Introduction:

Evidence suggests that the type of adipose tissue distribution contributes to a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. It has been observed that visceral adipose tissue is highly lipolytic, and lipid distribution is primarily directed towards the liver, resulting in an excessive flow of fatty acids that can trigger lipid alterations and a high risk of hepatic steatosis.

Objective:

This study aimed to find the association of liver enzymes and lipid profile with body fat distribution in Mexico university students.

Materials and methods:

Cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational study with a sample of university students aged 18 to 26 years. Anthropometric measurements, a 24-hour dietary recall (R24h), Pittsburgh sleep quality index, body fat determination, DXA-derived visceral adipose tissue (cm²) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (g), and blood samples were collected to determine lipid profile (low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high- density lipoprotein (HDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC)) and liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT)).

Results:

We found a positive association between the type of fat distribution and LDL, VLDL, TC, TG, ALT, and γ-GT, indicating that higher visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and body mass index (BMI) increase the concentrations of these biochemical parameters. In contrast, HDL showed a negative association, decreasing with an increase in VAT, SAT, and BMI.

Conclusions:

Body fat distribution (VAT and SAT) influences the lipid (LDL, VLDL, TC, TG, and HDL) and liver (ALT and γ -GT) levels of university students, which may indicate metabolic alterations.