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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
In Vitro Modeling of Fat Deposition in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease
Published on: July 19, 2024
Comparative Epidemiological and Metabolic Profiling in Alcoholic Versus Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic
Sushant S Dhanavade1, Mandakini S Kshirsagar1, Axita C Vani1
1Biochemistry, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Karad, IND.
Introduction:
The global burden of steatotic liver disease is escalating, with alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and metabolic dysfunction‑associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) representing distinct etiological pathways. Recent nomenclature changes and evolving epidemiology necessitate contemporary comparative analyses, particularly in understudied populations such as India. This study aimed to characterize and compare the demographic, anthropometric, and metabolic profiles of patients with alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) and MASLD in Western India.
Methods:
A hospital‑based analytical cross‑sectional study was conducted from June 2023 to December 2024. Participants were stratified into three groups: AFLD (n=30), MASLD (n=30), and healthy controls (n=30). Sex distribution was comparable across groups, but age was not formally matched; instead, age was included as a covariate in regression analyses to adjust for potential confounding. Diagnosis was ultrasonographically confirmed. Comprehensive clinical data, including metabolic comorbidities, were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi‑square tests, and binary logistic regression (SPSS v25.0, released 2017; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States, α=0.05).
Results:
Significant inter‑group differences emerged: Patients with MASLD presented younger (45.1±9.8 years) versus AFLD (52.5±10.2 years, p=0.032). Both groups exhibited obesity (body mass index (BMI): AFLD 31.2±3.5 kg/m², MASLD 32.8±4.1 kg/m², p<0.001 versus controls 24.5±2.8 kg/m²). Metabolic comorbidities clustered differently: diabetes prevalence was 46.7% (14/30) in MASLD versus 40.0% (12/30) in AFLD (p=0.002 versus controls). Hypertension affected 53.3% (16/30) of patients with MASLD and 50.0% (15/30) of patients with AFLD (p=0.005). Dyslipidemia prevalence was comparable (AFLD 60.0% (18/30), MASLD 60.0% (18/30), p<0.001 versus controls). Patients with AFLD reported a mean alcohol consumption of 65.7±22.1 g/day.
Conclusion:
MASLD manifests earlier with dense metabolic clustering, while AFLD presents later with significant alcohol exposure. These distinct phenotypes suggest divergent pathogenic trajectories requiring tailored screening and management. The high metabolic burden in AFLD underscores overlapping etiologies and potential synergistic hepatotoxicity.
