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Abdelhameed F, Kite C, Lagojda L, Dallaway A, Chatha KK, Chaggar SS, Dalamaga M, Kassi E, Kyrou I, Randeva HS. Non-invasive Scores and Serum Biomarkers for Fatty Liver in the Era of Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD): A Comprehensive Review From NAFLD to MAFLD and MASLD. Curr Obes Rep 2024; 13:510-531. [PMID: 38809396 PMCID: PMC11306269 DOI: 10.1007/s13679-024-00574-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rapidly increasing worldwide, making it the leading cause of liver related morbidity and mortality. Currently, liver biopsy is the gold standard for assessing individuals with steatohepatitis and fibrosis. However, its invasiveness, sampling variability, and impracticality for large-scale screening has driven the search for non-invasive methods for early diagnosis and staging. In this review, we comprehensively summarise the evidence on the diagnostic performance and limitations of existing non-invasive serum biomarkers and scores in the diagnosis and evaluation of steatosis, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis. RECENT FINDINGS Several non-invasive serum biomarkers and scores have been developed over the last decade, although none has successfully been able to replace liver biopsy. The introduction of new NAFLD terminology, namely metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and more recently metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), has initiated a debate on the interchangeability of these terminologies. Indeed, there is a need for more research on the variability of the performance of non-invasive serum biomarkers and scores across the diagnostic entities of NAFLD, MAFLD and MASLD. There remains a significant need for finding valid and reliable non-invasive methods for early diagnosis and assessment of steatohepatitis and fibrosis to facilitate prompt risk stratification and management to prevent disease progression and complications. Further exploration of the landscape of MASLD under the newly defined disease subtypes is warranted, with the need for more robust evidence to support the use of commonly used serum scores against the new MASLD criteria and validation of previously developed scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Abdelhameed
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
- Institute for Cardiometabolic Medicine, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Chris Kite
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
- School of Health and Society, Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, WV1 1LY, UK
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Research Institute for Health & Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry, CV1 5FB, UK
- Chester Medical School, University of Chester, Shrewsbury, SY3 8HQ, UK
| | - Lukasz Lagojda
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
- Clinical Evidence-Based Information Service (CEBIS), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Alexander Dallaway
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
- School of Health and Society, Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, WV1 1LY, UK
| | - Kamaljit Kaur Chatha
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
- Institute for Cardiometabolic Medicine, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
| | | | - Maria Dalamaga
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eva Kassi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- First Department of Propaupedic and Internal Medicine, Endocrine Unit, Laiko Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Kyrou
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK.
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Research Institute for Health & Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry, CV1 5FB, UK.
- Institute for Cardiometabolic Medicine, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK.
- Aston Medical School, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK.
- College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Derby, DE22 1GB, UK.
- Laboratory of Dietetics and Quality of Life, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855, Athens, Greece.
| | - Harpal S Randeva
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK.
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Research Institute for Health & Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry, CV1 5FB, UK.
- Institute for Cardiometabolic Medicine, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK.
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Kamal E, Mostafa AM, Fouad Y. MAFLD vs. MASLD: Consensus is unlike evidence! Ann Hepatol 2024; 29:101527. [PMID: 38960313 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Enas Kamal
- Department of Endemic Medicine and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Alaa M Mostafa
- Department of Endemic Medicine and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt.
| | - Yasser Fouad
- Department of Endemic Medicine and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
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Ramírez-Mejía MM, Qi X, Abenavoli L, Barranco-Fragoso B, Barbalho SM, Méndez-Sánchez N. NAFLD-MASLD-MAFLD continuum: A swinging pendulum? Ann Hepatol 2024; 29:101526. [PMID: 38945478 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana M Ramírez-Mejía
- Plan of Combined Studies in Medicine (PECEM-MD/PhD), Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico; Liver Research Unit, Medica Sur Clinic & Foundation, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Xingshun Qi
- Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command (formerly General Hospital of Shenyang Military Area), Liaoning Province, China
| | - Ludovico Abenavoli
- Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Beatriz Barranco-Fragoso
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Medical Center "20 de Noviembre", ISSSTE, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Sandra M Barbalho
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Marília, Marília, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nahum Méndez-Sánchez
- Liver Research Unit, Medica Sur Clinic & Foundation, Mexico City, Mexico; Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico.
