Understanding liver health and MASLD (Part 1)

A reversible liver condition is the fastest growing cause of liver transplantation in Western countries: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease—or MASLD—affects patients worldwide. It’s characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver and can progress into more severe forms of liver disease, potentially resulting in fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver failure.

Risk factors for developing liver disease include obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Genetics, unhealthy dietary habits, and a sedentary lifestyle can also play significant roles in its development. Diagnosis typically involves imaging examinations along with blood tests that assess liver function and rule out other causes of liver disease.

Disease management focuses on lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, though new medications are now being prescribed to slow and potentially reverse this condition. Regular monitoring of disease progression is also crucial for successful treatment.

In this episode, experts in the field of liver disease address the progress happening in the recognition, diagnosis and treatment of the disease. 

Host Matt Gee, Director of Collaborations and External Engagement at Siemens Healthineers, is joined by Dr. Michelle Long, International Medical Vice President of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis at Novo Nordisk and Director of Clinical Research for the Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Boston University; Dr. Arun Sanyal, Professor of Medicine, Physiology, and Molecular Pathology in the Division of Gastroenterology at Virginia Commonwealth University; and Michael Betel, President and Founder of the Fatty Liver Alliance.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• One of the biggest obstacles to diagnosing MASLD before it progresses stems from the lack of visibility and awareness of the disease
• MASLD is a reversible disease when caught in time
• MASLD is more complex than a patient’s diet or lifestyle—metabolic dysfunction plays a role 
• Non-invasive testing has become an important tool in advancing patient care

Connect with Matt Gee

• LinkedIn 

Connect with Michelle Long

• LinkedIn

Connect with Arun Sanyal

• VCU.edu

Connect with Michael Betel

• LinkedIn

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