Metabolic associated fatty liver disease

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Revision as of 15:04, 27 October 2023 by Nikolas (talk | contribs) (Created page with "'''Metabolic associated fatty liver disease''' (MAFLD), previously known as '''non-alcoholic fatty liver disease''' (NAFLD), refers to liver disease which develops due to obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The pathology and progression is similar as with alcoholic liver disease, but there is no alcohol abuse involved. It progresses similarly as ALD, from steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) to cirrhosis. In 2020, it was proprosed that NAF...")
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Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), refers to liver disease which develops due to obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The pathology and progression is similar as with alcoholic liver disease, but there is no alcohol abuse involved. It progresses similarly as ALD, from steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) to cirrhosis.

In 2020, it was proprosed that NAFLD needs a new name to better describe its pathogenesis, namely metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).

It’s a very common condition in the Western world.

Pathomechanism

Insulin resistance results in accumulation of triglycerides in hepatocytes due to these mechanisms:

  • Impaired oxidation of fatty acids
  • Increased synthesis and uptake of fatty acids
  • Decreased hepatic secretion of VLDL cholesterol

The fat-loaded hepatocytes are very sensitive to lipid peroxidation products generated by oxidative stress, which can damage mitochondria and plasma membranes. This leads eventually to apoptosis of the hepatocytes. A consequence of oxidative stress or release from visceral adipose tissue is that the levels of TNF and IL-6 increase, contributing to liver damage and inflammation.