Recent research has highlighted the alarming connection between high serum uric acid (sUA) levels and the risk of developing metabolism-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) among postmenopausal women. This study, published on March 15, 2025, analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) collected between 2017 and 2020, focusing on 1,139 postmenopausal women aged between 55 and 73 years.
The findings revealed significant insights. Participants situated within the highest quartile of sUA exhibited a staggering 254% increased risk of MAFLD compared to those within the lowest quartile (Odds Ratio: 3.54; 95% Confidence Interval: 1.47–8.55; P < 0.001). This elevated risk emphasizes the importance of monitoring serum uric acid levels to potentially mitigate the occurrence of MAFLD during the postmenopausal phase.
Metabolism-associated fatty liver disease is becoming increasingly prevalent, especially as obesity rates continue to rise worldwide. The diagnosis builds upon the consensus reached by experts, which necessitates the presence of hepatic steatosis combined with other metabolic dysfunctions, such as overweight/obesity or type 2 diabetes. Within the general population, the average prevalence of MAFLD stands at 44.61%, yet intriguingly, the prevalence among postmenopausal women escalates to 55.58%, illustrating their heightened vulnerability.
The research took advantage of sophisticated analytical techniques, including logistic regression and restricted cubic spline methods, to delineate the relationship between sUA and MAFLD. Strikingly, the study identified 4.6 mg/dL as the ideal inflection point for the association. Beyond this threshold, each additional unit increase in sUA correlates with the risk of developing MAFLD, demonstrating its potential as both a marker and risk factor for this condition.
Another significant element surfaced from the report; postmenopausal women with higher body mass indices (BMI) not only faced enhanced levels of sUA but also exhibited escalated MAFLD prevalence. This quadratic relationship accentuates the importance of lifestyle management and weight control strategies for postmenopausal women to avert metabolic complications.
Nevertheless, this research also acknowledged limitations. The cross-sectional design restricted the ability to assert causation firmly, necessitating future studies to establish definitive temporal relationships. Further investigations should focus on refining diagnostic algorithms incorporating sUA levels and evaluating their utility among diverse populations beyond the NHANES dataset.
Overall, the data compiled through the NHANES study emphasizes the imperative need for awareness and intervention concerning serum uric acid levels among postmenopausal women. Their unique physiological changes post-menopause render them particularly susceptible to the development of metabolic disorders, including MAFLD. With proactive management of sUA levels, there may be potential pathways to diminish risk factors associated with MAFLD, offering hope for improved health outcomes as healthcare systems worldwide grapple with rising cases of metabolic disease.