| Title: | Coffee Consumption and Improved Liver Outcomes: Clinical, Imaging, and Proteomic Evidence From the UK Biobank |
| Journal: | Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology |
| Published: | 1 Jul 2026 |
| Pubmed: | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42385787/ |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cgh.2026.04.035 |
Publication 20490
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Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS: Coffee consumption has been linked to a reduced risk of liver disease, but large-scale prospective studies integrating imaging biomarkers, proteomics, and intake patterns remain limited. The effects of coffee type, additives, and metabolic modifiers are also unclear.</p>
METHODS: We analyzed 354,957 UK Biobank participants without baseline cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Coffee consumption, type (caffeinated/decaffeinated), and additives (sugar/sweeteners) were assessed by questionnaire. Incident cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver-related mortality were ascertained through linked records. In a subcohort (n = 28,961) undergoing magnetic resonance imaging, hepatic fat (proton density fat fraction), iron, and fibroinflammation (iron-corrected T1) were evaluated. Proteomic profiling (n = 44,633) used Olink assays. Models were adjusted for demographic, behavioral, metabolic, and genetic covariates.</p>
RESULTS: Over a median 13-year follow-up, higher coffee intake showed a graded reduction in liver outcomes, with ≥5 cups/day group having risk reductions of cirrhosis (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.58-0.79), hepatocellular carcinoma (hazard ratio, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.34-0.83), and liver-related mortality (hazard ratio, 0.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.45-0.74). Protective associations were similar for caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee and persisted among those adding sugar or artificial sweeteners, although additive use correlated with modestly higher iron-corrected T1. Higher coffee intake corresponded to lower hepatic fat, iron, and fibroinflammation. Proteomic analysis revealed consistent patterns: higher levels of hepatocellular synthesis and complement proteins (transthyretin, selenoprotein P, complement factor H-related protein4/5) and lower levels of fibrogenic and macrophage-activation markers (microfibril-associated protein 4, colony stimulating factor 1 receptor, ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 2, transthyretin) with coffee drinking.</p>
CONCLUSIONS: Higher coffee intake was associated with favorable clinical, imaging, and proteomic indicators of liver health. These multidimensional findings support moderate unsweetened coffee as a simple strategy for liver disease prevention.</p>
23 Authors
- Hyun-Seok Kim
- Mohammad Saeid Rezaee-Zavareh
- Yufeng Wang
- Abdelrahman M Attia
- Minsun Kwak
- Seungwon Burm
- Derin Celtik
- Daniel Legaspi
- Osama Khattab
- Naomy Kim
- Beza M Mengistu
- Kelsey N Larios
- David Sooik Kim
- Walid Ayoub
- Alexandar Kuo
- Paul Martin
- Aarshi Vipani
- Yun Wang
- Suthat Liangpunsakul
- Debiao Li
- Shelly C Lu
- Stephen Pandol
- Ju Dong Yang
1 Application
| Application ID | Title |
|---|---|
| 132578 | The Relationship Between Liver and Pancreas Magnetic Resonance Imaging Characteristics with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis, Fatty Pancreas, and Various Related Health Outcomes |
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