Serum osteocalcin levels are inversely associated with the presence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with coronary artery disease.

Osteocalcin plays roles in energy, glucose, and lipid metabolism. Consequently, the relationship between osteocalcin level and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is of interest. The present study explored the possible correlation between serum osteocalcin levels and NAFLD in patients with CAD. The study enrolled 174 inpatients diagnosed with CAD by coronary angiography (CAG). The presence of fatty liver disease was confirmed by abdominal ultrasonography. NAFLD was diagnosed using the working definition of the revised guidelines for the management of NAFLD published by the Chinese Liver Disease Association. Serum osteocalcin levels were determined using electrochemiluminescent immunoassays. Patients with NAFLD had lower serum osteocalcin levels than those without NAFLD [16.2 (14.2-23.8) vs. 20.7 (15.6-26.2) ng/mL, P<0.05]. After adjustment for gender and age, serum osteocalcin levels correlated with the presence of NAFLD (r=-0.260, P=0.010), fasting plasma glucose level (r=-0.230, P=0.023) and glycated hemoglobin A1c level (r=-0.229, P=0.023). Osteocalcin was an independent factor for the presence of NAFLD (β=-0.097, P=0.025). These data suggested that serum osteocalcin levels were negatively associated with the presence of NAFLD in patients with CAD.