Changes in alanine aminotransferase and body composition and metabolic factors among individuals receiving medical health checkups.

AIM: To examine the relationship between changes in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and those in body composition and metabolic factors in participants receiving medical health checkups (4350 men [mean age 52.5 years] and 5398 women [mean age 50.5 years]) METHODS: We divided the participants into four types based on their ALT value at baseline and 1 year: A, ALT ≤30 (baseline) and ≤30 (1 year); B, ALT ≥31 (baseline) and ≤30 (1 year); C, ALT ≤30 (baseline) and ≥31 (1 year); and D, ALT ≥31 (baseline) and ≥31 (1 year). The change in each body composition-related parameter (waist circumference, fat mass, fat-free mass, fat mass to fat-free mass ratio, etc.) after 1-year was defined as Δ. RESULTS: The mean changes in waist circumference (cm) in the four types (A, B, C, and D) were -0.33, -1.54, 0.66, and -0.29 (overall p < 0.0001) in men, and -0.19, -0.90, 0.30, and 0.090 (overall p < 0.0001) in women. The mean changes in fat mass (kg) in the four types were -0.027, -0.86, 0.62, and 0.092 (overall p < 0.0001) in men, and 0.0067, -0.48, 0.39, and 0.063 (overall p < 0.0001) in women. The mean changes in fat-free mass (kg) in the four types were -0.028, -0.55, 0.42, and -0.034 (overall p < 0.0001) in men, and -0.0091, -0.34, 0.12, and -0.045 (overall p = 0.0012) in women. The mean changes in fat mass to fat-free mass ratio in the four types were -0.00042, -0.0120, 0.00837, and 0.00171 (overall p < 0.0001) in men, and -0.00013, -0.00817, 0.00730, and 0.00628 (overall p < 0.0001) in women. CONCLUSION: A decrease in ALT to ≤30 IU/L may be associated with improved body composition balance, but caution should be exercised for the decrease in muscle mass.

Body Composition in Patients With Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease: Impact of Body Surface Area.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To examine the relationship between the body surface area (BSA) and body composition in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD, 2,141 men and 986 women). MATERIALS AND METHODS: BSA and body composition parameters were examined. RESULTS: The median body mass index (BMI) was 25.0 kg/m2 for both men and women (p=0.7754). The median body surface area (BSA) was 1.854 m2 for men and 1.618 m2 for women (p<0.0001). In men, the median fat mass was 17.7 kg, whereas in women, it was 22.1 kg (p<0.0001). Additionally, the median fat-free mass was 55.4 kg in men and 39.3 kg in women (p<0.0001).). In male cases, BSA significantly correlated with fat mass (r=0.82, p<0.0001) and fat-free mass (r=0.95, p<0.0001). In female cases, BSA significantly correlated with fat mass (r=0.87, p<0.0001) and fat-free mass (r=0.94, p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: BSA could be a useful marker for the estimation of body composition in patients with MASLD.

Long-Term Outcomes after Switching to Tenofovir Alafenamide in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B.

We sought to determine the long-term outcomes of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) cases switching to tenofovir alafenamide (TAF, n = 104, median age = 63.5 years). Data at switching to TAF (baseline) and those at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years from switching to TAF were compared. At baseline, HB envelop antigen (HBeAg) seropositivity was found in 20 patients (19.2%), and undetectable HBV-DNA in 77 patients (74.0%). Percentage of detectable HBV-DNA significantly reduced at any time point. HB surface antigen (HBsAg) levels significantly reduced at 3, 4, and 5 years. The percentage of HBeAg seropositivity significantly reduced at 5 years. HB core related antigen levels did not significantly change. In patients with baseline HbeAg seropositivity, HbsAg levels significantly reduced at any time point, and a similar trend was found in patients without HBeAg seropositivity. In patients with baseline FIB4 index >1.85, HBsAg levels significantly reduced at 3, 4, and 5 years, and in patients with baseline FIB4 index <1.85, HBsAg levels significantly reduced at any time point. The estimated glomerular filtration rate significantly reduced only at 5 years. The discontinuation rate owing to the side effects of TAF was 0%. In conclusion, switching to TAF therapy in patients with CHB may be effective and safe at least up to 5 years.

Insulin Resistance: A Marker for Fat-to-Lean Body Composition in Japanese Adults.

