Multidimensional metabolic risk of the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index in ocean-going seafarers: a LASSO regression-based cross-sectional study
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is a simple surrogate marker for insulin resistance (IR), but factors associated with elevated TyG in ocean-going seafarers remain unclear. We aimed to identify factors independently associated with the TyG index in male ocean-going seafarers to inform targeted prevention of cardiometabolic risk. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we retrospectively identified 585 male ocean-going seafarers from the Yangtze River Shipping General Hospital from February 2025 to February 2026; after applying predefined exclusion criteria, 533 participants were included. Demographic, anthropometric, biochemical, and lifestyle data were collected using standardized protocols. Feature selection was performed using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression with 10-fold cross-validation in R. A multiple ordinary least squares (OLS) linear regression model was then constructed to identify independent associations with the TyG index. Heteroscedasticity was corrected using HC3 robust standard errors, and multicollinearity was assessed via the variance inflation factor (VIF). Results LASSO selected 17 variables. In the multiple OLS model, age (standardized β = 0.191, 95% CI 0.096–0.285, P < 0.001), waist-to-hip ratio (standardized β = 0.216, 95% CI 0.137–0.296, P < 0.001), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (standardized β = 0.303, 95% CI 0.150–0.456, P < 0.001), serum uric acid (SUA) (standardized β = 0.127, 95% CI 0.050–0.204, P = 0.001), unhealthy dietary patterns (standardized β = 0.095, 95% CI 0.021–0.169, P = 0.012), and unhealthy alcohol consumption (standardized β = 0.074, 95% CI 0.002–0.146, P = 0.044) were independently and positively associated with the TyG index. Direct bilirubin (DBIL) was inversely associated (standardized β = -0.206, 95% CI -0.279 to -0.132, P < 0.001). Conclusions In male ocean-going seafarers, older age, central obesity, higher SUA and ALT levels, unhealthy dietary patterns, and unhealthy alcohol consumption were independently associated with higher TyG index, whereas DBIL was inversely associated. Incorporating the TyG index into maritime health assessments and targeting modifiable factors may support early identification and intervention for cardiometabolic risk in this population.
Source: Research Square
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7225318358