Association between elevated serum transaminase and moderately increased albuminuria: a cross-sectional study in western Tokushima, Japan

Abstract Background This study aimed to identify the factors relating to moderately increased albuminuria among middle-aged and older individuals in Japan. Methods We conducted specific health examinations in which we measured albuminuria levels, and administered a questionnaire survey to record participants’ lifestyles in western Tokushima Prefecture, Japan. A total of 1,660 people whose albuminuria was less than 300 mg/g creatinine (Cr) were analyzed. We divided participants into two groups—those with normal albuminuria ( 300 mg/gCr)—and compared their characteristics. To investigate all relevant factors, we conducted a multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results The moderately increased albuminuria group were significantly older and had, among them, significantly higher percentages of a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2, diabetes, hypertension, and mild liver disorder (aspartate transaminase ≥ 31 U/L or alanine aminotransferase ≥ 31 U/L or gamma-glutamyl transferase ≥ 51 U/L). (p