Journal of Liver

The Pathobiology of the metabolic-associated fatty liver disease 'MAFLD'

14^th International Conference on Liver Diseases & Hepatology

May 18, 2023 | Webinar

Sherouk Fouda

RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Liver

Abstract:

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is vastly becoming the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. Previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), it is highly associated with many ‘risk factors’ including excessive fat/ high caloric intake, sedentary lifestyle, genetics and epigenetics, drugs, viral infections and diverse gut microbiota composition. MAFLD/NAFLD is a spectrum of liver diseases ranging from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), advanced fibrosis, and probable progression to cirrhosis. The coexistence of MAFLD with the metabolic syndrome and its comorbidities has multiple negative effects on patient’s prognosis which is an increasing clinical concern that requires a better level of understanding of its pathobiological processes. The high complexity of MAFLD is responsible for the disease heterogeneity present in the population. Lipid derangement is a culprit in MAFLD where the continuous and strong relationship between rising body mass index (BMI) and the diagnosis of MAFLD is high. Lipid derangement in MAFLD can also occur in patients with normal BMI levels affecting lean individuals and children. The association of metabolic and non-metabolic disorders with MAFLD can lead to hepatic and extra-hepatic complications and further disease progression. The alarming increase in prevalence of metabolic diseases such as metabolic syndrome, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiometabolic disorders correlates with the prospective risk of MAFLD development and progression. Recently, many studies have also shown the high association of MAFLD with non-metabolic disorders such as sarcopenia, female hormonal disorders, male hormonal disorders, cardiovascular disease, gut dysbiosis, and obstructive sleep apnoea. This update compiles the current evidence to enable best clinical approach to MAFLD management with the recommendation of a life-long follow-up being essential to ensure that MAFLD patients are not undergoing progression of disease or multiple system involvement.

Biography :

Dr Sherouk Fouda is a medical researcher and senior medical scientist who is an academic staff at RMIT University in Australia. Dr Sherouk has national and international experience working in tertiary hospitals and private hospital sectors. She joined the school of health and biomedical sciences within the lipid biology and metabolic disease laboratory and the respiratory and infectious diseases laboratory. She successfully received an RMIT scholarship and started her PhD. The project looks at the progression of liver fibrosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) induced by secondary hits such as common lifestyle factors such as diet-induced obesity and smoking. The PhD project also involved screening natural products that have potent effects on resolving and/or reversing liver fibrosis. Dr Fouda was the previous HDR network president at RMIT University and attracted over $2000 in funds to run the society for students.