Protective effects of statins on the incidence of NAFLD–related decompensated cirrhosis in T2DM

Background and Aims: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome and poses a significant threat to patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic dysregulation. Statins exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and antithrombotic effects that target mechanisms underlying NAFLD. However, the protective effects of the different doses, intensities and types of statins on the incidence of NAFLD-related decompensated liver cirrhosis (DLC) in patients with T2DM remain unclear. Methods: This study used the data of patients with T2DM who were non-HBV and non-HCV carriers from a national population database to examine the protective effects of statin use on DLC incidence through propensity score matching. The incidence rate (IR) and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of DLC in patients with T2DM with or without statin use were calculated. Results: A higher cumulative dose and specific types of statins, namely rosuvastatin, pravastatin, atorvastatin, simvastatin and fluvastatin, reduced the risk of DLC in patients with T2DM. Statin use was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of DLC (HR:.65, 95% CI:.61–.70). The optimal daily intensity of statin use with the lowest risk of DLC was.88 defined daily dose (DDD). Conclusions: The results revealed the protective effects of specific types of statins on DLC risk in patients with T2DM and indicated a dose–response relationship. Additional studies are warranted to understand the specific mechanisms of action of different types of statins and their effect on DLC risk in patients with T2DM.