The role of plasma atherogenic index in patients with NAFLD

Background Plasma atherogenic index (PAI) is a novel index investigated in recent years related to cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. The role of PAI is not clear in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study aimed to examine the role of PAI in patients with NAFLD and its relationship with metabolic components. Material and Methods This study was designed as a retrospective study, and the patients' files admitted to the Internal Medicine unit were retrospectively scanned. Within the scope of the study, demographic and laboratory data of the groups with and without NAFLD were compared. Results A total of 234 patients were evaluated, 159 of which were NAFLD (age: 39.52 ± 10.38 years) and 75 controls (age: 38.07 ± 12.11 years) (p = 0.374). PAI level was statistically significantly higher in the NAFLD group compared to the control group (p = 0.006). In the whole group correlation analysis, PAI level and body mass index (p < 0.001, r = 0.363), waist circumference (p < 0.001, r = 0.366), systolic blood pressure (p < 0.001, r = 0.333), diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.001, r = 0.210), ALT (p < 0.001, r = 0.312), AST (p = 0.005, r = 0.182), fasting plasma glucose (p = 0.017, r = 0.157) and insulin resistance (p < 0.001, r = 0.302) values were positively correlated. Conclusions PAI level was higher in patients with NAFLD; this index was associated with other metabolic components, especially insulin resistance. This indicates that the PAI level may be associated with clinical progression in the pathogenesis and course of the disease.