Serum complement C3 as a diagnostic biomarker for metabolic dysfunction -associated steatotic liver disease in middle-aged and elderly adults: a cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease globally, with significant liver fibrosis (SLF) determining clinical outcomes. Although complement activation is involved in MASLD pathogenesis, the clinical significance of circulating complement proteins (C1q, C3, C4, total activity) in aging populations remains unclear. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the association between serum complement levels and MASLD/SLF in middle-aged and elderly adults.

Methods

We recruited 266 consecutive MASLD patients (age ≥ 45) and 150 age- and sex-matched healthy controls from Huadong Hospital. Multivariate logistic regression identified independent predictors of MASLD and SLF. Nonlinear relationships were a

SUBMITTER: Ye D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12613586 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature