Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease is an early predictor for testosterone deficiency in aging men without metabolic syndrome

Background and aims Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has emerged as a valuable marker for identifying individuals at increased risk of metabolic dysfunction, liver-related complications, and cardiovascular disease. However, the association between MAFLD and testosterone deficiency (TD) in aging men remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the association between MAFLD and the risk of TD in aging Taiwanese men, with a specific focus on those without metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods A free health screening program was conducted for Taiwanese men aged over 40 years in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Participants underwent physical examinations, completed questionnaires regarding demographics, medical history, and clinical symptoms of TD, and provided 20-mL whole blood samples for biochemical, adipocytokine, and hormonal evaluations. Fatty liver index was used to evaluate the risk of fatty liver. Diagnostic criteria for MAFLD included fatty liver along with overweight/obesity, type 2 diabetes, or evidence of metabolic dysregulation. Results A total of 631 men (mean age: 54.4 ± 8.4 years) were enrolled. The prevalence rates of TD and MetS were significantly higher in men with MAFLD compared to those without (both p < 0.001). Additionally, the presence of MAFLD showed a significant correlation with adipocytokines associated with insulin resistance, such as adiponectin, leptin, and retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP-4) levels (all p < 0.001). Among men without MetS, those with MAFLD had a 3.89- and 4.74-fold higher risk of total testosterone < 300 ng/dL and TD, respectively, after adjusting for potential covariates. Conclusion MAFLD is associated with an elevated risk of TD in aging Taiwanese men, particularly in the absence of MetS. This finding suggests that MAFLD could serve as an early predictor of TD, facilitating the identification of high-risk individuals and enabling timely interventions. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms linking MAFLD, TD, and MetS in diverse populations.

Background and aims: Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has emerged as a valuable marker for identifying individuals at increased risk of metabolic dysfunction, liver-related complications, and cardiovascular disease.However, the association between MAFLD and testosterone deficiency (TD) in aging men remains poorly understood.This study aimed to investigate the association between MAFLD and the risk of TD in aging Taiwanese men, with a specific focus on those without metabolic syndrome (MetS).
Methods: A free health screening program was conducted for Taiwanese men aged over 40 years in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.Participants underwent physical examinations, completed questionnaires regarding demographics, medical history, and clinical symptoms of TD, and provided 20-mL whole blood samples for biochemical, adipocytokine, and hormonal evaluations.Fatty liver index was used to evaluate the risk of fatty liver.Diagnostic criteria for MAFLD included fatty liver along with overweight/obesity, type 2 diabetes, or evidence of metabolic dysregulation.
Results: A total of 631 men (mean age: 54.4 ± 8.4 years) were enrolled.The prevalence rates of TD and MetS were significantly higher in men with MAFLD compared to those without (both p < 0.001).Additionally, the presence of MAFLD showed a significant correlation with adipocytokines associated with insulin resistance, such as adiponectin, leptin, and retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP-4) levels (all p < 0.001).Among men without MetS, those with MAFLD had a 3.89-

