P473 - HEPATIC STEATOSIS INCREASES THE CHANCES OF SUBCLINICAL ATHEROSCLEROSIS: FINDINGS FROM SHIP-BRAZIL COHORT STUDY

P473

HEPATIC STEATOSIS INCREASES THE CHANCES OF SUBCLINICAL ATHEROSCLEROSIS: FINDINGS FROM SHIP-BRAZIL COHORT STUDY

J. Galbiati De Souza^1,*, R. A. M. Braga¹, R. A. M. Braga¹, L. G. Alvarenga¹, I. C. V. Fernandes², N. R. T. Damasceno^1,2

¹Heart Institute (InCor), Faculty of Medicine of University of São Paulo, ²Department of Nutrition, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

Rationale: Increased evidences suggest that fat liver dysfunction could be a relevant marker in global cardiovascular risk, contributing for development of atherosclerosis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between hepatic steatosis and subclinical atherosclerosis. 

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study based on the SHIP-Brazil Cohort Study (2014-2018). Data from baseline time (sociodemographic, lifestyle, anthropometric), liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase-AST, alanine aminotransferase-ALT, alkaline phosphatase-AP and gamma-glutamyl transferase-GGT) and fat liver and atherosclerosis lesions (ultrasonography) were investigated. Statistical analyses were performed in Stata 17.0 (p<0.05). 

Results: From 620 participants, 28.55% (n=191) presented hepatic steatosis and 6.35% (n=74) subclinical atherosclerosis (≥ 3 lesions). Individuals with subclinical atherosclerosis were older (64 years vs. 42 years; p<0.001), preserved the Germanic culture (88.7% vs. 65.1%; p=0.001), reported lower alcohol consumption (78.7% vs. 63.7%; p=0.030), but smoking was less (46% vs. 74%; p<0.001). Regarding body composition, individuals with atherosclerotic plaque had a higher body mass index (BMI) (30 kg/m² vs. 28 kg/m²; p=0.017), waist circumference-WC (97 cm vs. 90 cm; p<0.001) and body fat mass (36% vs. 30%; p=0.007).  Only AP enzyme was higher (1.14 mmol/L vs. 1.04 mmol/L; p=0.018). The presence of hepatic steatosis was associated with three times increase in the odds of subclinical atherosclerosis (OR=2.75, 95% CI=1.28–5.91; p=0.010) in both, crude and adjusted regression models (sex, age, preservation of German culture, smoking, alcohol consumption and WC). 

Conclusion: Hepatic steatosis was associated with subclinical atherosclerosis independent of confounders, highlighting the potential relevance of this condition on cardiovascular outcomes.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared