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.
Keywords: metabolism-associated fatty liver disease, fibroblast growth factor 23, liver fat content, diabetes