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4
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Pan Z, Eslam M. MAFLD or MASLD: Let the evidence decide again. Ann Hepatol 2024; 29:101521. [PMID: 38862036 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Ziyan Pan
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mohammed Eslam
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Jiang M, Pan Z, George J, Eslam M. Clinical features and mortality outcomes of patients with MASLD only compared to those with MAFLD and MASLD. Hepatol Int 2024:10.1007/s12072-024-10721-2. [PMID: 39196505 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-024-10721-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The applicability of the proposed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) definition has not been validated. We aimed to characterize the profiles and long-term survival of people meeting the criteria for MASLD, but not that of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), i.e. MASLD only. METHODS Using data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) 1988-1994, 7791 adult participants were included and categorized into four distinct groups: no SLD, non-MAFLD MASLD, MASLD-MAFLD, and cryptogenic SLD (steatosis without metabolic dysfunction). RESULTS Participants in the MASLD-only group were younger and had better metabolic profiles and fibrosis degree compared to those with MASLD-MAFLD and those with no SLD. Their profiles were comparable to those with cryptogenic SLD. Similarly, the MASLD-only group tend to have lower cumulative incidence of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Clustering analysis showed that MASLD only clusters differently from individuals with MASLD-MAFLD. CONCLUSIONS MASLD only is a distinct clinical group with substantial heterogeneity compared to those captured using the MAFLD criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingqian Jiang
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, People's Hospital Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Ziyan Pan
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Mohammed Eslam
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia.
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Mak LY, Liu K, Chirapongsathorn S, Yew KC, Tamaki N, Rajaram RB, Panlilio MT, Lui R, Lee HW, Lai JCT, Kulkarni AV, Premkumar M, Lesmana CRA, Hsu YC, Huang DQ. Liver diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma in the Asia-Pacific region: burden, trends, challenges and future directions. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024:10.1038/s41575-024-00967-4. [PMID: 39147893 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-024-00967-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Globally, nearly half of deaths from cirrhosis and chronic liver diseases (CLD) and three-quarters of deaths from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occur in the Asia-Pacific region. Chronic hepatitis B is responsible for the vast majority of liver-related deaths in the region. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common form of CLD, affecting an estimated 30% of the adult population. Compared with people of European descent, people from the Asia-Pacific region carry more genetic variants associated with MASLD and its progression. Alcohol is a fast-growing cause of CLD and HCC in Asia as a result of the rising per-capita consumption of alcohol. Drug-induced liver injury is under-recognized and probably has a high prevalence in this region. The epidemiological and outcome data of acute-on-chronic liver failure are heterogeneous, and non-unified definitions across regions contribute to this heterogeneity. CLDs are severely underdiagnosed, and effective treatments and vaccinations are underutilized. In this Review, we highlight trends in the burden of CLD and HCC in the Asia-Pacific region and discuss the rapidly changing aetiologies of liver disease. We examine the multiple gaps in the care cascade and propose mitigating strategies and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Yi Mak
- The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ken Liu
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Rashid Lui
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hye Won Lee
- Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | | | - Anand V Kulkarni
- Department of Hepatology, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Madhumita Premkumar
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | | | - Yao Chun Hsu
- Department of Medical Research, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Medicine and Graduate Institute of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine and Graduate Institute of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Daniel Q Huang
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.
