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Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a wide spectrum of liver damage from the more prevalent (75%–80%) and nonprogressive nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) category to its less common and more ominous subset, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NAFLD is now the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the developed world and is...
Contexts in source publication
Context 1
... the prevalence of NAFLD in Asia, Europe, and North America was found to be 27.4%, 23.7%, and 24.1% respectively [4]. Figure 1 summarizes the prevalence of NAFLD across the world. The US population has seen a similar trend with the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), demonstrating a doubling in the prevalence of NAFLD in the US from 5.5% (1988)(1989)(1990)(1991)(1992)(1993)(1994) to 11% (2005-2008) [1]. ...
Context 2
... the prevalence of NAFLD in Asia, Europe, and North America was found to be 27.4%, 23.7%, and 24.1% respectively [4]. Figure 1 summarizes the prevalence of NAFLD across the world. The US population has seen a similar trend with the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), demonstrating a doubling in the prevalence of NAFLD in the US from 5.5% (1988)(1989)(1990)(1991)(1992)(1993)(1994) to 11% (2005-2008) [1]. ...
Citations
... The metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly named non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a prevalent hepatic condition associated with metabolic disruptions leading to gradual liver tissue damage (steatosis and steatohepatitis) and eventual progression to cirrhosis or subsequent hepatocellular carcinoma [1]. In the pediatric population, MASLD is one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease, and its global prevalence has been estimated between 7 and 35%, depending on the diagnosis method, setting population, and geographical region [2]. ...
... We thank the Population Health & Biostatistics Division at UTRGV, the Universidad México Americana del Norte, and Silanes Laboratory for supporting the paper's publication. 1 ...
Background
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a prevalent hepatic condition linked to metabolic alterations. It gradually causes liver damage and potentially progresses to cirrhosis. Despite its significance, research, especially in the pediatric population, is limited, leading to contradictory findings in diagnosis and treatment. This meta-analysis aims to synthesize existing literature on therapeutic interventions for MASLD in children and adolescents.
Methods
A comprehensive search of randomized controlled clinical trials yielded 634 entries from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to 2023. Interventions included medications, behavioral modifications, dietary changes, probiotics, supplements, surgical procedures, or combinations. The analysis focused on studies with treatment duration of at least 3 months, employing a random-effects REML meta-analysis model. Treatment effects on anthropometric measurements and biochemical components were examined and adjusted for heterogeneity factors analysis. A bibliometric analysis for insights into research contributors was performed.
Results
The systematic review incorporated 31 clinical trials, with 24 meeting criteria for meta-analysis. These comprised 3 medication studies, 20 with supplements, 4 focusing on lifestyle, and 4 centered on diets. Significant overall treatment effects were observed for ALT, AST, BMI, and HOMA-IR mainly by supplements and lifestyle. Meta-regression identified age, BMI changes, and treatment duration as factors modifying ALT concentrations. Bibliometric analysis involving 31 linked studies highlighted contributions from 13 countries, with the USA, Spain, and Chile being the most influential.
Conclusions
We conclude that supplementation and lifestyle changes can effectively impact ALT and AST levels, which can help address liver issues in obese children. However, the evaluation of risk bias, the high heterogeneity, and the bibliometric analysis emphasize the need for more high-quality studies and broader inclusion of diverse child populations to provide better therapeutic recommendations.
Trial registration
PROSPERO, CRD42023393952. Registered on January 25, 2023.
... The escalating prevalence of NAFLD is intimately connected to the rising occurrence of metabolic disorders [1]. This intricate relationship not only imposes a significant strain on public health systems but also heightens the susceptibility to cardiovascular complications, thereby exacerbating both morbidity and mortality [2]. ...
Background
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has emerged as the predominant form of chronic liver disease globally linked with heightened cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, the leading cause of mortality among affected individuals.
Aim
This study aims to assess serum PTX3 (pentraxin 3) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRβ) as potential non-invasive biomarkers for predicting cardiovascular risk (CVR) in MAFLD patients.
Method
A case–control investigation encompassing 84 MAFLD patients without prior CVD history and 30 age- and gender-matched healthy controls was conducted. Both cohorts underwent comprehensive laboratory and radiological evaluations. CVR was evaluated through common carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT), Framingham risk score, and QRISK 2 score. The efficacy of two ELISA biomarkers PTX3 and PDGFRβ was examined for correlation with CVR in MAFLD patients.
Results
MAFLD patients displayed significantly heightened levels of PTX3 and PDGFβ compared to healthy controls ( P < 0.001, P = 0.016, respectively). PDGFβ exhibited a notably positive correlation with the Framingham score ( P = 0.016), while no significant correlation was observed with pentraxin 3 ( P = 0.061). Univariate and multivariate analyses identified diabetes mellitus (DM) ( P < 0.001*), hypertension ( P = 0.005), visceral fat ( P < 0.001*), waist/hip circumference ( P = 0.04), and PDGFβ ( P = 0.03) as robust predictors of CVR, with PTX3 demonstrating limited prognostic utility.
