Association between Atherogenic Index of Plasma and Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Based on Results from Fasa Adults Cohort Study(FACS)

Background Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects approximately 25% of the global population, with prevalence rising alongside obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. The Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) has recently garnered interest as a potential marker in NAFLD pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the association between AIP and NAFLD. Methods This cross-sectional study utilized data from the Fasa Adults Cohort Study, comprising approximately 10,000 individuals, of whom 2,599 were diagnosed with NAFLD based on clinical evaluation. Baseline data—including biochemical profiles, medical history, and lifestyle factors—were extracted. AIP was calculated from triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t-tests, and multivariate logistic regression, with significance set at p < 0.05. Sensitivity and specificity analyses assessed AIP’s predictive value for NAFLD. Results Among 9,587 participants, 2,599 (27.1%) had NAFLD, with a higher prevalence in females (30.9%) compared to males (21.9%) (p < 0.001). Those with NAFLD exhibited elevated triglycerides, total cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, and anthropometric measurements, alongside reduced High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol(HDL-C). Notably, AIP was strongly associated with NAFLD (p < 0.001). The predictive performance of AIP was confirmed with a sensitivity of 74.04% and specificity of 73.61%. Conclusion AIP demonstrates substantial potential as a non-invasive predictor for NAFLD, which could facilitate early diagnosis and intervention. Further prospective studies are recommended to validate these findings.