Association of lifestyle factors and blood lipids with liver enzymes in the FASA Youth Cohort

Lifestyle behaviors established in adolescence and young adulthood are critical determinants of long-term metabolic health and organ function, particularly that of the liver. Among these behaviors, substance use—including smoking, alcohol consumption, and opium use—represents a significant public health challenge in youth populations. However, their associations with blood lipid profiles and liver enzyme levels in this population remain poorly understood. Using cohort data, this research examined the relationship between lifestyle behaviors and both blood lipid concentrations and liver enzyme levels among adolescents in southern Iran. This cross-sectional analysis used baseline data from 3014 participants aged 15–34 years enrolled in the FASA Youth Cohort Study (FYC). Key exposure variables included smoking status, alcohol consumption, opium use, dyslipidemia, and demographic characteristics. The primary outcome variables were serum levels of the liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software (version 22), using descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, chi-squared tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multivariable linear regression. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean age of the study participants was 26.32 ± 5.38 years, and the majority were female (57.9%) and married (66%). Of the participants, 769 (25.5%) were current smokers, and 172 (5.7%) reported alcohol consumption. The levels of ALT, AST, and ALP were significantly higher in men, single individuals, and alcohol consumers compared to other groups. ( p < 0.05). Additionally, a significant difference in ALT and AST levels was observed between people with dyslipidemia and smokers ( p < 0.05). Lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking, and marital status have a significant impact on liver enzyme levels. Therefore, modifying lifestyle behaviors, especially in men, can play an important role in maintaining liver health and preventing liver diseases.