Gender difference of alanine aminotransferase elevation may be associated with higher hemoglobin levels among male adolescents
Journal
PLoS ONE
Journal Volume
5
Journal Issue
10
Pages
e13269
Date Issued
2010
Author(s)
Abstract
Background: To explore the gender difference of ALT elevation and its association with high hemoglobin levels. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 3547 adolescents (2005 females, mean age of 16.5?.3 years) who were negative for hepatitis B surface antigen received health checkups in 2006. Body mass index (BMI), levels of hemoglobin, ALT and cholesterol were measured. ALT >42 U/L was defined as elevated ALT. Elevated ALT levels were detected in 112 of the 3547 participants (3.3%), more prevalent in males than in females (5.4% vs. 1.4%, p<0.001). Hemoglobin levels had a significant linear correlation with ALT levels in both genders. Abnormal ALT started to occur if hemoglobin.11 g/dl in females or.13.5 g/dl in males, but the cumulative cases of elevated ALT increased more quickly in males. Proportion of elevated ALT increased as either the BMI or hemoglobin level rise, more apparent in male adolescents. Logistic regression modeling showed odds ratio (95% confidence interval) were 24.7 (15.0-40.6) for BMI ≥27 kg/m2; 5.5 (2.9-10.4) for BMI 24-27 kg/m2; 2.7 (1.3-5.5) for Q5 (top 20th percentile) hemoglobin level; and 2.6 (1.6-4.1) for male gender. Further separately fitting the logistic models for two genders, the significance of Q5 hemoglobin level only appeared in the males. Conclusions: High hemoglobin level is a significant risk factor of ALT elevation after control hepatitis B, obesity and gender. Males have greater risk of abnormal liver function which may be associated with higher hemoglobin levels. ? 2010 Chen et al.
SDGs
Other Subjects
alanine aminotransferase; cholesterol; hemoglobin; alanine aminotransferase; hemoglobin; adolescent; age distribution; alanine aminotransferase blood level; article; body height; body mass; body weight; cholesterol blood level; controlled study; cross-sectional study; female; hemoglobin blood level; hepatitis B; human; major clinical study; male; obesity; risk factor; sex difference; blood; sex difference; statistical model; Adolescent; Alanine Transaminase; Body Mass Index; Female; Hemoglobins; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Risk Factors; Sex Factors
Type
journal article