We sought to investigate the relationship between insulin resistance (IR) and body composition as assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis in Japanese health check-up recipients (1186 men and 1441 women). IR was defined as a Homeostasis Model Assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) ≥ 2.5. In body-composition-related parameters, the fat mass index (F index) was defined as fat mass divided by the height squared (kg/m2). The fat-free mass index (FF index) was defined as fat-free mass divided by the height squared (kg/m2). The F index to FF index ratio (F-FF ratio) was defined as the F index divided by the FF index. Factors related to HOMA-IR were examined. The median HOMA-IR was 1.54 in men and 1.30 in women (p < 0.0001). The median F index was 4.9 kg/m2 in men and 6.1 kg/m2 in women (p < 0.0001). The median FF index was 18.2 kg/m2 in men and 15.1 kg/m2 in women (p < 0.0001). The median F-FF ratio was 0.272 in men and 0.405 in women (p < 0.0001). The F-FF ratio was an independent factor associated with HOMA-IR in the multivariate analysis in both genders, while the F index and FF index were not in both genders. In conclusion, fat and skeletal muscle balance can be controlled by IR in Japanese adults.

Association between the Suita Score and Body Composition in Japanese Adults: A Large Cross-Sectional Study.

The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between the Suita score (a prediction model for the development of cardiovascular disease) and body composition in Japanese health check-up subjects (6873 men and 8685 women). The Suita score includes 8 items (age, gender, smoking, diabetes, blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, and chronic kidney disease). Factors associated with the Suita score within body composition-related parameters (body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), fat mass index, fat-free mass index, fat mass to fat-free mass ratio (F-FF ratio), and water mass index) as assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis were examined. The mean age of subjects was 54.8 years in men and 52.8 years in women (p < 0.0001). The mean BMI was 23.9 kg/m2 in men and 21.8 kg/m2 in women (p < 0.0001). Diabetes mellitus was found in 1282 subjects (18.7%) among men and 816 subjects (9.4%) among women (p < 0.0001). The mean Suita score was 42.0 in men and 29.6 in women (p < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, WC (p < 0.0001), F-FF ratio (p < 0.0001), and water mass index (p < 0.0001) were independent factors linked to the Suita score for both genders. In conclusion, body composition can be associated with the Suita score in Japanese adults receiving health check-ups.

Body Composition Analysis in Patients with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease.

We sought to examine body composition using bioimpedance analysis in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD, 2014 males and 949 females). Factors linked to the fat-free mass index (FF index) were examined using univariate and multivariate analysis. An FF index < 18 kg/m2 in males and an FF index < 15 kg/m2 in females were defined as having decreased skeletal muscle mass. The median age and body mass index (BMI) were 55 years and 25.4 kg/m2 in males, and 57 years and 25.4 kg/m2 in females, respectively. The FF index strongly correlated with muscle mass index both in males (r = 0.999) and females (r = 0.999). The prevalence of patients with an FF index < 18 kg/m2 in males and an FF index < 15 kg/m2 in females was well stratified according to age, BMI, severity of FL, and FIB4 index. In the males, in the multivariate analysis, BMI (p < 0.0001), fat mass index (p < 0.0001), and waist circumference (p = 0.0050) were found to be significant factors linked to FF index. In the females, in the multivariate analysis, BMI (p < 0.0001) and fat mass index (p < 0.0001) were found to be significant. In conclusion, fat accumulation as reflected by BMI, which is an easily available marker, could be a useful indicator for the skeletal muscle mass in MAFLD.

Accurate SARC-F Score in Patients with Liver Disease.

SARC-F is a well-accepted screening tool for sarcopenia. A SARC-F value of 1 point is reported to be more discriminating in identifying sarcopenia than 4 points (recommended cutoff point). The prognostic impact of the SARC-F score was investigated in patients with liver disease (LD, n = 269, median age = 71 years, 96 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases). Factors associated with SARC-F ≥ 4 points and SARC-F ≥ 1 point were also examined. In the multivariate analysis, age (p = 0.048), and Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) score (p = 0.0365) were significant factors linked to SARC-F ≥ 1 point. In our patients with LD, the SARC-F score is well correlated with the GNRI score. The 1-year cumulative overall survival ratio in patients with SARC-F ≥ 1 (n = 159) and SARC-F 0 (n = 110) was 78.3% and 90.1% (p = 0.0181). After excluding 96 HCC cases, similar tendencies were found (p = 0.0289). In the receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis based on the prognosis for the SARC-F score, the area under the ROC was 0.60. The sensitivity was 0.57, the specificity was 0.62, and the optimal cutoff point of the SARC-F score was 1. In conclusion, sarcopenia in LDs can be affected by nutritional conditions. A SARC-F score of ≥1 is more useful than a score of 4 in predicting the prognosis of patients with LD.

HB Surface Antigen Level as a Useful Predictor for the Treatment Response to Tenofovir Alafenamide in Nucleoside Analogue Naïve Chronic Hepatitis B.

