Objective:

To investigate the association between metabolic risk factors and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Approach:

• Study Selection: Included 73 studies with over 45 million participants, focusing on metabolic risk factors and HCC incidence.
• Data Analysis: Used hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) to assess pooled risk.

Key Findings:

• Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with increased HCC risk (HR = 1.80, 95%CI: 1.44–2.25).
• Diabetes mellitus (DM) significantly increases HCC risk (HR = 2.01, 95%CI: 1.79–2.27).
• Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 24 kg/m2 correlates with higher HCC risk (HR = 1.47, 95%CI: 1.35–1.61).
• Waist circumference (WC) is positively associated with HCC risk (HR = 1.39, 95%CI: 1.26–1.55).
• Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is positively associated with HCC risk (HR = 1.33, 95%CI: 1.16–1.52).
• Elevated triglycerides (TG) are positively associated with HCC risk (HR = 1.36, 95%CI: 1.09–1.69).
• Hypertension is positively associated with HCC risk (HR = 1.43, 95%CI: 1.13–1.81).
• High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) disturbances are linked to decreased HCC risk (elevated, HR = 0.88, 95%CI: 0.81–0.96; reduced, HR = 0.96, 95%CI: 0.93–0.99).
• Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is associated with a reduced risk of HCC (HR = 0.44, 95%CI: 0.32–0.62).

Interpretation:

Adverse metabolic risk factors are linked to an increased risk of HCC, suggesting potential areas for screening and prevention.

Limitations:

• The study only included cohort studies, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
• Potential publication bias and variability in study designs and definitions of metabolic risk factors.

Conclusion:

Identifying and managing metabolic risk factors may provide insights into HCC prevention strategies.

Sources:

• Systematic Review Registration