MAFLD vs. NAFLD: shared features and potential changes in epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and pharmacotherapy.
10.1097/CM9.0000000000001263
- VernacularTitle:MAFLD
vs. NAFLD: shared features and potential changes in epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and pharmacotherapy
- Author:
Ying-Xin XIAN
1
;
Jian-Ping WENG
2
;
Fen XU
1
Author Information
1. Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China.
2. Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diabetology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/epidemiology*;
Humans;
Insulin Resistance;
Metabolic Syndrome/epidemiology*;
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/epidemiology*;
Obesity
- From:
Chinese Medical Journal
2020;134(1):8-19
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
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.
