Association of circadian syndrome with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and liver fibrosis: A cross-sectional study based on NHANES 2017 to 2020.03 data.

The circadian rhythm syndrome (CircS) is closely linked to metabolism; however, its association with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and liver fibrosis remains inadequately explored. This study aims to explore the association of CircS with NAFLD and liver fibrosis. A cross-sectional analysis was performed using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, and 3 multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to examine the association of CircS with NAFLD and liver fibrosis. Additionally, subgroup and interaction analyses were conducted to identify potential influencing factors. The study enrolled a total of 2597 participants. In models adjusted for all covariates, the odds ratios (OR) of CircS for NAFLD and liver fibrosis were (OR = 4.85, 95% CI: 3.99-5.89) and (OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.29-2.34), respectively. Subgroup and interaction analyses revealed a stronger positive association of CircS with NAFLD and liver fibrosis in younger age groups (<60 years) (P = .049, P = .004). Furthermore, CircS participants with diabetes showed a stronger positive correlation with NAFLD (P = .002). This indicates that in U.S. adults, CircS is significantly associated with the prevalence of both NAFLD and liver fibrosis. The association between CircS and NAFLD is stronger in individuals under 60 years of age and those with diabetes, while the association of CircS with liver fibrosis is more pronounced in individuals under 60 years of age.