Conclusion
PDGFβ emerged as a promising early non-invasive predictor of CVR in MAFLD patients, highlighting its potential role in guiding tailored preventive interventions, while PTX3 exhibited a modest impact warranting further investigation.
... Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are increasingly prevalent chronic liver diseases in the United States [1][2][3][4][5][6]. In June 2023, a multi-society Delphi consensus statement introduced a new nomenclature-metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), replacing the term NAFLD [7,8]. ...
African Americans (AA) have a high incidence of risk factors associated with MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease); the AA population has a lower incidence of MASLD and MASH (metabolic-associated steatotic hepatitis) than Caucasian and Hispanic Americans (non-AA). We investigated if underlying risk factor variation between AA and non-AA individuals could provide a rationale for the racial diversity seen in MASLD/MASH. Using ICD-10 codes, patients from 2017 to 2020 with MASLD/MASH were identified and confirmed to have either MASLD or MASH. Despite the large (>80%) AA population in our clinics, only 54% of the MASLD/MASH patients were African American. When the non-invasive NAFLD Fibrosis Scores (NFS) evaluated at early diagnosis were compared to the most recent values, the only increase in fibrosis score by NFS over time was in non-AA MASH patients. The increase in fibrosis only in non-AA MASLD patients is consistent with racial disparity in the disease progression in non-AA as compared to AA patients. Even with the large proportion of AA patients in our study, there was no significant racial disparity in the earliest assessment of either risk factors, laboratory values, or fibrosis scores that would account for racial disparity in the development and progression of MASLD.
... On the other hand, MASLD is less common in Africa (13.5%). Comparatively, the prevalence of MASLD in Asia, North America, and Europe was found to be 27.4%, 24.1% and 23.7% respectively [4]. The prevalence of the disease among the pediatric population is lower (7.4%) ...
... One of the most significant and reproducible genetic variants linked with MASLD is a missense mutation in PNPLA3 which leads to isoleucine to methionine substitution at position 148 (rs738409 C>G encoding for PNPLA3 I148M) [4,11]. The occurrence of the polymorphism in PNPLA3 varies depending on racial groups and it was estimated to be found in 49% of Hispanics, 23% in white persons, and 17% in black persons [11]. ...
... PNPLA3 exerts a relevant influence on fat accumulation in the liver in GG homozygous persons showing 73% more hepatic fat content when compared with CC homozygous individuals. Additionally, people with this mutation are also more susceptible to the development of more severe histologic hepatic damage, with a 3.24-fold greater risk of higher necro-inflammatory scores and a 3.2-fold greater risk of developing fibrosis [4]. ...
Introduction: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) was previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). MASLD is one of the most important and leading causes of liver disease worldwide. This disease is a public health challenge in the 21st century. Aim of the study: This article aims to present the latest literature data on MASLD. The study is intended to show what consequences are associated with changing the name of the disease and this article is purposive to be a vademecum of knowledge for practicing physicians. Material and methods: Comprehensive literature searches were performed across the main electronic databases of PubMed and GoogleScholar using the keywords: "metabolic-dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease”, “MASLD”, “non-alcoholic fatty liver disease” and “NAFLD” Conclusions: Most patients do not report any symptoms. It is important to identify patients at increased risk of MASLD. A fundamental role in prevention and treatment is lifestyle changes. The pharmacological approach includes among others use of antidiabetic drugs and treatment of other associated states.
... Obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia are modifiable risk factors for NAFLD that have been identified. It has been shown that adopting a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and losing weight are all aspects of lifestyle modifications that improve liver health and decrease the risk of NAFLD progression (12). The significance of preventive measures and early intervention in the management of NAFLD is highlighted by these results. ...
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common chronic liver condition characterized by excess fat accumulation in the liver in the absence of significant alcohol consumption. While NAFLD itself is generally considered benign, it can progress to more severe forms such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, which can ultimately lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocarcinoma, a type of liver cancer. The risk of developing hepatocarcinoma in individuals with NAFLD is considerably higher than in the general population. Factors such as obesity, diabetes, insulin resistance, and inflammation contribute to the development and progression of NAFLD and its subsequent transformation into hepatocarcinoma. Regular monitoring, lifestyle modifications, and timely treatment of co-existing conditions are crucial in mitigating the risk of hepatocarcinoma among patients with NAFLD. Further research into the underlying mechanisms linking NAFLD to hepatocarcinoma is essential for developing effective preventive strategies and treatments for this increasingly prevalent condition.