Introduction
Testosterone (T) functions as the principal sex hormone in males, playing a crucial role in both androgenic and anabolic processes.Its production reaches peak during men's adolescence and early adulthood, but gradually declines at a rate of approximately 0.4-2.6% per year after the age of 40 (1).Reduced T levels have been associated with various clinical symptoms, including decreased libido, alterations in erectile function, decreased energy levels, diminished motivation, impaired work and physical performance, depressive symptoms, irritability, impaired concentration, and disrupted sleep patterns, all of which significantly impact men's overall quality of life (1,2).In men, T levels were also found to significantly associate with body fat distributions (3).Furthermore, low T has been established as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, with an observed correlation to increased incidences of stroke, myocardial infarction, cardiovascular-related mortality, and all-cause mortality among male individuals (4, 5).Testosterone deficiency (TD) is currently defined as a clinical syndrome characterized by low serum T concentrations, accompanied by a specific constellation of clinical symptoms and signs (6).Given the profound negative impact of TD on male sexuality, reproductive function, general health, and overall quality of life, it is imperative to identify reliable early predictors that can aid medical practitioners in identifying high-risk individuals and facilitating timely preventive interventions and treatment in clinical settings.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) stands as the predominant cause of chronic liver disease, affecting approximately 25% of the adult population globally (7).Its escalating prevalence has rendered it the fastest growing cause of liver-related mortality worldwide and emerged as a significant contributor to end-stage liver disease, primary liver cancer, and the need for liver transplantation, consequently imposing a considerable burden on healthcare systems (8).NAFLD exhibits a robust and bidirectional relationship with various components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) (8)(9)(10).However, the conventional definition of NAFLD has several inherent limitations, including its inability to capture the disease's heterogeneity, exclusionary diagnostic patterns associated with the definition, and the stigmatization resulting from its nomenclature (11).In 2020, an international panel of experts proposed a novel nomenclature, namely metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), aiming to emphasize the significant contribution of metabolic risk factors to the onset and progression of liver disease (12,13).The diagnostic criteria for MAFLD encompass the presence of hepatic steatosis in conjunction with one of three features: overweight or obesity, type 2 diabetes, or being lean or of normal weight with evidence of metabolic dysregulation (12,13).This shift from NAFLD to MAFLD represents a crucial milestone in moving towards a more comprehensive, equitable, and patientcentered approach in addressing the profound challenges associated with this disease (12,13).
While extensive research has been conducted on the association between MetS and TD, the relationship between NAFLD and TD has only recently gained attention (14, 15).Although NAFLD is commonly acknowledged as the hepatic manifestation of MetS, emerging evidence suggests that it may serve as a precursor to the subsequent development of MetS (16,17).However, there is a paucity of literature investigating the correlation between MAFLD, the newly established comprehensive definition of fatty liver, and TD in aging men (18).Additionally, no studies have been undertaken to evaluate the potential of MAFLD in predicting the risk of TD in individuals without MetS.Hence, the objective of this study is to assess the association between the risk of MAFLD and TD in an aging Taiwanese male population, with a particular focus on those without MetS.

Subjects and study protocol
The present study utilized cross-sectional data obtained from Taiwanese males aged 40 years and above, which were collected during a free health screening program conducted by a medical center in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, between June 2012 and August 2014.Subject selection criteria were implemented following previously described methods (see Supplementary Table S1) (1,(19)(20)(21).The exclusion criteria included the following: (1) individuals with a documented history of significant psychiatric disorders, substance abuse disorders, advanced liver and/or renal disease, or malignancy; (2) individuals who were currently utilizing hormone therapy, undergoing anti-androgen treatment, consuming steroidal agents, or taking antifungal drugs; and (3) individuals who had incomplete evaluations during the study period (1,(19)(20)(21).The study followed the ethical guidelines stated in the Declaration of Helsinki and obtained approval from the Institutional Research Ethics Committee of the Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital.Written informed consent was obtained from all participants involved in the study.
Trained researchers conducted interviews with participants using a structured questionnaire to gather demographic information, detailed medical, surgical, and psychosexual history, current medication usage, and lifestyle data (1,(19)(20)(21).Additionally, the androgen deficiency in aging male (ADAM) questionnaire was employed to evaluate the clinical symptoms of TD in each participant.A participant was considered positive for symptoms suggestive of TD if they reported decreased libido or strength of erection, or if they responded positively to any three of the nonspecific questions, including fatigability, mood change, loss of height, and decreased muscle strength (1,(20)(21)(22).Participants were classified as alcohol drinkers, cigarette smokers or betel quid chewers if they had regularly consumed any alcoholic beverage ≥1 times per week, had smoked ≥10 cigarettes per week, or had chewed ≥7 betel quids per week, respectively, for at least 6 months.Those who were still using any of the aforementioned substances within one year before the interview were classified as current users (1,20,21,23).Regular exercise was defined as participating in aerobic exercise at least once a week for a minimum duration of 20 minutes, leading to perspiration, within one year prior to the interview (19)(20)(21).

Physical measurements
Each participant underwent physical measurements, which included recording their blood pressure, body weight (in kilograms), height (in centimeters), and waist circumference (WC).Blood pressure was measured twice, following a resting period of 15 minutes or more, using a mercury sphygmomanometer, and the average values were documented for subsequent analysis.WC was measured at the midpoint between the inferior costal margin and the superior border of the iliac crest along the mid-axillary line.Body mass index (BMI) was calculated by dividing the body weight (in kilograms) by the square of the body height (in meters).

