Association Between Chitinase 3-Like Protein 1 and Severe Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Large Prospective Cohort Study in UK Biobank.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1) is a glycoprotein involved in inflammation and fibrosis, but its association with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains unclear. This study investigated the association between serum CHI3L1 levels and the risk of severe NAFLD in a large prospective cohort.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted using UK Biobank data from 50,334 participants. Serum CHI3L1 levels were measured at baseline. Severe NAFLD cases were identified using hospital records. Cox proportional hazards models evaluated the association between CHI3L1 levels and severe NAFLD risk. Restricted cubic spline analysis assessed potential nonlinearity. Subgroup and mediation analyses were conducted to explore effect modifiers and underlying pathwa

SUBMITTER: Zou J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12727357 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature