MAFLD: A consensus-driven proposed nomenclature for metabolic associated fatty liver disease

MAFLD: A consensus-driven proposed nomenclature for metabolic associated fatty liver disease

| Mohammed Eslam¹, Arun J. Sanyal², Jacob George¹, on behalf of an international consensus panel
A consensus-driven nomenclature for metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has been proposed to replace the term non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The new term, MAFLD, better reflects the metabolic nature of the disease and its heterogeneity. The consensus panel, including experts from around the world, emphasized that NAFLD does not accurately represent current understanding of the disease, which is characterized by a wide range of subtypes and pathogenic mechanisms. The proposed nomenclature aims to improve clinical trial design, drug development, and patient stratification by incorporating more precise genetic, anthropometric, and metabolic phenotyping approaches. This will enable individualized risk prediction and prevention strategies, as well as more effective clinical trial designs. MAFLD is a heterogeneous condition with complex causes and varied clinical manifestations. Factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, diet, and genetic predisposition contribute to its heterogeneity. The disease can progress through different stages, including steatosis, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis, with varying outcomes depending on individual characteristics. The term "non-alcoholic" in NAFLD is considered misleading and potentially stigmatizing, as it implies that the disease is not related to alcohol consumption. The new term, MAFLD, avoids this issue and better reflects the disease's metabolic basis. The proposed nomenclature also addresses the need for more accurate and comprehensive definitions of the disease, which are essential for understanding its pathogenesis and developing effective treatments. The consensus highlights the importance of considering genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors in the management of MAFLD. The new term is expected to facilitate better communication among healthcare professionals and improve the accuracy of clinical assessments and treatments. The consensus panel emphasizes the need for further research to refine the understanding of MAFLD and to develop targeted therapies for this complex and heterogeneous condition.A consensus-driven nomenclature for metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has been proposed to replace the term non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The new term, MAFLD, better reflects the metabolic nature of the disease and its heterogeneity. The consensus panel, including experts from around the world, emphasized that NAFLD does not accurately represent current understanding of the disease, which is characterized by a wide range of subtypes and pathogenic mechanisms. The proposed nomenclature aims to improve clinical trial design, drug development, and patient stratification by incorporating more precise genetic, anthropometric, and metabolic phenotyping approaches. This will enable individualized risk prediction and prevention strategies, as well as more effective clinical trial designs. MAFLD is a heterogeneous condition with complex causes and varied clinical manifestations. Factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, diet, and genetic predisposition contribute to its heterogeneity. The disease can progress through different stages, including steatosis, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis, with varying outcomes depending on individual characteristics. The term "non-alcoholic" in NAFLD is considered misleading and potentially stigmatizing, as it implies that the disease is not related to alcohol consumption. The new term, MAFLD, avoids this issue and better reflects the disease's metabolic basis. The proposed nomenclature also addresses the need for more accurate and comprehensive definitions of the disease, which are essential for understanding its pathogenesis and developing effective treatments. The consensus highlights the importance of considering genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors in the management of MAFLD. The new term is expected to facilitate better communication among healthcare professionals and improve the accuracy of clinical assessments and treatments. The consensus panel emphasizes the need for further research to refine the understanding of MAFLD and to develop targeted therapies for this complex and heterogeneous condition.
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