A new research article published in BMC Public Health has revealed a correlation between a higher triglyceride glucose (TyG) index and an increased risk of osteoarthritis (OA). This finding suggests that TyG may serve as a valuable predictive tool for identifying individuals at risk of OA, providing new insights into the assessment and treatment of this condition.
The study conducted by Huang et al. analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2015-2020), involving 3,921 participants diagnosed with OA. Out of 25,514 individuals included in the study, the mean TyG index was found to be 8.48 ± 0.65. The results of multivariable logistic regression analysis, following full adjustment, revealed a notable association between higher TyG index values and an elevated risk of OA. Specifically, for each unit increase in the TyG index, there was a 634% higher risk of OA [OR = 7.34; 95% CI: 2.25, 23.93; P = 0.0010]. Interaction tests indicated that age, gender, BMI, and smoking status did not significantly influence the relationship between the TyG index and OA. However, there was a stronger positive correlation between the TyG index and OA among individuals with diabetes.
TyG index, calculated as the product of fasting triglyceride levels (in mmol/L) and fasting plasma glucose levels, has been proposed as a simple and reliable indicator for identifying individuals with insulin resistance. Widely recognized as a reliable measure, it has shown correlations with the prognosis of various health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, kidney stones, erectile dysfunction, and dementia.
TyG index has emerged as a potential predictor of various health conditions, including OA. Recent research suggests that monitoring the TyG index could aid in forecasting the risk of OA development and implementing preventive measures. However, while these findings are promising, comprehensive studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms driving this association. Despite the potential significance of the TyG index in OA risk assessment, further investigation is essential to fully understand its clinical implications and to establish its role in guiding preventive strategies.
Reference
Huang J, Rozi R, Ma J, Fu B, Lu Z, Liu J, et al. Association between higher triglyceride glucose index and increased risk of osteoarthritis: data from NHANES 2015-2020. BMC Public Health. 2024 Mar 11;24(1):758.