Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease and the role of hormones in its ethiopatogenesis

20.08.2024

Szymon Suwała, Roman Junik

Abstract:

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a newly coined term that links the presence of liver steatosis (characterized by the accumulation of lipids in at least 5% of liver cells) with a condition of overall systemic metabolic dysfunction. MAFLD impacts 24–36% of the global population. As per the official guidelines, a diagnosis of MAFLD can be made when hepatosteatosis is accompanied by type 2 diabetes mellitus, overweight, obesity, or at least two other particular metabolic abnormalities (increased waist circumference, hypertension, dyslipidemia, prediabetes, elevated C-reactive protein level, or increased homeostatis model assessment of insulin resistance: HOMA-IR). MAFLD is a heterogeneous illness associated with multiple diseases that impact various organs, particularly endocrine organs. Endocrinopathies can significantly influence the progression and severity of MAFLD. This paper provides a brief overview of the existing research on the connection between liver steatosis and the functioning of endocrine organs. The authors also propose dividing endocrine diseases into those having a possible, strong, and clear relationship with hepatosteatosis (for the purpose of preliminary recommendations regarding the need for monitoring the possible progression of MAFLD in these groups of patients).

Full publication in Endokrynologia Polska »