Definition of TD and MetS
The diagnosis of TD was based on the guidelines provided by the American Urological Association (AUA) for the evaluation and management of TD (6).TD was defined as having both a TT level below 300 ng/dL and positive clinical symptoms determined through the ADAM questionnaire (20,21).An individual was classified as having MetS if they met at least three of the following five criteria:

The calculation of fatty liver index and definition of MAFLD
The FLI was calculated using the formula established by Bedogni et  The diagnostic criteria for MAFLD included the presence of fatty liver (FLI ≥ 35) along with one of the following three features: overweight or obesity, type 2 diabetes, or lean or normal weight with evidence of metabolic dysregulation, as outlined in the international expert consensus statement from 2020 (12,13).Metabolic dysregulation was defined as the presence of at least two of the following metabolic risk abnormalities: (1)WC ≥ 90 cm; (2) BP ≥ 130/85 mm Hg or the use of antihypertensive medication; (3) TG ≥ 150 mg/dL or the use of lipid-lowering therapy; (4) HDL cholesterol levels < 40 mg/dL or the use of lipid medication; (5) Prediabetes (FBG: 100-125 mg/dL or hemoglobin A1C: 5.7%-6.4%)(12,13).

Statistical analysis
Quantitative data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD), while categorical data were presented as numbers (n) and percentages.The chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was employed to compare qualitative variables, whereas the Student's t-test or oneway analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare quantitative variables.Multivariate regression analyses were performed to examine the relationships between the presence of MAFLD and the risks of having TT levels below 300 ng/dL and TD.Adjustments were made for potential covariates.To ensure the robustness of the analyses, sensitivity tests were conducted, comparing the results using the original criteria for fatty liver risk proposed by Bedogni et al., which defined FLI ≥ 60 as indicative of fatty liver (25).All statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS version 18.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

Results
Out of the initial 667 men who participated in the health screening, a total of 36 subjects were excluded from the analysis.
The reasons for exclusion were current malignancies (15 cases), current use of medications that could interfere with the measurement of natural T levels (10 cases), and incomplete evaluation (11 cases).As a result, the final study population consisted of 631 subjects, with a mean age of 54.4 ± 8.4 years (range: 40-80 years).The baseline characteristics of the study population are summarized in Table 1.Among the participants, 78 (12.4%) were diagnosed with MetS, 229 (36.3%) with MAFLD, and 70 (11.1%)with TD.The mean value of TT level was 411.7 ± 121.4 ng/dl (range: 120.0-1230.0ng/dl) and FLI was 32.2 ± 22.4 (range: 11.0-99.9).

Clinical characteristics and laboratory data between subjects with and without MAFLD
A comparison of clinical characteristics and laboratory data was performed between subjects with and without MAFLD, as shown in Table 2. Subjects with MAFLD exhibited significantly lower education status (p=0.011) and a lower prevalence of regular exercise (p<0.001).They also had a higher prevalence of overweight/obesity (p<0.001),hypertension (p<0.001),diabetes (p<0.001),MetS (p<0.001),TT levels below 300 ng/dL (p<0.001),TD (p<0.001), and current habits of smoking (p=0.007) and betel quid chewing (p<0.001) compared to those without MAFLD.Furthermore, subjects with MAFLD exhibited significantly higher values of FLI, serum leptin, and RBP-4 levels, but lower serum TT, SHBG and adiponectin levels, compared to those without MAFLD (all p<0.001).

The distribution of TT levels below 300 ng/dL and TD according to the presentation of MAFLD in participants with and without MetS
A comparative analysis was conducted to assess the distribution of TT levels below 300 ng/dL and TD based on the presence of MAFLD in individuals with and without MetS, as outlined in Table 3.The distribution of TT levels below 300 ng/dL and TD exhibited a significant difference only among subjects without MetS (both p<0.001), while no significant difference was observed among those with MetS.In subjects without MetS, both the prevalence of TT levels below 300 ng/dL and TD increased with the presence of MAFLD.

The associations of MAFLD with the risks of TT levels below 300 ng/dL and TD in participants without MetS
In subjects without MetS, multivariate regression analyses were performed to investigate the associations between MAFLD and the risks of having TT levels below 300 ng/dL and TD.After adjusting for confounding factors such as age, educational level, habits of cigarette smoking, betel quid chewing, alcohol drinking, and regular exercise, subjects with MAFLD had significantly increased risks of TT levels below 300 ng/dL and TD compared to those without MAFLD (both p<0.001).Specifically, subjects with MAFLD faced a 3.89-fold higher risk of having TT levels below 300 ng/dL and a 4.74-fold higher risk of having TD compared to their counterparts without MAFLD.Furthermore, sensitivity tests were conducted using the original criteria proposed by Bedogni et al. for defining fatty liver risk.The findings demonstrated a similar trend, indicating that subjects with MAFLD, according to the original criteria, had a 3.02-fold higher risk of having TT levels below 300 ng/dL and a 3.41-fold higher risk of having TD compared to those without MAFLD.Additionally, a significant negative correlation existed between MAFLD presentation and TT levels in multivariate linear regression, regardless of the chosen criteria for defining fatty liver risk (data not presented).

