Epidemiological literature regarding the effect of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as a risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains inconsistent. Furthermore, it remains debatable whether NAFLD is associated with PCOS as a consequence of shared risk factors or whether PCOS contributes to NAFLD in an independent fashion. Therefore, this meta-analysis was conducted. PCOS is significantly associated with high risk of NAFLD. Although 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 hyperandrogenic women with PCOS.

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