Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease: A Disastrous Human Health Challenge

Abstract

The pathobiology of MAFLD is such a big puzzle, and many of the metabolic and other health consequences of the disease are not yet fully elucidated. In their review on "Pathobiology of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease," Fouda and colleagues update the current evidence on the disease characteristics. The prevalence of MAFLD has reached epidemic proportions in children and young adults in the recent years, with figures reaching as high as 15% owing to the global obesity pandemic. Vespoli and colleagues in their review "MAFLD in childhood and adolescence" portray the latest updates and new emerging therapies for pediatric MAFLD. Gofton and colleagues update the association between metabolically unhealthy visceral adiposity and MAFLD in individuals with "normal body weight" in their review "Lean MAFLD." The pathobiological link between dyslipidemia and MAFLD is elaborated by Anwar and colleagues with the therapeutic algorithms. Ren and colleagues summarize evidence surrounding cardiovascular disease and MAFLD and analyze management strategies focusing on prevention of cardiovascular disease in MAFLD. Another important review by Kapoor and Kalra discusses the hot topic of diabetes and MAFLD and portrays the latest management strategies for both diseases. Barber and colleagues thoroughly review the gut-liver axis in the context of gut dysbiosis in MAFLD. Sarcopenia and MAFLD is the theme of the review by Bali and colleagues. This article emphasizes the importance of early identification of sarcopenia in patients with MAFLD and vice versa. Obstructive sleep apnea and MAFLD are often underdiagnosed and inadequately managed. Preshy and Brown in their review highlight the association between these common disorders to enhance the global awareness with updated evaluation and management strategies in their review. Mandato and colleagues review current literature on pregnancy and MAFLD and update the best clinical approach in their article. The interlink between polycystic ovary syndrome and MAFLD, their coexistence, diagnosis, and current management strategies are critically apprised by Vidal-Cevallos and colleagues in their review. Venkatesan and Haroon successively provide more important evidence for the clinical management of MAFLD with additional focus on minority groups and currently available therapies.