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Abstract：
In this editorial, we offer commentary on the article published by Chen et al in a recent issue of the World Journal of Gastroenterology (2024; 30: 1346-1357). The study highlights a noteworthy association between persistently elevated, yet high-normal levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and an escalated cumulative risk of developing metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). MAFLD has emerged as a globally prevalent chronic liver condition, whose incidence is steadily rising in parallel with improvements in living standards. Left unchecked, MAFLD can progress from hepatic steatosis to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma, underscoring the importance of early screening and diagnosis. ALT is widely recognized as a reliable biomarker for assessing the extent of hepatocellular damage. While ALT levels demonstrate a significant correlation with the severity of fatty liver disease, they lack specificity. The article by Chen et al contributes to our understanding of the development of MAFLD by investigating the long-term implications of high-normal ALT levels. Their findings suggest that sustained elevation within the normal range is linked to an increased likelihood of developing MAFLD, emphasizing the need for closer monitoring and potential intervention in such cases.
摘要：
在这篇社论中，我们对Chen等人在最近一期的《世界胃肠病学杂志》(2024;30:1346-1357)上发表的文章进行了评论.该研究强调了持续升高之间的值得注意的关联，丙氨酸转氨酶(ALT)正常水平较高,且发生代谢功能障碍相关脂肪肝(MAFLD)的累积风险升高.MAFLD已成为全球流行的慢性肝病，随着生活水平的提高，其发病率稳步上升。未选中左侧,MAFLD可以从肝脂肪变性进展到肝纤维化，肝硬化,甚至肝细胞癌，强调早期筛查和诊断的重要性。ALT被广泛认为是评估肝细胞损伤程度的可靠生物标志物。虽然ALT水平与脂肪肝疾病的严重程度显着相关，他们缺乏特异性。Chen等人的文章通过调查高正常ALT水平的长期影响，有助于我们对MAFLD发展的理解。他们的研究结果表明，正常范围内的持续升高与发生MAFLD的可能性增加有关。强调需要在这种情况下进行更密切的监测和潜在的干预。
