Cosmetic exposure and hepatic steatosis: Investigating the role of metals and adipokines.

BACKGROUND

Cosmetic use is increasingly common among young college students; however, its potential link to hepatic steatosis remains unclear. This exploratory study examined associations between external cosmetic use, internal metal exposure, and hepatic steatosis indices, as well as the possible mediating roles of adipokines.

METHODS

A panel study with 70 college students collected cosmetics exposure data, quantified serum levels of 26 metals, and measured plasma adipokine levels. Hepatic steatosis was assessed using the HSI and ZJU index as non-invasive indirect biomarkers. Generalized linear models (GLM) and generalized weighted quantile sum (gWQS) models evaluated associations between cosmetic and metal exposure with HSI, ZJU, and adipokines, including the interaction between sex and cosmetic exposure-related metals. Causal mediation analysis assessed adipokine mediation effects.

RESULTS

Exposure to cosmetics, particularly hair and body products, was associated with elevated HSI and ZJU in college students. Cobalt (Co) and copper (Cu), biomarkers of cosmetic exposure, exhibited positive dose-response relationships with HSI, ZJU, and leptin, independent of sex. Leptin mediated the associations between lip and hair cosmetics, Co, Cu, and increased HSI and ZJU.

CONCLUSIONS

Co and Cu biomarkers indicate an association between cosmetic use and biomarkers of hepatic steatosis in college students, in which leptin may play a mediating role. This exploratory study offers preliminary epidemiological evidence and suggests potential intervention targets for cosmetics-related liver health risks. However, given the indirect nature of HSI and ZJU and the observational design, causality cannot be inferred; further investigations are warranted.