Commented Articles

PanNASH covers commented articles ans publications to acquire sufficient information, understanding, and skills to cope with NASH/NAFLD healthcare demands.

Transitioning from NAFLD to MAFLD: criticism and concerns

Authors: Muthiah M, Sanyal AJ, Noureddin M.
Published in Nutrients 2022
The term metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has recently been suggested as an alternative to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Unlike NAFLD, MAFLD’s diagnosis is based on the active identification of NAFLD-associated metabolic abnormalities. Many researchers agree that MAFLD adequately captures the systemic factors and upstream drivers of the disease, with a significant proportion concluding that it does so better than the original NAFLD definition.
Read MoreTransitioning from NAFLD to MAFLD: criticism and concerns

NASH-related hepatocellular carcinoma: alterations in traditional HCC therapies?

Authors: Pinter M, Pinato DJ, Ramadori P et al.
Published in Clinical Cancer Research 2022
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the fastest growing cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the United States, Europe, and South-East Asia. HCC related to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the inflammatory subtype of NAFLD, may soon become as prominent worldwide as viral HCC.
Read MoreNASH-related hepatocellular carcinoma: alterations in traditional HCC therapies?

Hepatic ALR depletion: a potential therapeutic target for NASH-HCC?

Authors: Zheng M, Ai Z, Guo Y et al.
Published in Oncogene 2022
Recent evidence has highlighted non-alcoholic steatohepatitis’ (NASH) predisposing role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite this, the mechanisms underlying NASH-related HCC remain unknown. Identifying the molecular pathways contributing to the development of NASH-HCC is crucial to addressing this knowledge gap, and the determination of novel therapeutic targets for NASH-HCC remains a clinical priority.
Read MoreHepatic ALR depletion: a potential therapeutic target for NASH-HCC?

Age and risk of NAFLD, advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis: a positive association?

Authors: Ajmera V, Cepin S, Tesfai K, et al.
Published in Journal of Hepatology 2022
A recent pilot study found that elderly individuals (over 65 years of age) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are at a significantly higher risk of developing NAFLD and advanced fibrosis. However, this finding requires further validation before systematic screening of this patient population can be recommended by practice guidelines. 
Read MoreAge and risk of NAFLD, advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis: a positive association?

NAFLD and obesity: regional differences and NASH as a driver of disease progression

Authors: Francque SMA, Dirinck E
Published in The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2022
Dysfunctional visceral adipose tissue is one of the major drivers and determinants of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Due to an inability to store excess energy in adipose tissue compartments, the body resorts to storing it in ectopic fat compartments. Compared with lean individuals, people who are overweight or obese are thus at a higher risk of developing NAFLD.
Read MoreNAFLD and obesity: regional differences and NASH as a driver of disease progression

NITs for the diagnosis and risk stratification of patients with fibrosis

Authors: Mózes FE, Lee JA, Anandraj Selvaraj A et al.
Published in Gut 2022
While liver biopsy is the current golden standard for the diagnosis and staging of fibrosis, many studies have highlighted the usefulness of non-invasive tests (NITs) for fibrosis screening and risk stratification. Despite this, pertinent NIT thresholds for these applications have yet to be defined.
Read MoreNITs for the diagnosis and risk stratification of patients with fibrosis

Single Cell RNA sequencing: a tool to understand NASH development?

Authors: Hundertmark J, Berger H, Tacke F
Published in Methods in Molecular Biology 2022
Myeloid immune cells, e.g. macrophages, play a crucial role in the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and thus significantly contribute to the development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, due to its complex phenotype and high heterogeneity, this cell type is particularly difficult to isolate and analyse.
Read MoreSingle Cell RNA sequencing: a tool to understand NASH development?

MAFLD and its pathogenesis in patients of normal weight

Authors: Eslam M, El-Serag HB, Francque S, et al..
Published in Nature Reviews: Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2022
The term metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has recently been suggested as an alternative to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Unlike NAFLD, MAFLD’s diagnosis is based on the active identification of NAFLD-associated metabolic abnormalities. While MAFLD is commonly associated with obesity, recent evidence has affirmed that a significant proportion of MAFLD patients in fact possess normal body mass indexes (BMI).
Read MoreMAFLD and its pathogenesis in patients of normal weight

Deep learning: a more effective way to assess NAFLD progression?

Authors: Heinemann F, Gross P, Zeveleva S, et al.
Published in Scientific Reports 2022
The current gold standard for the diagnosis and assessment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) progression is liver biopsy, which is then followed by microscopic analysis by a pathologist.To assess disease progression, the Kleiner and Brunt scoring system is typically used. In short, this approach assesses three histological features of liver injury (ballooning, inflammation, and steatosis). Analyses of these features are then combined to generate a NAFLD activity score.
Read MoreDeep learning: a more effective way to assess NAFLD progression?

NAFLD: microbiome-derived ethanol, a driving force

Authors: Meijnikman AS, Davids M, Herrema H, et al.
Published in Nature Medicine 2022
It has been hypothesised that ethanol produced by the gut microbiome may contribute to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). If ethanol is produced in clinically relevant amounts, it may affect lipid and glucose metabolism, which could prompt the development of steatosis and inflammation in the liver.
Read MoreNAFLD: microbiome-derived ethanol, a driving force

The effects of MAFLD on low muscle mass

Authors: Seo JY, Cho EJ, Kim MJ, et al.
Published in Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle 2022
The term metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has recently been suggested as an alternative to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Unlike NAFLD, MAFLD’s diagnosis is based on the active identification of NAFLD-associated metabolic abnormalities. Sarcopenia is defined as an age-related decline of skeletal muscle function and strength. It is also associated with a loss of muscle mass.
Read MoreThe effects of MAFLD on low muscle mass

NAFLD: fatigue, an increased risk for mortality

Authors: Younossi ZM, Paik JM, Golabi P, et al.
Published in Liver International 2022
It is well-known that patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have an increased risk of all-cause, cardiovascular, and liver-related mortality. In addition to these adverse outcomes, patients with NAFLD often suffer from poor health-related quality of life, depression, and fatigue.
Read MoreNAFLD: fatigue, an increased risk for mortality

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