PDF(Pubmed)
Abstract：
In this editorial, we comment on the article by Chen et al. Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a global public health burden whose incidence has risen concurrently with overweight and obesity. Given its detrimental health impact, early identification of at-risk individuals is crucial. MAFLD diagnosis is based on evidence of hepatic steatosis indicated by liver biopsy, imaging, or blood biomarkers, and one of the following conditions: Overweight/ obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or metabolic dysregulation. However, in large-scale epidemiological studies, liver biopsies are not feasible. The application of techniques such as ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy is restricted by their limited sensitivity, low effectiveness, high costs, and need for specialized software. Blood biomarkers offer several advantages, particularly in large-scale epidemiological studies or clinical scenarios where traditional imaging techniques are impractical. Analysis of cumulative effects of excess high-normal blood alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels of blood ALT levels could facilitate identification of at-risk patients who might not be detected through conventional imaging methods. Accordingly, investigating the utility of blood biomarkers in MAFLD should enhance early detection and monitoring, enabling timely intervention and management and improving patient outcomes.
摘要：
在这篇社论中，我们评论了Chen等人的文章。代谢功能障碍相关脂肪性肝病（MAFLD）是全球公共卫生负担，其发病率与超重和肥胖同时上升。鉴于其对健康的有害影响，早期识别高危个体至关重要.MAFLD诊断基于肝活检显示的肝脂肪变性的证据，成像,或者血液生物标志物，和以下情况之一：超重/肥胖，2型糖尿病,或者代谢失调.然而,在大规模流行病学研究中，肝活检是不可行的。超声等技术的应用，计算机断层扫描,磁共振成像，磁共振波谱受到其有限灵敏度的限制，低有效性,高成本,需要专门的软件。血液生物标志物提供了几个优点，特别是在大规模流行病学研究或临床场景中，传统成像技术不切实际。分析血液ALT水平的高正常血液丙氨酸氨基转移酶（ALT）水平的累积效应可以促进识别可能无法通过常规成像方法检测到的高危患者。因此，研究血液生物标志物在MAFLD中的实用性应加强早期检测和监测，能够及时干预和管理并改善患者预后。
