In this week's episode we review fatty liver disease, called metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and its advanced form, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, or MASH. We look at the prevalence, risks, and complications of this dangerous disease. Then we get into the nuts and bolts of how MASLD and MASH work and some of the treatment options available.

References:

Allen, A. M., Younossi, Z. M., Diehl, A. M., Charlton, M. R., & Lazarus, J. V. (2024). Envisioning how to advance the MASH field. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 21(10), 726-738. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41575-024-00938-9

Bauer, D. C., & McPhee, S. J. (2013). Pathophysiology of Disease: An Introduction to Clinical Medicine.  P412-413

Elshaghabee, F. M., Bockelmann, W., Meske, D., De Vrese, M., Walte, H. G., Schrezenmeir, J., & Heller, K. J. (2016). Ethanol production by selected intestinal microorganisms and lactic acid bacteria growing under different nutritional conditions. Frontiers in microbiology, 7, 47.

Harrison, S. A., Rolph, T., Knott, M., & Dubourg, J. (2024). FGF21 agonists: An emerging therapeutic for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis and beyond. Journal of Hepatology, 81(3), 562-576. https://www.journal-of-hepatology.eu/article/S0168-8278%2824%2900332-5/fulltext\

Steinberg, G. R., Valvano, C. M., De Nardo, W., & Watt, M. J. (2025). Integrative metabolism in MASLD and MASH: pathophysiology and emerging mechanisms. Journal of Hepatology, 83(2), 584-595. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168827825001424

Younossi, Z. M., Kalligeros, M., & Henry, L. (2024). Epidemiology of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Clinical and molecular hepatology, 31(Suppl), S32. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11925440/

Younossi, Z. M., Golabi, P., Paik, J. M., Henry, A., Van Dongen, C., & Henry, L. (2023). The global epidemiology of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): a systematic review. Hepatology, 77(4), 1335-1347. https://journals.lww.com/hep/fulltext/2023/04000/the_global_epidemiology_of_nonalcoholic_fatty.27.aspx

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2025, August 15). FDA approves treatment for serious liver disease known as “MASH”. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/news-events-human-drugs/fda-approves-treatment-serious-liver-disease-known-mas