Background
The liver plays an important role in gonadal steroid hormone metabolism, which can affect reproductive health, including the menstrual cycle. However, evidence from large population-based studies is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between liver function markers and menstrual cycle irregularities in premenopausal Korean women using nationwide data.
Methods
This study analyzed Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010–2011. We investigated 3,045 premenopausal women aged 19–59 years. Liver function markers including serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase, and fatty liver index were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between liver function markers and menstrual cycle irregularity while adjusting for confounding factors. Values were presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analysis was also performed.
Results
Baseline characteristic analysis showed that approximately 14.4% of the study population experienced menstrual cycle irregularity. The mean age was 34.5±0.7 years. The highest quartile of serum ALT and AST levels showed significantly higher ORs for menstrual cycle irregularity (adjusted OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.26–2.64 and adjusted OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.17–2.39, respectively). A similar result was observed in the subgroup analysis.
Conclusion
Liver function markers were positively associated with menstrual cycle irregularities. In clinical settings, women of reproductive age with relatively decreased liver function should be considered for regular followup of their reproductive health status.

Background
Many studies have assessed the risk factors for adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in elderly patients. However, most of these studies have focused on risk factors for ADRs, not serious ADRs (s-ADRs). s-ADRs are commonly found in hospitalized patients. s-ADRs warrant imminent but thorough investigations, given their critical impact on patient health. Therefore, this retrospective study aimed to assess the associated risk factors for s-ADRs in elderly hospitalized patients.
Methods
In-patients aged >65 years having ADRs during hospitalization at a university hospital in Korea between 2010 and 2012 were included. Medical professionals spontaneously reported ADRs using an electronic submission system at the study hospital. Further, all descriptions of ADRs were characterized and categorized through the screening of electronic medical records. We compared the characteristics of patients having s-ADRs with those of patients not having s-ADRs.
Results
There were 353 cases of ADRs, 67 of which were s-ADRs. Patients taking more than eight concomitant drugs showed the highest odds ratio (OR, 11.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.42–42.03). The ratio of aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was also significantly related to s-ADRs (OR, 2.78; 95% CI, 1.33–5.81). The use of antibiotics (OR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.13–5.02) and antineoplastics (OR, 4.17; 95% CI, 1.09–15.94) were significant risk factors.
Conclusion
Our findings highlight the importance of polypharmacy. Liver function tests (AST/ALT ratio) must be monitored carefully within high-risk groups for ADRs.

Citations

• Effect of Epstein–Barr virus on macrophage M2/M1 migration and EphA2 expression in adverse drug reactions
  Ran An, Dong‐Jie Sun, Hao‐Xue Lei, Ang‐Ran He, Ying Tu, Jun‐Ting Tang
  The Journal of Dermatology.2025; 52(1): 87.     CrossRef
• Risk factors for severe adverse drug reactions in hospitalized patients
  Nemanja Z. Petrović, Ana V. Pejčić, Miloš N. Milosavljević, Slobodan M. Janković
  Open Medicine.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Drug-Induced Serious Cutaneous Reactions in Hospitalized Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
  Warisara Jiamsathit, Kansuda Bunarong, Sonthiya Papenkort, Anthony R. Cox, Narumol Jarernsiripornkul
  Journal of Clinical Medicine.2025; 14(3): 857.     CrossRef
• Epidemiology of reported serious adverse drug reactions due to anti-infectives using nationwide database of Thailand
  Sopit Sittiphan, Apiradee Lim, Haris Khurram, Nurin Dureh, Kwankamon Dittakan, Obed Kwabena Offe Amponsah
  PLOS ONE.2025; 20(2): e0318597.     CrossRef
• Potential inappropriate medications and drug–drug interactions in adverse drug reactions in the elderly: a retrospective study in a pharmacovigilance database
  Huaqiao Jiang, Yanhua Lin, Weifang Ren, Lina Lu, Xiaofang Tan, Xiaoqun Lv, Ning Zhang
  Frontiers in Pharmacology.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Drug Related Problems among Older Inpatients at a Tertiary Care Setting
  Porrawee Pramotesiri, Krongtong Putthipokin, Sirasa Ruangritchankul
  Journal of Clinical Medicine.2024; 13(6): 1638.     CrossRef
• Exploring the community pharmacist’s knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding adverse drug reactions and its reporting in the United Arab Emirates: a survey-based cross-sectional study
  Javedh Shareef, Sathvik Belagodu Sridhar, Mullaicharam Bhupathyraaj, Atiqulla Shariff, Sabin Thomas
  Therapeutic Advances in Drug Safety.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Severe Adverse Drug Reactions in Korean Elderly Patients
  Jungun Lee
  Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2022; 43(2): 91.     CrossRef

Background
: Fatty liver, the most possible cause for an elevated hepatic aminotransferase level once hepaitis B, hepatitis C, and the drug induced hepatitis were excluded, is supposed to have association with obesity as well as ingestion of alcohol. This study was performed to find an epidemiologic evidence for the association between obesity and fatty liver.

Methods : A case-control study was carried out on 160 cases matched for age and sex with 160 controls in a tertiary care hospital family practice clinic. Patients who had either an elevated aminotransferase level (> 45 IU/L) at two separate times of at one time with ultrasonic evidence compatible to fatty liver without any evidence of other causes that might affect the liver were included into case group. Information on the height, weight, cholesterol level, alcohol consumption, smoking, physical exericise, and past medical history were obtained through a review of medical records and self administered questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate the independent association.

Results : With the increase of body mass index (BMI), the association between BMI and an elevated aminotransferase level suspected of fatty liver increased. Significantly increased associations were observed in BMI levels 25-29 kg/m² (Odds ratio[OR], 5.02; 95% confdence interval[CI], 1,49-16.93) and more than 30 kg/m² (OR, 14.87; 95% CI, 2.58-85.62). Consuming large amount of alcohol (> 60g/day) and increasing cholesterol level were also significantly associated with eleveted aminotransferase level suspected of fatty liver.

Conclusion : Factors associated with elevated aminotransferase level suspected of fatty liver were heavy drinking, cholesterol level, and BMI. Large OR observed in high BMI levels(over 25 kg/m²) and dose-response relationship with BMI seem to suggest a causal relationship between obesity and fatty liver.