Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 23, 2025

Author Spotlight: Establishing MASLD Cell Models for Investigating Disease Mechanisms and the Lipid-Lowering Effects of Koumiss
Published on: July 19, 2024
Metabolic dysfunction: The silenced connection with fatty liver disease
Mariana M Ramírez-Mejía1, Xingshun Qi2, Ludovico Abenavoli3
1Plan of Combined Studies in Medicine (PECEM-MD/PhD), Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico; Liver Research Unit, Medica Sur Clinic & Foundation, Mexico City, Mexico.
Abstract:
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents a global public health burden. Despite the increase in its prevalence, the disease has not received sufficient attention compared to the associated diseases such as diabetes mellitus and obesity. In 2020 it was proposed to rename NAFLD to metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in order to recognize the metabolic risk factors and the complex pathophysiological mechanisms associated with its development. Furthermore, along with the implementation of the proposed diagnostic criteria, the aim is to address the whole clinical spectrum of the disease, regardless of BMI and the presence of other hepatic comorbidities. As would it be expected with such a paradigm shift, differing viewpoints have emerged regarding the benefits and disadvantages of renaming fatty liver disease. The following review aims to describe the way to the MAFLD from a historical, pathophysiological and clinical perspective in order to highlight why MAFLD is the approach to follow.
Related Concept Videos
Overview of Lipid Metabolism
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...
Overview of Fatty Acid Metabolism
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...
Overview of Carbohydrate Metabolism
Glucose transport into cells is facilitated by a family of transport proteins called GLUT (Glucose Transporters). GLUT4 is the primary glucose transporter for insulin-stimulated glucose...
Inborn Errors of Metabolism
Metabolic States of the Body: Fasting and Starvation
Liver Physiology
Metabolic Regulation:
The liver is the central organ involved in regulating blood composition. It stabilizes blood glucose levels, maintaining them within the range of 70–110 mg/dL. When these levels drop, the liver breaks down glycogen reserves and releases glucose into the bloodstream. It can...