Discussion
In this study, we investigated the association between MAFLD and TD in a cohort of 631 Taiwanese male participants aged 40-80 years.Our analysis revealed that subjects with MAFLD had significantly higher rates of TT levels below 300 ng/dL, TD, and MetS compared to those without MAFLD (Table 2).Furthermore, they exhibited significantly elevated levels of serum leptin and RBP-4, along with decreased levels of serum adiponectin, which may indicate a potential link to insulin resistance (Table 2).The distribution of TT levels below 300 ng/dL and TD significantly differed only among subjects without MetS based on the presence of MAFLD, with an increased prevalence of both conditions (Table 3).Importantly, after adjusting for potential confounding factors, individuals with MAFLD faced significantly higher risks of TT levels below 300 ng/dL and TD compared to those without MAFLD (Table 4).These findings highlight a noteworthy association between MAFLD and TD, suggesting a potential role of MAFLD in the development of TD in individuals without MetS.
Fatty liver, in addition to its adverse effects on liver health, has been found to be closely associated with MetS and its individual components, establishing it as the hepatic manifestation of MetS (8).The presence of fatty liver disrupts normal intrahepatic glucose and triglyceride metabolism, leading to aggravated insulin resistance and lipid abnormalities, which in turn contribute to the progression of MetS (16,27).Recent large-scale meta-analyses of prospective studies by Ballestri et al. and Mantovani et al. have also demonstrated that both enzyme-and ultrasound-diagnosed NAFLD significantly increase the risk of future development of MetS and type 2 diabetes in affected individuals (17,28).These findings highlight the bidirectional relationship between fatty liver and MetS, emphasizing the crucial role of fatty liver in the pathogenesis and future risk of metabolic disorders.
Due to several limitations of the traditional definition of NAFLD, an international expert panel proposed the adoption of a new term, MAFLD, to replace the term NAFLD in 2020 (12,13).This new term aims to emphasize the importance of metabolic dysfunction in the pathogenesis and progression of liver disease (12,13).The recommendation for the use of MAFLD has gained support from over 1,000 important medical, healthcare, and pharmaceutical organizations across 134 countries as of 2022 (29).Recent studies have also demonstrated that the use of MAFLD diagnosis helps identify patients with a higher risk of metabolic dysfunction, liver-related complications, and other comorbidities (such as cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and colorectal adenomas) (11,30).Therefore, the transition to the MAFLD diagnosis is considered a significant milestone, promoting a more inclusive, equitable, and patient-centered approach to addressing the significant challenges posed by fatty liver disease (11,30).
In men, the impact of MetS on sexual and reproductive function has been extensively studied, while the role of fatty liver in this context has gained recognition only in recent years (31), particularly regarding its potential association with testosterone deficiency (32).As the liver is responsible for the metabolism of endogenous hormones and the production of the SHBG, the occurrence of fatty liver may disrupt hormone metabolism and SHBG production.Furthermore, it can potentially affect the hypothalamic-pituitarygonadal axis by triggering insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation, ultimately leading to decreased T levels within the body (31).
Recently, Jaruvongvanich et al. conducted a meta-analysis of 16 studies involving 13,721 males and 5,840 females.They found that males with NAFLD had approximately 2.78 nmol/L lower levels of TT compared to those without NAFLD (15).In another study by Phan et al., analyzing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), they also found that individuals with NAFLD diagnosed by ultrasound had significantly lower levels of TT and SHBG compared to those without NAFLD (33).In line with these findings, our previous study also found that FLI, a noninvasive screening tool for NAFLD, is significantly associated with the risk of TD in aging men (21).Together, these studies underscore the significant association between fatty liver and testosterone levels in men.
To date, there is limited research on the association between MAFLD and TD.Only one study by Cao et al. in 2022 has investigated this relationship in a cohort of 732 individuals (304 males and 428 females) from a Shanghai community.The found that males with MAFLD exhibited significantly diminished levels of TT and SHBG in comparison to their counterparts without MAFLD (both p<0.01) (18).Our findings are consistent with this study, providing additional evidence supporting their observations (Table 2).Additionally, among individuals without MetS, a population traditionally considered to be at lower risk of TD, those with MAFLD exhibited a 3.89-fold increased risk of having TT levels below 300 ng/dL and a 4.74-fold increased risk of having TD compared to those without MAFLD (Table 4).These results emphasize the potential influence of MAFLD on testosterone levels and the heightened risk of TD, particularly in individuals without MetS.Furthermore, the identification of MAFLD as an early predictor for TD in clinical practice can assist healthcare professionals in identifying individuals at high risk and implementing timely preventive interventions and treatment strategies in clinical settings.
There is evidence that low T levels are associated with disruptions in energy metabolism, alterations in body composition, increased accumulation of visceral fat, and the development of insulin resistance (32,34).Testosterone therapy has been shown to be effective in alleviating symptoms associated with TD and offers additional benefits.It can enhance muscle mass, improve bone density, reduce body fat, and lower total cholesterol levels physiologically (35,36).Furthermore, in individuals with TD who also have MetS or diabetes, a comprehensive meta-analysis conducted by Li et al. in 2020, comprising 18 randomized controlled trials, revealed significant improvements in blood glucose control (glycosylated hemoglobin), insulin sensitivity (HOMA index), lipid abnormalities (low-density lipoprotein and TGs), and body composition (weight, BMI, and WC) following testosterone therapy (37).Recent studies have also suggested that testosterone therapy may have positive effects on improving hepatic steatosis in individuals with TD and fatty liver (38,39).These findings underscore the reciprocal relationship between TD and fatty liver, the potential therapeutic benefits of testosterone therapy extending beyond symptom relief and suggest its potential role in managing the metabolic and hepatic complications associated with TD, including MAFLD.Further research is essential to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and clinical implications of this association.
This study has several limitations.Firstly, the data were obtained from a community-based health screening program, potentially introducing selection bias despite its open participation.Therefore, larger population-based studies are needed to address this bias.Secondly, the findings relied on a single measurement of serum T level, although efforts were made to minimize diurnal variation.However, a single measurement may not fully reflect the actual T levels of the participants.Thirdly, due to the cross-sectional nature of the study, causality between MAFLD and TD could not be established.Finally, imaging techniques such as ultrasonography or liver histology were not performed to confirm the presence of fatty liver.Further research is required to evaluate the differences and compare the effectiveness of using the FLI for diagnosing MAFLD with the results obtained from imaging or pathological studies.

