Epidemiological literature concerning the outcome of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as a risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains inconsistent. Additionally, it remains arguable whether NAFLD is associated with PCOS as a significance of shared risk factors or whether PCOS contributes to NAFLD in an independent fashion. Hence, this meta-analysis was conducted. PCOS is significantly associated with high risk of NAFLD. Though this association was independent of obesity and geographic region, it might be correlated with HA.

The results of the meta-analysis suggest that PCOS is significantly associated with high risk of NAFLD. This association was dependent of androgen levels, which is the main feature of PCOS, and was interrelated to IR. These findings have clinical implications for NAFLD screening in hyper androgenic women with PCOS.

Source: Reprod Health. 2018;15(1):77.