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Alboraie M, Wifi MN, Fouad Y. Letter: MAFLD versus MASLD-The devil lies in the details. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2024; 60:531-532. [PMID: 39014908 DOI: 10.1111/apt.18052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Kim et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18011
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Alboraie
- Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed-Naguib Wifi
- Internal Medicine Department, Hepatogastroenterology Unit, Kasr Al-Ainy School of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Yasser Fouad
- Department of Endemic Medicine and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
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8
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Ciardullo S. The MAFLD-MASLD debate: Does cardiovascular risk prediction define the winner? Liver Int 2024; 44:1564-1566. [PMID: 38886912 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Ciardullo
- Department of Medicine and Rehabilitation, Policlinico di Monza, Monza, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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9
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Ramírez-Mejía MM, Eslam M, Méndez-Sánchez N. The MAFLD and MASLD conundrum: Is it reinvention of the wheel? J Hepatol 2024; 81:e22-e23. [PMID: 38484916 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana M Ramírez-Mejía
- Plan of Combined Studies in Medicine (PECEM-MD/PhD), Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico; Liver Research Unit, Medica Sur Clinic & Foundation, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mohammed Eslam
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nahum Méndez-Sánchez
- Liver Research Unit, Medica Sur Clinic & Foundation, Mexico City, Mexico; Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico.
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10
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Pan Z, Shiha G, Esmat G, Méndez-Sánchez N, Eslam M. MAFLD predicts cardiovascular disease risk better than MASLD. Liver Int 2024; 44:1567-1574. [PMID: 38641962 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has been proposed as an alternative for the validated definition of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). We compared the abilities of MAFLD and MASLD to predict the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). METHODS Six thousand and ninety six participants from the 2017 to 2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cohort who received a thorough medical health check-up were chosen for the study. The associations between fatty liver status and coronary risk surrogates, such as 10-year ASCVD risk and self-reported cardiovascular events, were analysed. RESULTS MAFLD and MASLD were identified in 2911 (47.7%) and 2758 (45.2%) patients, respectively. MAFLD (odds ratio [OR]: 2.14, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.78-2.57, p < .001) was more strongly independently associated with high ASCVD risk than MASLD (OR: 1.82, 95% CI, 1.52-2.18, p < .001) was in comparison with the absence of each condition. However, compared with MAFLD, MASLD alone was not associated with increased ASCVD risk. Multiple logistic regression revealed that MAFLD alone was significantly more strongly associated with a high risk of ASCVD (OR: 2.82; 95% CI: 1.13-7.01; p < .03) than MASLD alone. CONCLUSIONS Although both MAFLD and MASLD were associated with different ASCVD risks, MAFLD predicted the ASCVD risk better than MASLD. The higher predictive ability of MAFLD compared to MASLD was attributed to metabolic dysfunction rather than moderate alcohol use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyan Pan
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gamal Shiha
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital, Mansoura, Egypt
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Gamal Esmat
- Departement of Endemic Medicine and Hepatogastrenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nahum Méndez-Sánchez
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Liver Research Unit, Medica Sur Clinic Foundation, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mohammed Eslam
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Pan Z, Eslam M. Bringing evidence to the MAFLD-MASLD debate. Liver Int 2024; 44:1740-1741. [PMID: 38801209 DOI: 10.1111/liv.16000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Ziyan Pan
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mohammed Eslam
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
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Fouad Y, Abdelhalim S, Said EM, Abd-Elsalam S. The MASLD-MAFLD debate: Another phase of eminence versus evidence. Liver Int 2024; 44:1742-1743. [PMID: 38801213 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Yasser Fouad
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endemic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Safaa Abdelhalim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endemic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Ebada M Said
- Department of Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
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Portincasa P, Baffy G. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: Evolution of the final terminology. Eur J Intern Med 2024; 124:35-39. [PMID: 38653634 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2024.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The medical term nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was coined in 1986 for a condition that has since become the most prevalent liver disorder worldwide. In the last 3 years, the global professional community launched 2 consecutive efforts to purge NAFLD from the medical dictionary and recommended new terms based on disease pathophysiology rather than distinction from similar conditions featuring liver steatosis. A consensus by renowned clinical scholars primarily residing in the Asian-Pacific region introduced metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) as a new name to replace NAFLD in 2020. In 2023, a nomenclature and classification resulting in the term metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) was developed by a large expert panel under the auspices of leading liver societies from Europe and Americas. These marked and rapid shifts in nomenclature have garnered the attention of many researchers and clinicians across the globe due to the multilevel impact of a frequent and potentially progressive chronic liver disease in both adult and pediatric populations. The proposed terminologies differ in several ways but they have more in common than differences. They both capture key features of liver disease associated with cardiometabolic risk factors and with significant impact on all-cause and liver-related mortality. The framework of MASLD has incorporated many innovative aspects of MAFLD and while several conceptual disparities remain a work in progress, global efforts should focus on new insights into disease pathogenesis, outcome trajectories, prevention, and treatment. Here, some of these challenges are discussed to facilitate this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piero Portincasa
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePre-J), Medical School, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, Bari 70124, Italy.
