Individual and Combined Effects of Alanine Aminotransferase and Hemoglobin on Metabolic Syndrome in the Elderly in Qingdao, China

Abstract

Abstract Aims We aimed to investigate individual and combined effects of alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and hemoglobin(Hb) on metabolic syndrome(MetS) in the elderly. Methods and Results Participants came from the health examinations for the elderly in 2021 in Qingdao, China. 34,399 individuals aged 65 years and older were included in the current study. Based on a combination of ALT and Hb levels in the tertile, participants were grouped into nine groups. Logistic regression models were used to analyze individual and combined effects of ALT and Hb on MetS. ALT and Hb were both independently related to MetS and respective ORs(95%CIs) were 1.46(1.42–1.50) and 1.16(1.12–1.19). With the elevation of ALT or Hb levels, risks for MetS and its components increased. Compared to the reference group, ORs (95%CIs) of combined ALT and Hb for MetS were 1.23(1.13–1.35), 1.34(1.23–1.47), 1.59(1.46–1.74), 1.63(1.49–1.78), 1.89(1.72–2.08), 2.41(2.21–2.63) and 2.61(2.39–2.84) in Group 2–9 after adjusting for confounding factors. Conclusions ALT and Hb were both independently related to MetS. Combined ALT and Hb levels could increase risks of MetS and its components than an elevation in ALT or Hb alone. Therefore, individuals should take measures to lower their ALT and Hb levels to reduce the morbidity of MetS.