... Since early MAFLD is benign and reversible [39], timely diagnosis of MAFLD is important. In the present work, asprosin levels correlated with GGT levels, suggesting asprosin as a blood biomarker for diagnosing MAFLD. ...
... In addition, only older adults were included; consequently, more patients of different ages should be included. Secondly, in recent years, the same concept of disease rapidly evolved from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [39] to MAFLD [24] to metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) [42], shedding some confusion in definitions and data analysis. Still, Hagstrom et al. [43] showed that 99.5% of the patients diagnosed with NAFLD met the criteria for MASLD, concluding that "previous natural history data can be used". ...
Background
To explore the association of serum asprosin levels with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Methods
The cross-sectional study enrolled patients ≥ 65 years old diagnosed with T2DM at two community health service centers between November 2019 and July 2021. Logistic regression was applied to analyze the influencing factors of MAFLD.
Results
Totally 219 cases were included. Compared with diabetic individuals without MAFLD (n = 105), diabetics with MAFLD (n = 114) had younger ages, higher body mass index values, shorter time from T2DM diagnosis, increased waist-to-hip ratios, elevated triglycerides, reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT), elevated γ-glutaryl transferase, elevated fasting insulin, and elevated HOMA-IR (all P < 0.05). Serum asprosin levels were elevated in diabetics with MAFLD in comparison with the non-MAFLD group (291.71 ± 73.69 vs. 255.24 ± 82.52 pg/ml, P = 0.001). Multivariable analysis revealed, after adjusted for age, time from T2DM diagnosis, HDL-C, and ALT, serum asprosin level (OR = 1.006, 95%CI: 1.001–1.010, P = 0.014) were independently associated with MAFLD in T2DM.
Conclusions
High asprosin level are associated with MAFLD in older patients with T2DM, after adjusted for age, time from T2DM diagnosis, WHR, TG, HDL-C, ALT, GGT, FINS, and HOMA-IR.
... MASLD describes the abnormal accumulation of fat in the liver in the presence of at least one of five cardiometabolic risk factors: (1) body mass index (BMI) ≥ 23 kg/m 2 or waist circumference ≥ 90 cm for male and ≥ 85 cm for female; (2) fasting serum glucose ≥ 100 mg/dL or type 2 diabetes or treatment for type 2 diabetes; (3) blood pressure ≥ 130/85 mmHg or antihypertensive treatment; (4) triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dL or lipid-lowering treatment; or (5) high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ≤ 40 mg/dL for male and ≤ 50 mg/dL for female or lipid-lowering treatment [1] . MASLD is an umbrella term for a spectrum of diseases ranging from simple steatosis, in which patients do not have significant liver inflammation or damage, to steatohepatitis (MASH), in which fat accumulation causes oxidative stress leading to inflammation. ...
... This analysis focuses on newer evidence when available. We use the term MASLD, a new nomenclature as of June 2023 for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) [1] . An important caveat is that previous studies identified patients according to the NAFLD definition. ...
... There is a significant overlap between NAFLD and MASLD, with both diagnoses requiring the presence of hepatic steatosis [7,8] . In MASLD, the presence of at least one cardiometabolic risk factor is required for the diagnosis [1] . Implementing this definition, a study investigated 1,333 patients at Swedish university hospitals with confirmed NAFLD and found that only 4 patients (0.3%) did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of MASLD [7] . ...
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has an increasing prevalence, morbidity, and mortality both within the United States and globally. Here, we review newer evidence demonstrating racial and ethnic disparities that exist in the incidence of MASLD in the United States Many studies demonstrate that Hispanic populations have the highest prevalence of MASLD within the United States, followed by non-Hispanic White populations and then non-Hispanic Black populations. In addition, we present the latest research investigating specific factors that contribute to these disparities, including genetics, environmental exposures, diet, physical activity, and socioeconomic disparities. Finally, we discuss future directions and interventions needed to increase knowledge of racial and ethnic disparities in MASLD and reduce future disparities. The necessary strategies include increasing diversity and documentation of race and ethnicity in MASLD clinical studies, and increased screening and preventative health education for MASLD in vulnerable populations.
... Elevated serum IL-6 levels were observed in this study, demonstrating statistical significance (P = 0.0003) when juxtaposed with the healthy control group. These findings align with a study conducted in the Iraqi (city of Baghdad), where patients exhibited significantly higher IL-6 levels than controls (P = 0.01) [20]. Elevated concentrations of IL-6 have been detected in both the skin lesions of individuals with psoriasis and the synovial tissue of patients diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis [ [21]. ...
