Lipids & metabolic liver disease
Birthweight influences liver structure, function and disease risk: Evidence of a causal association
Authors' conclusion
Our MR analysis reveals a direct causal association between lower birthweight and liver MRI PDFF, as well as the development of NAFLD, which persisted even after accounting for the potential influence of maternal factors. In addition, we identified fasting insulin and triglycerides as mediators linking birthweight and hepatic outcomes, providing insights for early clinical interventions.
Study context
- Population
- Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of direct foetal-affected birthweight (321,223 cases); 4 liver structure measures, 9 liver function measures and 18 liver diseases
- Participants
- 321,223 GWAS cases
- Comparison
- Genetically predicted lower birthweight
- Outcome
- Lower birthweight (direct foetal effects) and liver outcomes
Methodological detailsunivariable and multivariable Mendelian randomisation (MR), two-step MR mediation analysis
- Univariable and multivariable MR
- Two-step MR mediation analysis
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) risk with genetically predicted lower birthweight, OR
1.61
95% CI 1.29–2.02p < 0.001
Further findings
Mediators of lower birthweight effect on NAFLD (two-step MR)
- Fasting insulin, proportion mediated
- 22.29%
- TG, proportion mediated
- 6.50%
Original publication
Birthweight influences liver structure, function and disease risk: Evidence of a causal association. Diabetes Obes Metab. Published 4 September 2024. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →