Metabolic Outcomes in Non-Alcoholic and Alcoholic Steatotic Liver Disease among Korean and American Adults: A Population-Based Multi-Cohort Study

Background and aimsThis study investigated the prevalence and causal relationships of chronic metabolic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia) with steatotic liver disease (SLD), specifically metabolically associated alcoholic liver disease (MetALD). MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive analysis using cross-sectional data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2011 to 2021 and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2020. Longitudinal data from 2001 to 2014 from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES) were used. Participants were categorized into the metabolic dysfunction-associated SLD (MASLD), MetALD, and ALD groups based on their hepatic steatosis index (HSI) and alcohol consumption. Logistic and Cox regression analyses were performed to assess the prevalence and incidence of chronic diseases. ResultsIn both the KNHANES and NHANES cohorts, an increased HSI was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of chronic metabolic diseases. Longitudinal data from the KoGES cohort showed that MASLD and MetALD were significant predictors of chronic metabolic disease in both men and women. MetALD showed a higher hazard ratio for the development of chronic metabolic diseases than MASLD in Cox regression analysis. ConclusionThis study highlighted the intertwined nature of SLD and metabolic health, with an emphasis on the role of MetALD. The significant association between MetALD and chronic metabolic diseases underscores the need for integrated management strategies that address both liver health and metabolic risk factors.