Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as NASH, is a growing health concern due to its association with metabolic dysfunction, including insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Diagnostic approaches have advanced significantly, with non-invasive techniques such as the FIB-4 index, FAST score, and elastography playing key roles in assessing disease progression. Research also focuses on biomarkers like YKL-40 and microRNAs to better understand the disease and improve diagnostic accuracy.

Treatment strategies for MASLD/MASH continues to evolve, with promising pharmacological options, including THR-β agonists, FXR agonists, and GLP-1 receptor agonists, showing potential in clinical trials. In addition to medications, lifestyle changes such as weight management, exercise, and dietary modifications are crucial in managing MASLD. Bariatric surgeries like gastric bypass have proven effective for patients with obesity, offering significant improvements in both metabolic and liver health. Future research will likely focus on personalized treatments, combining genomics and metabolomics to optimize care. Multidisciplinary collaboration, including hepatologists, endocrinologists, and nutritionists, is essential to develop effective diagnostic and treatment strategies for MASLD/MASH.

Reference: Wang D, Miao J, Zhang L, et al. Research advances in the diagnosis and treatment of MASLD/MASH. Ann Med. 2024 Dec 31;57(1):2445780. doi: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2445780. PMCID: PMC11703476.