Epidemiology
Higher Lp(a) linearly tracks with lower fatty liver disease risk, NHANES III analysis of 2,308 people confirms (Sci Rep 2025)
Original title: There is a linear negative correlation between lipoprotein(a) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
This cross-sectional analysis used NHANES III data on 2,308 participants to examine the relationship between Lp(a) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), using multivariate logistic regression adjusted for demographics, lifestyle, comorbidities and biomarkers. In the fully adjusted model, compared with the lowest Lp(a) quartile, the third and fourth quartiles had significantly lower NAFLD risk (Q3 OR 0.701, 95% CI 0.511-0.961, P = 0.027; Q4 OR 0.605, 95% CI 0.438-0.835, P = 0.002). This inverse association was significant specifically in those aged 50 or older, those with BMI at or above 30, non-diabetics, and those with hypertension. Restricted cubic spline analysis confirmed a linear (not threshold-dependent) negative association between log-transformed Lp(a) and NAFLD risk (P = 0.029, P for nonlinearity = 0.888). The authors conclude Lp(a) shows a clear, linear inverse association with NAFLD risk, positioning it as a potential biomarker for NAFLD risk assessment, adding to a growing literature on Lp(a)'s inverse relationship with liver disease.
Original abstract
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and to analyze its linear association and subgroup differences. This cross-sectional analysis was based on data from 2308 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the association between Lp(a) and NAFLD, adjusting for demographic factors, lifestyle behaviors, comorbidities, and biomarkers. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on age, sex, body mass index (BMI), diabetes, and hypertension. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression model was used to explore the nonlinear relationship between Lp(a) and NAFLD. Higher Lp(a) levels were significantly associated with a lower risk of NAFLD. In the fully adjusted model, compared to the lowest quartile group (Q1), the third and fourth quartiles (Q3 and Q4) had significantly reduced risks of NAFLD [Q3: OR = 0.701, 95% CI 0.511, 0.961; P = 0.027; Q4: OR = 0.605, 95% CI 0.438, 0.835; P = 0.002]. Subgroup analysis showed that the association between higher Lp(a) levels and reduced NAFLD risk was significant in individuals aged 50 years and older, those with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, non-diabetics, and those with hypertension. RCS analysis further confirmed a linear negative association between Log10Lp(a) and NAFLD risk (P = 0.029, P nonlinearity = 0.888). There is a significant linear negative association between Lp(a) levels and the risk of NAFLD, suggesting that Lp(a) may serve as a potential biomarker for assessing NAFLD risk.
Summary written by lp-a.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 18 August 2026. Methods.