Association between Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Study

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent neoplasm in females globally, with an increasing incidence trend almost in all regions. Previous studies have indicated that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may be an emerging risk factor for extrahepatic cancers, including BC. This systematic review and meta-analysis study aimed to determine the association between NAFLD and the development of BC.Method: Data were systematically collected without time limitation until ۲۱ April ۲۰۲۲, from the following electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The association between NAFLD and BC with odds ratio (OR) was calculated with a ۹۵% confidence interval (CI) and presented via forest plots. Hazard ratios along with incidence rate ratios in the cohort studies transformed into OR.Results: According to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) and the inclusion criteria herein, ۱۱ eligible studies were obtained from various countries. The pooled OR of NAFLD as a risk of developing BC, using a random-effects model, was estimated at ۱.۶۱ (۹۵% CI: ۱.۳۰-۲.۰۰) (Q-value: ۵۱.۳۵, I۲ = ۸۰.۵۲%, P < ۰.۰۰۰۱). Multivariate meta-regression analysis showed that the publication year-, country-, detection method-, study design-, and body mass index-adjusted status did not cause heterogeneity. The Egger's regression (P = ۰.۳۲) and the symmetry in the funnel plot showed no publication bias in the studies.Conclusion: The present research revealed that NAFLD had a significant association with BC, independent of traditional risk factors.

Keywords:

Breast cancer , Non-Alcoholic fatty liver disease , Systematic review , Association