Association between Physical Activity and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome: The FLIPAN Study

Background: A lifestyle with regular PA (physical activity) and Mediterranean diet has benefits on NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) and MetS (metabolic syndrome). Objectives: To assess the association between physical activity and NAFLD in adults with MetS. Design: Cross-sectional study in...

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Main Authors: Catalina M. Mascaró, Cristina Bouzas, Sofia Montemayor, Miguel Casares, Cristina Gómez, Lucía Ugarriza, Pere-Antoni Borràs, José Alfredo Martínez, Josep A. Tur
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2022-03-01
Series:Nutrients
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/5/1063
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Summary:Background: A lifestyle with regular PA (physical activity) and Mediterranean diet has benefits on NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) and MetS (metabolic syndrome). Objectives: To assess the association between physical activity and NAFLD in adults with MetS. Design: Cross-sectional study in 155 participants (40–60 years old) from Balearic Islands and Navarra (Spain) with diagnosis of NAFLD and MetS, and BMI (body mass index) between 27 and 40 Kg/m<sup>2</sup>. Methods: PA level was categorized into two groups according to weekly METs (metabolic equivalents of tasks). PA was assessed using a validated Minnesota questionnaire and accelerometers. MetS parameters were assessed by blood collection analysis and NAFLD by abdominal MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Results: Participants with high PA showed more energy expenditure and expended more calories than ingested (−143.9 Kcal/day; <i>p</i> < 0.001). PA was a risk factor for AST (aspartate aminotransferase) (adjusted OR: 7.26; 95% CI: 1.79–29.40) and a protective factor for ALT (alanine aminotransferase) (adjusted OR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.12–0.48), GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase) (adjusted OR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.29–0.94) and IFC-NMR (intrahepatic fat content by nuclear magnetic resonance) (adjusted OR: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.12–0.56) when sociodemographic confounders were considered. Conclusions: NAFLD patients with high PA showed more positive relationship on MetS parameters and liver profile (ALT, GGT, IFC-NMR) than subjects with low PA, but not for AST. Difference between calories ingested and expended influenced this relationship.
ISSN:2072-6643