A recent cross-sectional study published in the journal Nutrients found no statistically significant link between an individual’s chronotype—their natural preference for morning or evening activity—and the presence of liver fat or fibrosis in adults with overweight or obesity. Researchers at the National Institute of Gastroenterology in Italy assessed 119 medication-naïve participants using the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) and FibroScan imaging, concluding that while metabolic factors like insulin resistance correlate with liver health, sleep timing preferences do not serve as a reliable independent predictor for liver disease progression.
Evaluating the Link Between Circadian Rhythms and Liver Health
The human circadian system regulates essential metabolic and endocrine functions. When a person’s preferred daily schedule conflicts with social demands—a phenomenon known as chrono-disruption—it can lead to irregular sleep and meal patterns. Some researchers have hypothesized that individuals with an “evening chronotype” may face a higher risk of metabolic dysfunction, including Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD).
According to the Nutrients study, while evening chronotype is often associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes and inflammatory activity in adipose tissue, the specific impact on the liver remains debated. Previous studies using histology or surrogate indices have suggested a potential link, but the Italian research team sought to clarify these findings using FibroScan, a non-invasive tool that quantifies liver fat via the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and liver stiffness via liver stiffness measurement (LSM).
Study Findings: No Clear Signal for Chronotype
The study, conducted between February 2023 and July 2024, analyzed 119 participants with a mean age of 41.5 years. Data indicated that 62% of the cohort had hepatic steatosis, and 15% showed signs of fibrosis. Despite these high rates of liver involvement, the researchers found no significant correlation between MEQ scores and either CAP or LSM values.
Did you know?
The study found a positive correlation between liver fat (CAP) and liver stiffness (LSM), suggesting a relationship between liver fat and stiffness, regardless of an individual’s sleep schedule.
Even after adjusting for variables such as sex, age, insulin resistance, BMI, and waist circumference, the researchers reported no significant association. While small inverse correlations were noted between chronotype and thyroid hormones, and minor positive correlations were seen with vitamin D levels, the study authors emphasize that these results are hypothesis-generating and require further validation in larger, longitudinal cohorts.
Factors Driving Liver Steatosis and Fibrosis
While chronotype did not emerge as a significant driver of liver disease in this sample, the study reinforced established metabolic risk factors. CAP values were directly correlated with BMI, waist circumference, HbA1c, and insulin resistance. Similarly, LSM—the marker for liver stiffness—showed associations with body weight and insulin resistance.
Pro Tips for Metabolic Health Monitoring
- Non-Invasive Assessment: FibroScan is a non-invasive method for tracking liver health over time without the need for biopsy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does having an “evening chronotype” cause liver disease?
No. The study by the National Institute of Gastroenterology found no statistically significant evidence that an evening preference for daily activities is independently associated with higher liver fat or fibrosis in adults with obesity.
How is liver fat measured without a biopsy?
Clinicians use FibroScan, an imaging tool that calculates the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) for liver fat and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) for fibrosis.
What factors are most strongly linked to liver steatosis?
The study confirmed that excess weight (BMI), increased waist circumference, insulin resistance, and elevated liver enzymes are the most significant factors correlated with the accumulation of fat in the liver.
Are you interested in the latest research on metabolic health and circadian rhythms? Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on clinical findings and expert-led health insights.
Keep reading