Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Risks of Abnormal Serum Alanine Aminotransferase in Hispanics: A Population-Based Study

2011

Prevalence and Risks of Abnormal ALT in Hispanics

Sample size: 1847 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Pan Jen-Jung, Qu Hui-Qi, Rentfro Anne, McCormick Joseph B., Fisher-Hoch Susan P., Fallon Michael B.

Primary Institution: University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Hypothesis

The study aims to investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its association with elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in a Hispanic population.

Conclusion

The study found a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome and liver injury markers in a large Mexican American cohort, with younger males being at the greatest risk.

Supporting Evidence

The majority of the cohort was either overweight or obese.
43.7% of participants had metabolic syndrome.
Elevated ALT levels were more prevalent in males than females.
Obesity was identified as a strong risk factor for abnormal ALT in both genders.
Younger males were found to be at the highest risk for elevated ALT levels.

Takeaway

This study shows that many Hispanic people have liver problems related to obesity, especially younger men.

Methodology

The study analyzed data from a cross-sectional population-based study involving 2000 participants, focusing on socioeconomic, clinical, and laboratory data.