The relationship of serum alanine aminotransferase normal-range levels to arterial stiffness and metabolic syndrome in non-drinkers and drinkers: a Chinese community-based analysis

BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated the relationship between carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normal-range levels across the world. The current analysis was designed to explore the relationship of serum ALT normal-range levels to cfPWV and metabolic syndrome (Mets) in non-drinkers and drinkers in a Chinese community-dwelling population. METHODS: There were 2202 participants with serum ALT levels within normal range enrolled for the current analysis. RESULTS: Median (range) age of participants was 53 (18–96) years, 51.5% were males, and 31.2% were drinkers. Prevalence of Mets was 29.4%. Median (range) of cfPWV was 10.1 (2.4-32.7) m/s. Hazard ratios for prevalence of Mets, central obesity and high triglyceride significantly increased with elevated levels of serum ALT in both non-drinkers and drinkers (p < 0.05 for all). Hazard ratios for prevalence of cfPWV > 10 m/s, high blood pressure and high blood glucose significantly increased with elevated levels of serum ALT in non-drinkers (p < 0.05 for all), but not in drinkers (p ≥ 0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: In a Chinese community-dwelling population, prevalence of Mets and its components (including central obesity and high TG) increased with an elevation in serum ALT levels within normal range in both non-drinkers and drinkers, while cfPWV and other components of Mets, such as high blood pressure and glucose, increased with an elevation in serum ALT levels in non-drinkers, but not in drinkers.