Non‑high‑density lipoprotein cholesterol to high‑density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio as a biomarker for liver health: Insights from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data

The non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHHR), a lipid-related biomarker, remains underexplored in relation to the risk of advanced fibrosis and hepatic steatosis. The present study aimed to investigate the potential association between the NHHR and these hepatic conditions. A total of 6,907 individuals aged 20 years and older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017-2020 were included in the present study. Advanced fibrosis and hepatic steatosis were assessed using hepatic vibration-controlled transient elastography. Multivariate regression analysis and subgroup analysis were performed to explore the independent association between the NHHR and the presence of advanced fibrosis and hepatic steatosis. Among the 6,907 adults included in the present study (mean age, 50.56±17.21 years; 3,398 male patients and 3,509 female patients), 409 (5.92%) were diagnosed with advanced fibrosis and 3,034 (43.93%) were diagnosed with hepatic steatosis. Following multivariable adjustment (age, sex, ethnicity, education level, family income-to-poverty ratio, smoking status, alcohol use and vigorous physical activity), logistic regression analysis demonstrated that an elevated NHHR was positively associated with increased possibility for advanced fibrosis [odds ratio (OR), 1.10; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03-1.17; P=0.005]. The restricted cubic spline model indicated a linear dose-response association between the NHHR and advanced fibrosis. The NHHR also exhibited a significant association with a higher risk of hepatic steatosis after full adjustment for covariates (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.53-1.68; P<0.001). Using a two-segment linear regression model, an S-shaped relationship was identified between the NHHR and hepatic steatosis, with an inflection point at 3.83. In conclusion, the present study established a robust association of the NHHR with advanced fibrosis and hepatic steatosis. The NHHR may serve as a straightforward anthropometric index for predicting these conditions.