Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 5, 2025

Novel In Vivo Micro-Computed Tomography Imaging Techniques for Assessing the Progression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
08:41

Novel In Vivo Micro-Computed Tomography Imaging Techniques for Assessing the Progression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Published on: March 24, 2023

1.4K

Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD)-Rather a Bystander Than a Driver of Mortality

Georg Semmler1,2, Sarah Wernly1, Sebastian Bachmayer1

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital Oberndorf, Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Oberndorf, Salzburg, Austria.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|May 13, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The novel metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) definition does not appear to increase mortality risk in adults aged 45-80. This study found no significant difference in survival rates among individuals with or without MAFLD, even when considering BMI.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Internal Medicine
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a newly defined condition.
  • Understanding the prognostic implications of MAFLD is crucial for clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the association between MAFLD and overall mortality.
  • To assess the relevance of the MAFLD definition for predicting mortality risk.

Main Methods:

  • A single-center cohort study included 4718 subjects aged 45-80 from a colorectal cancer screening program.
  • Participants were categorized by Body Mass Index (BMI) and MAFLD status, with fatty liver diagnosed via ultrasound.
  • Mortality data were obtained from the national health insurance system over a median follow-up of 7.5 years.

Main Results:

  • Overall fatty liver prevalence was 47.9%.
  • During follow-up, 278 deaths occurred (5.9%), including cancer-related, cardiovascular, and liver-related causes.
  • Survival rates were similar across groups; MAFLD was not independently associated with increased mortality, with associations driven by age and comorbidities like diabetes.

Conclusions:

  • The presence of MAFLD does not independently increase mortality in individuals aged 45-80.
  • The prognostic impact of MAFLD on mortality appears to be confounded by age and metabolic comorbidities.
  • Further research may be needed to refine the understanding of MAFLD's long-term outcomes.
Keywords:
MAFLDNAFLDfatty livermortality

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Establishing MASLD Cell Models for Investigating Disease Mechanisms and the Lipid-Lowering Effects of Koumiss07:03

Author Spotlight: Establishing MASLD Cell Models for Investigating Disease Mechanisms and the Lipid-Lowering Effects of Koumiss

Published on: July 19, 2024

1.2K
Optimized Analysis of In Vivo and In Vitro Hepatic Steatosis08:58

Optimized Analysis of In Vivo and In Vitro Hepatic Steatosis

Published on: March 11, 2017

16.3K

Related Concept Videos

Overview of Lipid Metabolism01:24

Overview of Lipid Metabolism

Lipid metabolism is a crucial process in the human body that involves the synthesis and degradation of lipids. This process is essential for energy production, cell membrane formation, and hormone production, among other functions.
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...
3.5K
Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Metabolism and Excretion01:20

Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Metabolism and Excretion

Drug metabolism, a critical process in the liver, involves two primary phases: Phase I reactions and Phase II conjugation. Obesity introduces significant alterations in this metabolic process, primarily due to fatty infiltration of the liver, leading to conditions such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This condition can modify the activities of both Phase I and II enzymes, impacting how drugs are metabolized in obese patients.Phase I metabolism sees variable effects across...
43
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test01:22

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test

In clinical practice, the direct measurement of hepatic blood flow to evaluate liver function presents significant challenges due to the intricate and specialized nature of the necessary techniques. Consequently, healthcare professionals often rely on empirical estimates derived from thorough patient examinations and liver function tests to gauge liver health. Among the tools at their disposal, the Child–Pugh and MELD scoring systems stand out for their ability to categorize and assess...
46
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow01:26

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow

Chronic liver disease significantly impacts drug metabolism due to alterations in hepatic blood flow and enzyme accessibility. This disruption affects the body's pharmacokinetics—the movement and processing of drugs within the system. Key enzymes crucial for metabolizing medications become less accessible, changing how drugs are processed and utilized. Furthermore, liver disease influences the synthesis of plasma proteins, such as albumin and globulins, which play critical roles in drug...
55
Overview of Fatty Acid Metabolism01:28

Overview of Fatty Acid Metabolism

Lipids also are sources of energy that power cellular processes. Like carbohydrates, lipids are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, but these atoms are arranged differently. Most lipids are nonpolar and hydrophobic. Major types include fats and oils, waxes, phospholipids, and steroids.
Fatty acids are catabolized in a process called beta-oxidation, which takes place in the matrix of the mitochondria and converts their fatty acid chains into two-carbon units of acetyl groups. The acetyl...
32.9K
Metabolic States of the Body: Fasting and Starvation01:24

Metabolic States of the Body: Fasting and Starvation

During the initial hours of fasting, the body uses up its glycogen stores as an energy source. Once these glycogen reserves are depleted, the body begins breaking down stored triglycerides and structural proteins. During this stage, glycerol becomes a key substrate for gluconeogenesis, while free fatty acids undergo beta-oxidation to provide energy for tissues, such as skeletal muscle. In the fasting state, the body spares protein breakdown as much as possible to conserve muscle and structural...
2.1K