Metabolic risk associated with liver enzymes, uric acid, and hemoglobin in adolescents

Abstract

The associations of renal, hepatic, and hematologic markers with metabolic risk (MR) have already been shown in adolescents. However, it is still controversial which marker best predicts metabolic changes in youth. The aim of this study was to verify the association of MR with alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), uric acid, and hemoglobin (Hb) in adolescents. METHODS: We evaluated 1713 Brazilian adolescents aged 10 to 17 years. MR was calculated using a continuous metabolic risk score, including the sum of Z-scores of waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, high-density lipoproteins, triglycerides, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Cutoff points were set for MR prediction for five metabolic components (ALT, AST, AST/ ALT ratio, uric acid, and Hb). RESULTS: MR was strongly associated with increased uric acid (odds ratio [OR]: 2.50; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.74–3.59), ALT (OR: 2.64; 95% CI: 1.63–4.27), and AST levels (OR: 2.53; 95% CI: 1.24–5.18). Uric acid was shown to be the best predictor for MR (sensitivity: 55.79%; specificity: 61.35%; area under the curve: 0.616). CONCLUSION: Elevated hepatic, renal, and hematological markers were associated with MR in adolescents, especially ALT, AST, and uric acid levels.