AIM: To elucidate factors contributing to hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA clearance following tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) therapy in nucleoside analogue (NA) naïve patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) (n=92, 11 cirrhotic cases). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The time interval between the start of TAF therapy and first confirmed undetectable HBV-DNA after TAF therapy was calculated. Univariate and multivariate analyses of factors related to undetectable HBV-DNA after TAF therapy were performed. RESULTS: HB envelop antigen seropositivity was found in 12 patients (13.0%). The cumulative undetectable HBV-DNA rate at 1- and 2- year was 74.9% and 90.9%. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis of the undetectable HBV-DNA after TAF therapy, HBsAg level >1,000 IU/ml (p=0.0082, HBsAg level <100 IU/ml as a reference standard) was an independent predictor of the undetectable HBV-DNA after TAF therapy. CONCLUSION: Baseline higher HBsAg level can be an adverse predictor for the undetectable HBV-DNA after TAF therapy in NA naïve CHB patients.

Prognostic Nutritional Index Correlates with Liver Function and Prognosis in Chronic Liver Disease Patients.

The Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) is widely recognized as a screening tool for nutrition. We retrospectively examined the impact of PNI in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD, n = 319, median age = 71 years, 153 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients) as an observational study. Factors associated with PNI < 40 were also examined. The PNI correlated well with the albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score and ALBI grade. The 1-year cumulative overall survival rates in patients with PNI ≥ 40 (n = 225) and PNI < 40 (n = 94) were 93.2% and 65.5%, respectively (p < 0.0001). In patients with (p < 0.0001) and without (p < 0.0001) HCC, similar tendencies were found. In the multivariate analysis, hemoglobin (p = 0.00178), the presence of HCC (p = 0.0426), and ALBI score (p < 0.0001) were independent factors linked to PNI < 40. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis based on survival for the PNI yielded an area under the ROC curve of 0.79, with sensitivity of 0.80, specificity of 0.70, and an optimal cutoff point of 42.35. In conclusion, PNI can be a predictor of nutritional status in CLD patients. A PNI of <40 can be useful in predicting the prognosis of patients with CLD.

Grip Strength in Patients with Gastrointestinal Diseases.

We sought to elucidate factors contributing to the grip strength (GS) decline in patients with gastrointestinal diseases (Ga-Ds, n = 602, 379 males, median age = 72 years). The GS decline in males and females was defined as <28 kg and <18 kg, respectively, following the current Asian guidelines. The median GS (male) was 28.8 kg, and GS decline (male) was found in 169 patients (44.6%). The median GS (female) was 17.5 kg, and GS decline (female) was found in 122 patients (54.7%). Advanced cancer was identified in 145 patients (24.1%). In terms of the univariate analysis of parameters of the GS decline, age (p < 0.0001), gender (p = 0.0181), body mass index (BMI, p = 0.0002), ECOG-PS (p < 0.0001), SARC-F score (p < 0.0001), hemoglobin value (p < 0.0001), total lymphocyte count (p < 0.0001), serum albumin value (p < 0.0001), C reactive protein (CRP) value (p < 0.0001), and estimated glomerular filtration rate were statistically significant. In terms of the multivariate analysis, age (p < 0.0001), BMI (p = 0.0223), hemoglobin value (p = 0.0186), serum albumin value (p = 0.0284), the SARC-F score (p = 0.0003), and CRP value (p < 0.0001) were independent parameters. In conclusion, the GS decline in patients with Ga-Ds is closely associated with not only the primary factor (i.e., aging) but also secondary factors such as inflammatory factors and nutritional factors.

The Relevance in the Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio and the SARC-F Score in Gastrointestinal Diseases.

We sought to clarify the relevance in the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the SARC-F score in patients with gastrointestinal diseases (G-Ds, n = 672, median age = 73 years). Univariate and multivariate analysis for the SARC-F score were performed. Advanced malignancy was identified in 162 patients (24.1%). The median of NLR for all cases was 2.65. The median of NLR in ECOG-PS 0 (n = 436), 1 (n = 128), 2 (n = 49) and 3 or 4 (n = 59) was 2.26, 2.97, 4.41 and 5.99 (overall p < 0.0001). NLR had a significant correlation with the SARC-F score (r = 0.54, p < 0.0001). The median of NLR in the SARC-F score ≥4 (recommended value for sarcopenia, n = 84) and <4 (n = 588) was 5.87 and 2.48 (p < 0.0001). In all subgroup analyses, similar trends were seen. In the multivariate analysis, ECOG-PS (p < 0.0001) and NLR (p < 0.0001) were independent factors, while age had a trend for significance (p = 0.0686). In conclusion, we would like to emphasize the usefulness of NLR, a simple marker assessed only by blood tests, in predicting the possibility for sarcopenia by the SARC-F in G-Ds.