Conclusion
In our study of aging Taiwanese men, individuals with MAFLD exhibited significantly elevated rates of TT levels below 300 ng/dL, TD, and MetS compared to those without MAFLD.Notably, among individuals without MetS, a population traditionally considered to be at lower risk for TD, the presence of MAFLD was associated with a substantial increase in the risk of TT levels below 300 ng/dL and TD.These findings underscore the considerable impact of MAFLD on T levels and the heightened susceptibility to TD, particularly among individuals without MetS.Recognition of MAFLD as an early predictor (1) WC ≥ 90cm; (2) high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol < 40 mg/dL or lipid medication use; (3) triglyceride (TG) ≥ 150 mg/dL or use of lipid−lowering therapy; (4) blood pressure (BP) ≥ 130/85 mm Hg or use of antihypertensive medication; (5) fasting blood glucose (FBG) ≥ 100 mg/dL or diagnosed as having type 2 diabetes, following modified criteria derived from the National Cholesterol Treatment Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP-III) definitions proposed by the Bureau of Health Promotion in Taiwan (19-21).

TABLE 2
The comparison of clinical characteristics and laboratory data between subjects with and without MAFLD.

TABLE 3
The distribution of total testosterone<300 ng/dL and testosterone deficiency according to the presentation of MAFLD in participants with and without metabolic syndrome., metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease; TT, total testosterone; TD, testosterone deficiency; MetS, metabolic syndrome. MAFLD

TABLE 4
Associations of MAFLD with the risks of total testosterone <300 ng/dL and testosterone deficiency in participants without metabolic syndrome.Adjusted for age, education status, and habits of smoking, alcohol drinking, betel quid chewing and regular exercise.ofTD in clinical practice can facilitate the identification of high-risk individuals and the implementation of timely preventive interventions and therapeutic strategies.Further investigations involving diverse age and ethnic populations are necessary to validate our preliminary findings and unravel the underlying mechanisms that connect MAFLD, TD, and MetS.