# Association between hepatic steatosis and fibrosis and arthritis among US adults: A population-based study

## TL;DR

This study finds a link between arthritis and liver fat, especially in women, but no connection to liver scarring.

## Contribution

First study to examine arthritis in relation to both liver steatosis and fibrosis.

## Key findings

- Arthritis is positively correlated with hepatic steatosis, especially in women.
- No significant relationship was found between arthritis and liver fibrosis.
- Osteoarthritis or degenerative arthritis, but not rheumatoid arthritis, is associated with higher liver fat risk.

## Abstract

•Positive correlation between arthritis and hepatic steatosis, particularly in women.•No significant relationship between arthritis and the risk of liver fibrosis.•First study to examine the association between arthritis and both liver steatosis and fibrosis.

Positive correlation between arthritis and hepatic steatosis, particularly in women.

No significant relationship between arthritis and the risk of liver fibrosis.

First study to examine the association between arthritis and both liver steatosis and fibrosis.

Lipid metabolism factors may play a role in the development of arthritis and hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. The aim of this study was to explore the potential association between arthritis and hepatic steatosis and liver fibrosis.

The nationally representative sample from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was analyzed, with data on arthritis diagnosis, subtype, and liver status obtained. Liver status was assessed using transient elastography. Hepatic steatosis was defined as a Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) score ≥263 dB/m, and liver fibrosis status was defined as F0‒F4. Logistic regression models and subgroup analyses stratified by sex were used to evaluate the associations. Smooth curve fitting was used to describe the associations.

The present study of 6,840 adults aged 20 years or older found a significant positive correlation between arthritis and CAP in multivariate logistic regression analysis (β = 0.003, 95 % CI 0.001 to 0.0041, p < 0.001). Participants with arthritis had a higher risk of hepatic steatosis (OR = 1.248, 95 % CI 1.036 to 1.504, p = 0.020), particularly those with osteoarthritis or degenerative arthritis, but not rheumatoid arthritis (p = 0.847). The positive correlation was maintained in females (β = 0.004, 95 % CI 0.002 to 0.006, p < 0.001), but not in males. There was no significant relationship between arthritis and liver fibrosis (p = 0.508).

This study indicates that there is a positive correlation between arthritis and hepatic steatosis, particularly in females. Nonetheless, there is no significant relationship between arthritis and the risk of liver fibrosis.