Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)

Category: Science / Health and Diseases

UPSC Notes

Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) is a condition in which excess fat accumulates in the liver in association with at least one cardiometabolic risk factor.

The term MASLD replaced the older term non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in updated disease nomenclature.

Major risk factors

  • Overweight and obesity.

  • Type 2 diabetes.

  • Abnormal blood lipid levels.

  • High blood pressure and other metabolic risk factors.

  • Physical inactivity and certain dietary patterns.

Potential consequences

  • Fat accumulation in liver cells.

  • Inflammation and liver-cell injury in some patients.

  • Progression to liver fibrosis.

  • In advanced cases, cirrhosis and increased risk of liver-related complications.

Key Pointers for UPSC

  • Full form: Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease.

  • MASLD is associated with metabolic dysfunction.

  • It is not simply another name for alcoholic liver disease.

  • Diagnosis can involve medical history, blood tests, imaging and assessment of liver fibrosis.

  • Weight management, physical activity and control of metabolic risk factors are important prevention and management strategies.

  • MASLD may remain asymptomatic for years, so absence of symptoms does not rule it out.