Background: Psoriasis goes beyond skin, intertwining with body systems, notably connecting to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study aims to explore the predictive potential: liver function tests and IL-6 as early markers for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in psoriasis patients. Methods: From March to November 2023, a case-control study was performed at the dermatological outpatient clinic of Baquba Teaching Hospital, Iraq. Individuals with confirmed psoriasis and those without underwent comprehensive clinical history and overall health examinations. The diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was established using the Fatty Liver Index (FLI). Results: Among the 216 participants in this study, 109 with confirmed psoriasis displayed a Fatty Liver Index (FLI) score >60, indicative of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The control group, comprising 107 individuals without psoriasis or NAFLD, provided a baseline for comparison. The mean ages were 32.5 ± 16.2 and 31.5 ± 14.3 years for the case and control groups, respectively. Notably, the case group exhibited significantly higher mean ± SD levels of ALT and AST (61 ± 29 vs. 33 ± 17 U/L, p < 0.0001) and (55 ± 27 vs. 25 ± 15 U/L, p < 0.0001), respectively. Moreover, FLI criteria were markedly elevated in the case group (p = 0.0007, p = 0.0005, p < 0.0001, and p < 0.0001, respectively), and IL-6 levels were significantly higher (p = 0.0003). Conclusion: The results proposed that liver function tests and IL-6 could act as early predictors for the detection of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among individuals grappling with psoriasis.
... The most common complication of obesity is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is characterized by a number of metabolic disorders, including the accumulation of triglycerides in hepatocytes and the development of oxidative stress. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] Together, these metabolic impairments lead to inflammation, fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver. 10 Low-calorie diets in combination with anorexigenic, hepatoprotective, membrane stabilizing and antioxidant drugs, as well as bariatric surgery are widely used to treat obesity and NAFLD. ...
Purpose
The main aim of this research is to study the protective effects of tryptophan on the histomorphological and biochemical abnormalities in the liver caused by a high-calorie diet (HCD), as well as its ability to normalize mitochondrial functions in order to prevent the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Methods
The study was conducted in male Wistar rats aged 3 months at the start of the experiment. Control animals (group I) were fed a standard diet. Group II experimental animals were fed a diet with an excess of fat (45%) and carbohydrates (31%) for 12 weeks. Group III experimental animals also received L-tryptophan at a dose of 80 mg/kg body weight in addition to the HCD. The presence of NAFLD, functional activity, physiological regeneration, and the state of the liver parenchyma and connective tissue were assessed using physiological, morphological, histo-morphometric, biochemical, and biophysical research methods.
Results
HCD induced the development of NAFLD, which is characterized by an increase in liver weight, hypertrophy of hepatocytes and an increase in the concentration of lipids, cholesterol and triglycerides in liver tissue. Increased alanine aminotransferase activity in the liver of obese rats also confirm hepatocytes damage. Tryptophan added to the diet lowered the severity of NAFLD by reducing fat accumulation and violations of bioelectric properties, and prevented a decrease in mitochondrial ATP synthesis.
Conclusion
The addition of tryptophan can have a potential positive effect on the liver, reducing the severity of structural, biochemical, mitochondrial and bioelectric damage caused by HCD.
... The elevating prevalence of this disease is correlated with the global obesity epidemic and the manifestation of metabolic disorders. 1 Lipid disorders occur due to unhealthy diet patterns such as high fat or high sugar intake and a sedentary lifestyle. People with fatty liver disease are prone to suffer vascular risk and cardiovascular disease progression. ...
Background
Lygodium microphyllum is a fern plant with various pharmacological activities, and phytosterols were reported contained in the n-hexane and ethyl acetate extract of this plant. Phytosterols are known to inhibit steatosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) are the key proteins that control lipogenesis. However, information about L. microphyllum on SIRT1 and AMPK is still lacking.
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the binding mode of phytosterols in L. microphyllum extract towards AMPK and SIRT1, and the toxicity of the extract against brine shrimp (Artemia salina) larvae, and to determine the phenols and sterols levels in the extract.
Methods
The molecular docking was performed towards SIRT1 and AMPK using AutoDock v4.2.6, the toxicity of the extract was assayed against brine shrimp (Artemia salina) larvae, and the phytosterols were analyzed by employing a thin layer chromatography densitometry, and the total phenols were by spectrophotometry.
Results
The molecular docking study revealed that β-sitosterol and stigmasterol could occupy the active allosteric-binding site of SIRT1 and AMPK by binding to important residues similar to the protein’s activators. The cold extraction of the plant yields 15.86% w/w. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenols, steroids, flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins. The total phenols are equivalent to 126 mg gallic acid (GAE)/g dry extract, the total sterols are 954.04 µg/g, and the β-sitosterol level is 283.55 µg/g. The LC50 value of the extract towards A. salina larvae is 203.704 ppm.
Conclusion
Lygodium microphyllum extract may have the potential to be further explored for its pharmacology activities, particularly in the discovery of plant-based anti-dyslipidemic drug candidates. However, further studies are needed to confirm their roles in alleviating lipid disorders.