Novel Atherogenic Indices Linked to Higher Risk for Metabolic Syndrome and Fatty Liver Disease

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the Alborz University of Medical Sciences in Karaj, Iran, have conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 34 studies to evaluate the association between novel atherogenic indices and the pathophysiology of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The study found that non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) and non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio are novel indices linked to a higher risk for metabolic syndrome and possibly MASLD.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study included 34 observational studies that reported standardized mean differences (SMD), odds ratios (ORs), and components of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.
  • Non-HDL-C (SMD = 1.11, 95% CI 0.49-1.73) and non-HDL-C/HDL-C (SMD = 0.77, 95% 0.55-0.98) were significantly higher in MASLD patients.
  • Both indices were associated with increased odds for development or diagnosis of MASLD (non-HDL-C OR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.19-1.48; non-HDL-C/HDL-C OR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.30-2.04).
  • Non-HDL-C (AUC = 0.68, 95% CI 0.65-0.72) and non-HDL-C/HDL-C demonstrated 'good' utility (AUC = 0.74, 95% CI 0.70-0.77) as a diagnostic marker for MASLD.
  • The study concluded that the use of these atherogenic indices as part of a complex model for prediction of MASLD may prove beneficial in the clinical setting.
  • The research was led by Arman Shafiee, Asal Ataie-Jafari, Kiavash Semnani, Saba Goodarzi, Armita Mahdavi-Gorabi, and Mostafa Qorbani.

Statistics:

  • 34 observational studies were included in the quantitative synthesis.
  • Non-HDL-C was significantly higher in MASLD patients (SMD = 1.11, 95% CI 0.49-1.73).
  • The AUC for non-HDL-C (95% CI 0.65-0.72) and non-HDL-C/HDL-C (95% CI 0.70-0.77) as a diagnostic marker for MASLD was reported.
  • The OR for MASLD associated with non-HDL-C (95% CI 1.19-1.48) and non-HDL-C/HDL-C (95% CI 1.30-2.04) was reported.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Findings from Alborz University of Medical Sciences Provide New Insights into Fatty Liver Disease (Non-HDL-C and non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio as predictors of hepatic steatosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis). Health & Medicine Week. October 24, 2025; p 797.
  • Alborz University of Medical Sciences. Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders. 2025;24(2):214.
  • Springer. www.springer.com
  • Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders. www.springerlink.com/content/2251-6581/