Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026
06:26
Mouse Model of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease with Fibrosis
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Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease in Latin America
Claudia P Oliveira1, Mario Guimarães Pessoa1, Luis Antonio Diaz2
1Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Hospital das Clínicas (LIM 07) da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Clinics in Liver Disease
|May 16, 2026
Summary
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) affects over 40% of Latin Americans. Addressing this public health issue requires improved diagnostics, treatments, and coordinated strategies to overcome health system barriers.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology and Public Health
Background:
- Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is highly prevalent in Latin America, exceeding 40%.
- Genetic factors, like the PNPLA3 allele, exacerbate MASLD prevalence and severity in the region.
- Existing health systems face challenges including fragmentation and limited resources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology of MASLD in Latin America.
- To identify diagnostic and therapeutic gaps in MASLD care.
- To outline health system priorities for managing MASLD.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of regional MASLD epidemiology.
- Analysis of diagnostic tool accessibility.
- Evaluation of healthcare system barriers and priorities.
Main Results:
- High MASLD prevalence (over 40%) and significant impact of genetic risk variants noted.
- Limited access to noninvasive diagnostics and novel pharmacotherapies identified as key constraints.
- Fragmented health systems and personnel shortages hinder effective MASLD management.
Conclusions:
- Coordinated public health strategies are essential for MASLD control in Latin America.
- Expanding screening, enhancing diagnostic capacity, and ensuring equitable treatment access are critical priorities.
- Addressing structural barriers is crucial for improving MASLD outcomes in the region.
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