Inverted U-shaped relationships between bone mineral density and VCTE-quantified degree of hepatic steatosis in adolescents: Evidence from the NHANES

INTRODUCTION: There may be inaccuracies in hepatic steatosis in past research assessing the relationship between bone metabolism and liver steatosis. The goal of the current research was to look at the associations between bone mineral density (BMD) and the hepatic steatosis and fibrosis as detected by vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) in teenagers in the United States. METHODS: Weighted multiple linear regression models and smoothed curve fitting were used to investigate the association between BMD and the degree of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in adolescents. RESULTS: In 829 adolescents aged 12–19 years we found a negative association between total BMD and CAP (controlled attenuation parameter) [-32.46 (-58.98, -9.05)] and a significant positive association between lumbar BMD and LSM (liver stiffness measurement) [1.35 (0.19, 2.51)]. The inverted U-shaped relationships were founded between total BMD, lumbar BMD, pelvis BMD, and CAP with inflection points of 221.22 dB/m, 219.88 dB/m, and 216.02 dB/m, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In adolescents, higher BMD is significantly associated with lower levels of hepatic steatosis and higher levels of liver stiffness.