| | - Gyorgy Baffy
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
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14
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Pan Z, Al-Busafi SA, Abdulla M, Fouad Y, Sebastiani G, Eslam M. MAFLD identifies patients with significant hepatic fibrosis better than MASLD. Hepatol Int 2024; 18:964-972. [PMID: 38717690 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-024-10673-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Diagnostic criteria for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) have been proposed but not yet validated. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the MASLD definition with the existing criteria for metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in identifying patients with significant fibrosis. METHODS The analysis included a total of 8317 individuals who had complete biochemical and liver ultrasonography data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2017-2020). In this study, significant fibrosis (≥ F2) was determined by a median liver stiffness of ≥ 8.0 kPa. To identify independent factors associated with significant fibrosis, multivariable logistic regression analyses were applied. RESULTS MAFLD (OR 3.44; 95% CI 2.88-4.12; P < 0.0001) has a trend for stronger and independent association with significant fibrosis compared to MASLD (OR 2.63; 95% CI 2.22-3.11; P < 0.0001). Non-MASLD MAFLD is independently associated with a 14.28-fold higher odds of significant fibrosis compared to non-MAFLD MASLD. The sensitivity for detecting significant fibrosis for MAFLD and MASLD was 76.23% vs 69.94%, respectively. The performance of MAFLD remains consistent in a sub-analysis of patients with no or mild alcohol intake. CONCLUSIONS The definition of MAFLD provides a more precise identification of individuals who have both fatty liver and significant fibrosis, assessed by non-invasive tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyan Pan
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Said A Al-Busafi
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Maheeba Abdulla
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ibn Al Nafees Hospital, Manama, 54533, Bahrain
| | - Yasser Fouad
- Department of Endemic Medicine and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Giada Sebastiani
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Royal Victoria Hospital, 1001 Blvd. Décarie, Montreal, Canada
| | - Mohammed Eslam
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2145, Australia.
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15
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Chrysavgis L, Cholongitas E. From NAFLD to MASLD: what does it mean? Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 18:217-221. [PMID: 38934451 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2024.2374472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Lampros Chrysavgis
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Athens Naval Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Cholongitas
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens Greece
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16
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Portincasa P, Khalil M, Mahdi L, Perniola V, Idone V, Graziani A, Baffy G, Di Ciaula A. Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: From Pathogenesis to Current Therapeutic Options. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5640. [PMID: 38891828 PMCID: PMC11172019 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The epidemiological burden of liver steatosis associated with metabolic diseases is continuously growing worldwide and in all age classes. This condition generates possible progression of liver damage (i.e., inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma) but also independently increases the risk of cardio-metabolic diseases and cancer. In recent years, the terminological evolution from "nonalcoholic fatty liver disease" (NAFLD) to "metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease" (MAFLD) and, finally, "metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease" (MASLD) has been paralleled by increased knowledge of mechanisms linking local (i.e., hepatic) and systemic pathogenic pathways. As a consequence, the need for an appropriate classification of individual phenotypes has been oriented to the investigation of innovative therapeutic tools. Besides the well-known role for lifestyle change, a number of pharmacological approaches have been explored, ranging from antidiabetic drugs to agonists acting on the gut-liver axis and at a systemic level (mainly farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonists, PPAR agonists, thyroid hormone receptor agonists), anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory agents. The intrinsically complex pathophysiological history of MASLD makes the selection of a single effective treatment a major challenge, so far. In this evolving scenario, the cooperation between different stakeholders (including subjects at risk, health professionals, and pharmaceutical industries) could significantly improve the management of disease and the implementation of primary and secondary prevention measures. The high healthcare burden associated with MASLD makes the search for new, effective, and safe drugs a major pressing need, together with an accurate characterization of individual phenotypes. Recent and promising advances indicate that we may soon enter the era of precise and personalized therapy for MASLD/MASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piero Portincasa
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePre-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.K.); (L.M.); (V.P.); (V.I.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Mohamad Khalil
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePre-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.K.); (L.M.); (V.P.); (V.I.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Laura Mahdi
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePre-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.K.); (L.M.); (V.P.); (V.I.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Valeria Perniola
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePre-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.K.); (L.M.); (V.P.); (V.I.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Valeria Idone
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePre-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.K.); (L.M.); (V.P.); (V.I.); (A.D.C.)
