The proposed redefinition of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease to metabolic associated fatty liver disease emphasizes the role of metabolic dysfunction, potentially leading to a higher prevalence and encouraging earlier pharmacological interventions.
ABSTRACT: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide, placing an increasing burden on human health. NAFLD is a complex multifactorial disease involving genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors. It is closely associated with metabolic syndrome, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, of which insulin resistance is the main pathophysiological mechanism. Over the past few decades, investigation of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatments has revealed different aspects of NAFLD, challenging the accuracy of definition and therapeutic strategy for the clinical practice. Recently, experts reach a consensus that NAFLD does not reflect the current knowledge, and metabolic (dysfunction) associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is suggested as a more appropriate term. The new definition puts increased emphasis on the important role of metabolic dysfunction in it. Herein, the shared features and potential changes in epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and pharmacotherapy of the newly defined MAFLD, as compared with the formerly defined NAFLD, are reviewed for updating our understanding.
Xian et al. (Mon,) conducted a review in Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) / Metabolic (dysfunction) associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). The proposed redefinition of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease to metabolic associated fatty liver disease emphasizes the role of metabolic dysfunction, potentially leading to a higher prevalence and encouraging earlier pharmacological interventions.