In June 2019 researchers from Finland published the results of their study to assess the impact of unfavourable lifestyle factors on abnormal laboratory tests reflecting liver status, inflammation and lipid metabolism. A total of 22,273 individuals (10,561 men, 11,712 women), aged 25-74 years, were included in the study. Information on alcohol intake, smoking, body weight, and physical activity was collected via structured interviews and a risk score established on a 0-8 scale. Liver enzymes, C-reactive protein and lipid profiles were assessed for each individual. Results showed a consistent dose-response relationship between the number of unfavourable risk factors and liver enzymes, C-reactive protein, HDL(good)-cholesterol, LDL(bad)-cholesterol and triglycerides. When compared with zero risk factors, the risk for abnormalities were significantly higher in those with a risk score of two or more. In the group with the highest risk scores, the most striking increase in the risk of abnormalities was observed in men for liver enzymes, C-reactive protein and triglycerides.
Nivukoski U et al. Impacts of unfavourable lifestyle factors on biomarkers of liver function, inflammation and lipid status. PLoS One. 2019 Jun 20;14(6):e0218463.