- Aboca S.p.a. Società Agricola, 52037 Sansepolcro, Italy
| | - Annarita Graziani
- Institut AllergoSan Pharmazeutische Produkte Forschungs- und Vertriebs GmbH, 8055 Graz, Austria;
| | - Gyorgy Baffy
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02132, USA
| | - Agostino Di Ciaula
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePre-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.K.); (L.M.); (V.P.); (V.I.); (A.D.C.)
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17
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Lonardo A, Bril F, Caldwell SH, Eslam M, Fan JG, Gish RG, Gronbaek H, Sanal MG, Stefan N, Suzuki A, Targher G, Tilg H, Yu ML, Zheng MH, George J. Researchers call for more flexible editorial conduct rather than abruptly adopting only the new MASLD nomenclature. J Hepatol 2024; 80:e192-e194. [PMID: 38336589 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fernando Bril
- University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL, United States
| | | | - Mohammed Eslam
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jian-Gao Fan
- Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Lab of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Shanghai, China
| | - Robert G Gish
- Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States; University of Nevada, Reno and Las Vegas, NV, United States; Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, La Jolla, CA, United States; Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, PA, United States
| | - Henning Gronbaek
- Aarhus University Hospital and Clinical Institute, Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | | | - Norbert Stefan
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Nephrology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ayako Suzuki
- Gastroenterology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Giovanni Targher
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy; Metabolic Diseases Research Unit, IRCCS Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, Italy
| | - Herbert Tilg
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- School of Medicine and Doctoral Program of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, College of Medicine and Center of Excellence for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital; College of Medicine and Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Hua Zheng
- MAFLD Research Center, Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, China
| | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
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18
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Zhou XD, Lonardo A, Pan CQ, Shapiro MD, Zheng MH. Clinical features and long-term outcomes of patients diagnosed with MASLD, MAFLD, or both. J Hepatol 2024:S0168-8278(24)00223-X. [PMID: 38554846 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.03.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Dong Zhou
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Heart Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | | | - Calvin Q Pan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Michael D Shapiro
- Center for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Section on Cardiovascular Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Ming-Hua Zheng
- MAFLD Research Center, Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China; Institute of Hepatology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China; Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment for the Development of Chronic Liver Disease in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
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19
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De Cól JP, de Lima EP, Pompeu FM, Cressoni Araújo A, de Alvares Goulart R, Bechara MD, Laurindo LF, Méndez-Sánchez N, Barbalho SM. Underlying Mechanisms behind the Brain-Gut-Liver Axis and Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD): An Update. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3694. [PMID: 38612504 PMCID: PMC11011299 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) includes several metabolic dysfunctions caused by dysregulation in the brain-gut-liver axis and, consequently, increases cardiovascular risks and fatty liver dysfunction. In MAFLD, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and metabolic syndrome are frequently present; these conditions are related to liver lipogenesis and systemic inflammation. This study aimed to review the connection between the brain-gut-liver axis and MAFLD. The inflammatory process, cellular alterations in hepatocytes and stellate cells, hypercaloric diet, and sedentarism aggravate the prognosis of patients with MAFLD. Thus, to understand the modulation of the physiopathology of MAFLD, it is necessary to include the organokines involved in this process (adipokines, myokines, osteokines, and hepatokines) and their clinical relevance to project future perspectives of this condition and bring to light new possibilities in therapeutic approaches. Adipokines are responsible for the activation of distinct cellular signaling in different tissues, such as insulin and pro-inflammatory cytokines, which is important for balancing substances to avoid MAFLD and its progression. Myokines improve the quantity and quality of adipose tissues, contributing to avoiding the development of MAFLD. Finally, hepatokines are decisive in improving or not improving the progression of this disease through the regulation of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory organokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlia Pauli De Cól
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), São Paulo 17525-902, Brazil; (J.P.D.C.); (M.D.B.)
