A high reticulocyte count is a risk factor for the onset of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: Cross-sectional and prospective studies of data of 310,091 individuals from the UK Biobank

TL;DR

Higher reticulocyte counts are linked to a greater risk of developing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, according to a large study of over 300,000 people.

Contribution

This study identifies reticulocyte count as a novel risk factor for MASLD, suggesting its potential as a biomarker.

Findings

Higher reticulocyte count was associated with increased odds of MASLD in cross-sectional analysis.

Prospective analysis confirmed the elevated risk of MASLD with higher reticulocyte counts.

The risk of MASLD increased stepwise with higher reticulocyte count quartiles.

Abstract

Background and Aims: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) poses a considerable health risk. Nevertheless, its risk factors are not thoroughly comprehended, and the association between the reticulocyte count and MASLD remains uncertain. This study aimed to explore the relationship between reticulocyte count and MASLD.

Methods: A total of 310,091 individuals from the UK Biobank were included in this cross-sectional study, and 7,316 individuals were included in this prospective study. The cross-sectional analysis categorized reticulocyte count into quartiles, considering the sample distribution. Logistic regression models examined the connection between reticulocyte count and MASLD. In the prospective analysis, Cox analysis was utilized to investigate the association.

Results: Our study findings indicate a significant association between higher reticulocyte count and an elevated risk of MASLD in both the cross-sectional and prospective analyses. In the cross-sectional analysis, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of MASLD increased stepwise over reticulocyte count quartiles (quartile 2: OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.17–1.28, p < 0.001; quartile 3: OR 1.44; 95% CI 1.38–1.51, p < 0.001; quartile 4: OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.59–1.74, p < 0.001). The results of prospective analyses were similar.

Conclusion: Increased reticulocyte count was independently associated with a higher risk of MASLD. This discovery offers new insights into the potential of reticulocytes as biomarkers for MASLD.

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