A Cross-Sectional Study of the Correlation Between the Atherogenic Index of Plasma and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Purpose

The main objective of this study was to examine the possible association between the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Chinese individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Patients and methods

In this survey, data from 1074 patients with T2DM were retrospectively extracted. The correlations between each variable and NAFLD were determined by univariate analysis, and then, the statistically significant variables were evaluated for their association with AIP and NAFLD by multivariate regression analysis.

Results

AIP levels were significantly higher in all males and females with NAFLD than those without NAFLD (p<0.001). The prevalence of NAFLD increased progressively throughout the AIP quartiles (trend P < 0.001) and accounted for possible variables in Model 3 of the multivariate logistic regression analysis (OR: 2244.984). In terms of sensitivity and specificity, the AIP index was found to be 65.0% and 90.1% accurate, respectively, with a 95% CI of 0.804–0.893. According to a stratified analysis, females, patients over the age of 56 and current nonsmokers were found to have a higher chance of developing NAFLD.

Conclusion

T2DM individuals with NAFLD were found to have a higher AIP index than those without NAFLD. The prevalence and progression of NAFLD in T2DM patients may be influenced by the AIP index.

Keywords:

• type 2 diabetes mellitus
• nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
• atherogenic index of plasma
• diagnostic ability
• cross-sectional study

Ethics Approval and Informed Consent

The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University. Approval number: 2018017. Everyone involved in this study signed an informed consent form.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

A portion of this study was financed by the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology grants 2016YFC0901200.