Boldys A, Buldak L. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: Navigating terminological evolution, diagnostic frontiers and therapeutic horizon-an editorial exploration. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30(18): 2387-2390 [PMID: 38764762 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i18.2387]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Lukasz Buldak, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medykow 18, Katowice 40-752, Poland. lbuldak@gmail.com
Research Domain of This Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Article-Type of This Article
Editorial
Open-Access Policy of This Article
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Aleksandra Boldys, Lukasz Buldak, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice 40-752, Poland
Author contributions: Boldys A and Buldak L wrote this manuscript; Boldys A outlined the subject. Both authors were involved in original manuscript preparation and revision.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors have nothing to disclose.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Lukasz Buldak, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medykow 18, Katowice 40-752, Poland. lbuldak@gmail.com
Received: December 28, 2023 Revised: April 7, 2024 Accepted: April 24, 2024 Published online: May 14, 2024 Processing time: 134 Days and 13.5 Hours
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), once known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), represents a spectrum of liver disorders characterized by lipid accumulation within hepatocytes. The redefinition of NAFLD in 2023 marked a significant reposition in terminology, emphasizing a broader understanding of liver steatosis and its associated risks. MASLD is now recognized as a major risk factor for liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and systemic complications such as cardiovascular diseases or systemic inflammation. Diagnostic challenges arise, particularly in identifying MASLD in lean individuals, necessitating updated diagnostic protocols and investing in non-invasive diagnostic tools. Therapeutically, there is an urgent need for effective treatments targeting MASLD, with emerging pharmacological options focusing on, among others, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Additionally, understanding the roles of bile acid metabolism, the microbiome, and dietary interventions in MASLD pathogenesis and management holds promise for innovative therapeutic approaches. There is a strong need to emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts in understanding, diagnosing, and managing MASLD to improve physicians’ approaches and patient outcomes.
Core Tip: The transition from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) reflects a broader understanding of liver steatosis beyond obesity-related factors. Early recognition and diagnosis of MASLD are essential. Updated diagnostic protocols and exploration of novel therapeutic avenues focusing on metabolic dysregulation are critical for improving outcomes in MASLD management. Cross-disciplinary collaboration is key to addressing the complexities of this disease effectively.
