The Role of Global Physical Capacity Score in Key Parameters of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)
<b>Background:</b> Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is linked to metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. This study investigates the relationship between physical capacity, assessed by the Global Physical Capacity Score (GPCS), and MASLD-related parameters, including hepatic steatosis (CAP score), insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and body mass index (BMI). <b>Methods:</b> A cross-sectional analysis was performed on 204 individuals with MASLD (mean age: 50 years; 57.6% males). Participants underwent physical tests to determine their GPCS. Hepatic steatosis was assessed using FibroScan® (Echosens, Paris, France), and metabolic markers were collected from fasting blood samples. Statistical analyses included linear and logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders. <b>Results:</b> A higher GPCS was inversely associated with CAP (β = -5.30; <i>p</i> < 0.05), HOMA-IR (β = -0.28; <i>p</i> < 0.001), and BMI (β = -0.96; <i>p</i> < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis confirmed a lower risk of severe hepatic steatosis (OR = 0.44; <i>p</i> < 0.05), obesity (OR = 0.39; <i>p</i> < 0.05), and insulin resistance (OR = 0.32; <i>p</i> < 0.001) in individuals with higher GPCS values. <b>Conclusions:</b> The GPCS may indicate MASLD severity and reflect metabolic and hepatic health. Our findings support the promotion of physical activity and suggest a potential role for GPCS in risk stratification and personalized interventions for patients with MASLD.
Authors
- Claudia Beatrice Bagnato
- Isabella Franco (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3697-0127)
- Caterina Bonfiglio (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8650-348X)
- Antonella Bianco (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9319-5422)
- Endrit Shahini (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4909-0436)
- Nicola Verrelli
- D. Stabile (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0259-9799)
Institutions
- Gastroenterology Hospital "Saverio de Bellis" (IT)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Journal of Clinical Medicine
- Published
- 2025-05-29
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14113821
- Citations
- 2
- Primary Topic
- Liver Disease Diagnosis and Treatment
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 2.71
Funders
- Ministero della Salute