoff points for identifying hyperuricemia.…”

“…Obesity was defined as a BMI of at least 25 kg/m 2 [ 19 , 20 ]. Males with elevated AST or ALT levels below 40 U/L and females with elevated AST or ALT levels below 35 U/L were considered to have high levels [ 15 ]. The TyG index was computed using the equation ln [TG (mg/dL)*FBG (mg/dL)/2] [ 10 ].…”

“…In a recent study, Lertsakulbunlue et al highlighted the significance of the TyG index in anticipating higher aminotransferases in the Royal Thai Army (RTA) members, given the strong association of aminotransferases with IR [ 15 ]. Notably, the RTA population exhibited a considerably higher prevalence of hyperuricemia (31.4%) than other relevant studies conducted in Thailand [ 16 , 17 ].…”