Scientists identify five biological MASLD subtypes - ScienceDaily
Researchers have identified five distinct biological subtypes of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) using genetic and clinical data. These subtypes correlate with different risks for severe health outcomes like liver failure and cancer.
Why it matters
This discovery could lead to more personalized medical treatments and better risk assessment for patients with fatty liver disease.
--> Researchers at Mayo Clinic, in collaboration with Virginia Tech, identified five biologically distinct subtypes of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). They are linked to varying risks of heart disease, liver failure, cancer and the need for liver transplantation, ScienceDaily reports .
MASLD, previously called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, develops due to the accumulation of excess fat in the liver. The disease often has no noticeable symptoms, but in some people it can progress to inflammation, tissue scarring, cirrhosis and irreversible organ damage.
The study results were published in Nature Communications. The scientists analyzed genetic sequencing data and medical information from more than 4,600 patients with MASLD. They considered liver enzyme levels, body mass index, blood lipid levels, as well as coexisting conditions, including diabetes, depression and sleep apnea.
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