| | - Enzo Pereira de Lima
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), São Paulo 17525-902, Brazil; (J.P.D.C.); (M.D.B.)
| | - Fernanda Moris Pompeu
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), São Paulo 17525-902, Brazil; (J.P.D.C.); (M.D.B.)
| | - Adriano Cressoni Araújo
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), São Paulo 17525-902, Brazil; (J.P.D.C.); (M.D.B.)
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), São Paulo 17525-902, Brazil;
| | - Ricardo de Alvares Goulart
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), São Paulo 17525-902, Brazil;
| | - Marcelo Dib Bechara
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), São Paulo 17525-902, Brazil; (J.P.D.C.); (M.D.B.)
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), São Paulo 17525-902, Brazil;
| | - Lucas Fornari Laurindo
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina de Marília (FAMEMA), Marília, São Paulo 17519-080, Brazil;
| | - Nahum Méndez-Sánchez
- Liver Research Unit, Medica Sur Clinic & Foundation, Mexico City 14050, Mexico;
- Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Sandra Maria Barbalho
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), São Paulo 17525-902, Brazil; (J.P.D.C.); (M.D.B.)
- Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), São Paulo 17525-902, Brazil;
- Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, School of Food and Technology of Marília (FATEC), São Paulo 17500-000, Brazil
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20
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Feng Z, Zhao F, Wang Z, Tang X, Xie Y, Qiu L. The relationship between sarcopenia and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease among the young and middle-aged populations. BMC Gastroenterol 2024; 24:111. [PMID: 38491346 PMCID: PMC10943823 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-024-03192-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has been proposed as a new term for diagnosing fatty liver disease, which is considered to be a multi-systemic disease with multiple extrahepatic manifestations, including sarcopenia. The link between sarcopenia and MAFLD remains uncertain, especially among young and middle-aged adults. Thus, we examined the relationship between MAFLD and sarcopenia in young and middle-aged individuals in this study. METHODS A total of 2214 individuals with laboratory tests, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and ultrasound transient elastography from NHANES 2017-2018 were selected for this study. MAFLD was diagnosed as fatty liver disease with any one of the situations: overweight/obesity, diabetes mellitus, presence of metabolic dysregulation. Sarcopenia was defined by appendicular lean mass adjusted for body mass index (BMI). Multivariable logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) model were applied to explore the relationship between MAFLD and sarcopenia, and the mediation analyses were also conducted. Moreover, subgroup analyses stratified by BMI and lifestyles were done. RESULTS The prevalence of MAFLD was 47.85%, and nearly 8.05% of participants had sarcopenia. The prevalence of sarcopenia was higher in participants with MAFLD (12.75%; 95% CI 10.18-15.31%) than in the non-MAFLD (3.73%; 95% CI 2.16-5.31%). MAFLD was significantly positively associated with sarcopenia after adjustments [OR = 2.87 (95% CI: 1.62-5.09)]. Moreover, significant positive associations were observed between liver fibrosis and sarcopenia prevalence in MAFLD patients (OR = 2.16; 95% CI 1.13-4.15). The RCS curve revealed that MAFLD was linearly associated with sarcopenia. The relationship between the MAFLD and sarcopenia were mediated by C-reactive protein (mediation proportion: 15.9%) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (mediation proportion: 18.9%). Subgroup analyses confirmed the association between MAFLD and sarcopenia differed in different lifestyle groups. CONCLUSIONS Both MAFLD prevalence and severity was significantly associated with sarcopenia. Thus, clinicians should advise comorbidity screening and lifestyle changes to young and middle-aged patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyan Feng
- Department of Medical Ultrasound and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Fanrong Zhao
- Department of gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ziyao Wang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xinyi Tang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yan Xie
- Department of gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.
| | - Li Qiu
- Department of Medical Ultrasound and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.
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