The Relationship between the SARC-F Score and the Controlling Nutritional Status Score in Gastrointestinal Diseases.

We sought to examine the relationship between the SARC-F score and the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score in patients with gastrointestinal diseases (GDs, n = 735, median age = 71 years, and 188 advanced cancer cases). The SARC-F score ≥ 4 (highly suspicious of sarcopenia) was found in 93 cases (12.7%). Mild malnutritional condition was seen in 310 cases (42.2%), moderate in 127 (17.3%) and severe in 27 (3.7%). The median SARC-F scores in categories of normal, mild, moderate and severe malnutritional condition were 0, 0, 1 and 1 (overall p < 0.0001). The percentage of SARC-F score ≥ 4 in categories of normal, mild, moderate and severe malnutritional condition were 4.4%, 12.9%, 26.8% and 25.9% (overall p < 0.0001). The SARC-F score was an independent factor for both the CONUT score ≥ 2 (mild, moderate or severe malnutrition) and ≥5 (moderate or severe malnutrition). In the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for the CONUT score ≥ 2, C reactive protein (CRP) had the highest area under the ROC (AUC = 0.70), followed by the SARC-F score (AUC = 0.60). In the ROC analysis for the CONUT score ≥ 5, CRP had the highest AUC (AUC = 0.79), followed by the SARC-F score (AUC = 0.63). In conclusion, the SARC-F score in patients with GDs can reflect malnutritional status.

Comparison of SARC-F Score among Gastrointestinal Diseases.

SARC-F is a screening tool for sarcopenia. We sought to compare the SARC-F scores of patients with different gastrointestinal diseases (n = 1282 (762 males): upper gastrointestinal disease (UGD, n = 326), lower gastrointestinal disease (LGD, n = 357), biliary and pancreatic disease (BPD, n = 416), and liver disease (LD, n = 183)). Factors associated with SARC-F ≥4 points (highly suspicious of sarcopenia) were also examined. The median age was 71 years. Patients with SARC-F ≥4 points were found in 197 (15.4%). Advanced cancer was found in 339 patients (26.4%). The proportion of SARC-F ≥4 points in groups of UGD, LGD, BPD, and LD were 17.5% (57/326) in UGD, 12.0% (43/357) in LGD, 17.3% (72/416) in BPD, and 13.7% (25/183) in LD, respectively (overall p = 0.1235). In patients with and without advanced cancer, similar tendencies were observed. In the multivariate analysis, age (p < 0.0001), gender (p = 0.0011), serum albumin (p < 0.0001), lymphocyte count (p = 0.0019), C reactive protein (p = 0.0197), and the presence of advanced cancer (p = 0.0424) were significant factors linked to SARC-F ≥4 points. In patients with advanced cancer, SARC-F scores correlated well with their Glasgow prognostic scores. In conclusion, sarcopenia in gastrointestinal diseases may be affected not by disease type (i.e., the primary origin of the disease) but by aging, nutritional condition, inflammatory condition, and cancer burden.

Prognostic Impact of the SARC-F Score in Gastrointestinal Advanced Cancers.

We sought to elucidate the prognostic impact of the SARC-F score among patients with gastrointestinal advanced malignancies (n = 421). A SARC-F score ≥ 4 was judged to have a strong suspicion for sarcopenia. In patients with ECOG-PS 4 (n = 43), 3 (n = 61), and 0-2 (n = 317), 42 (97.7%), 53 (86.9%) and 8 (2.5%) had the SARC-F score ≥ 4. During the follow-up period, 145 patients (34.4%) died. All deaths were cancer-related. The 1-year cumulative overall survival (OS) rate in patients with SARC-F ≥ 4 (n = 103) and SARC-F < 4 (n = 318) was 33.9% and 61.6% (p < 0.0001). In the multivariate analysis for the OS, total lymphocyte count ≥ 1081/µL (p = 0.0014), the SARC-F score ≥ 4 (p = 0.0096), Glasgow prognostic score (GPS) 1 (p = 0.0147, GPS 0 as a standard), GPS 2 (p < 0.0001, GPS 0 as a standard), ECOG-PS 2 (p < 0.0001, ECOG-PS 0 as a standard), ECOG-PS 3 (p < 0.0001, ECOG-PS 0 as a standard), and ECOG-PS 4 (p < 0.0001, ECOG-PS 0 as a standard) were independent predictors. In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis on the prognostic value of the SARC-F score, the sensitivity/specificity was 0.59/0.70, and best cutoff point of the SARC-F score was two. In conclusion, the SARC-F score is useful in patients with gastrointestinal advanced malignancies.