Biomarkers of Hepatic Dysfunction and Cardiovascular Risk

Curr Cardiol Rep. 2023 Dec;25(12):1783-1795. doi: 10.1007/s11886-023-01993-5. Epub 2023 Nov 16.

Abstract

Purpose of review: The objective of this manuscript is to examine the current literature on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) biomarkers and their correlation with cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes and cardiovascular risk scores.

Recent findings: There has been a growing appreciation for an independent link between NAFLD and CVD, culminating in a scientific statement by the American Heart Association in 2022. More recently, studies have begun to identify biomarkers of the three NAFLD phases as potent predictors of cardiovascular risk. Despite the body of evidence supporting a connection between hepatic biomarkers and CVD, more research is certainly needed, as some studies find no significant relationship. If this relationship continues to be robust and readily reproducible, NAFLD and its biomarkers may have an exciting role in the future of cardiovascular risk prediction, possibly as risk-enhancing factors or as components of novel cardiovascular risk prediction models.

Keywords: Cardiometabolic disease; Cardiovascular risk estimation; Heart-liver axis; Hepatic biomarkers; Metabolic-dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease; Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / etiology
  • Heart Disease Risk Factors
  • Humans
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease* / complications
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Biomarkers