Association Between Serum Uric Acid and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE: Recent epidemiological evidence shows that there is an association between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The purpose of this meta-analysis is to summarize all available evidence and assess the associations between SUA levels and NAFLD. METHODS: Using two databases, Web of Science and PubMed, observational studies were applied from the establishment of the databases to June 2022. We used a random effect model to construct the pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to appraise the association between SUA levels and NAFLD. The Begg’s test was conducted to appraise publication bias. RESULTS: A total of 50 studies were included, involving 2,079,710 participants (719,013 NAFLD patients). The prevalence and incidence rates (95% CIs) of NAFLD in the patients with hyperuricemia were 65% (57–73%) and 31% (20–41%), respectively. Compared to participants with lower levels of SUA, the pooled OR (95% CI) of NAFLD in those with higher levels of SUA was 1.88 (95% CI: 1.76–2.00). In the subgroup analyses, we found that SUA levels were positively associated with NAFLD in all subgroups, according to study design, study quality, sample size, sex, comparison, age, or country. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis shows that increased SUA levels are positively associated with NAFLD. The results suggested that reducing SUA levels can be a potential strategy for the prevention of NAFLD. REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO-CRD42022358431.