STUDY OF METABOLIC DYSFUNCTION ASSOCIATED WITH ESTABLISHED LIVER DISEASE USING FLI AND HSI INDICES IN THE ADULT POPULATION OF CUQUÍO, JALISCO, MEXICO

Introduction and Objectives

The frequency of fatty liver disease is very high in Mexico. However, its prevalence is unknown in many regions of the country, which is why in this study we analyzed a region of the state of Jalisco

How can hepatic steatosis indices be used to detect metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in adults from Cuquío, Jalisco, considering their risk factors?

Materials and Methods

Descriptive study conducted in the population of Cuquio, Jalisco, through open invitation. A total of 235 individuals participated, of whom 71 met the inclusion criteria. Participants signed an informed consent form in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. During medical consultation, anthropometric measurements were taken and blood samples were collected for comprehensive biochemical analysis using an automated system. The FLI and HSI indices were calculated. Multivariate and cluster statistical analyses were performed using StarGraphics and SPSS software.

Results

A total of 81.7% were women, mean age of 47.4 ± 12.5 years, 12.5% were diabetic. The components of the FLI were mainly associated with liver enzymes and lipid profile, while the HSI was linked to central adiposity and low HDL levels. Factor and cluster analyses allowed the identification of three metabolic profiles: high hepatic risk (dyslipidemia and cellular damage), low risk (good metabolic control), and intermediate risk, possibly functional or cholestatic.

Conclusions

These findings support that the FLI is more closely related to general lipid metabolism, whereas the HSI more accurately reflects central fat accumulation and functional liver alterations. The results underscore the importance of using multivariate approaches to characterize complex diseases such as MAFLD.

Conflict of interest: None