Important Facts For Prelims
NAFLD is now called MASLD
- 31 Dec 2024
- 5 min read
Why in News?
The term Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) has been replaced by Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), reflecting a shift towards recognising metabolic dysfunction as the primary cause rather than the absence of alcohol.
- This change helps remove the stigma tied to alcohol use and better directs focus to underlying metabolic issues and abnormal cholesterol.
What is Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease?
- About: NAFLD is a condition where fat accumulates in the liver without alcohol involvement.
- It includes two types: nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
- Types of NAFLD
- NAFL: Characterized by fat buildup in the liver with minimal to no inflammation or damage.
- It typically doesn’t lead to liver complications but can cause liver enlargement and discomfort.
- NASH: This form includes both fat buildup and liver inflammation, which can lead to liver damage, fibrosis (a condition where the liver develops an excess of scar tissue), and potentially cirrhosis, a condition that increases the risk of liver cancer.
- NAFL: Characterized by fat buildup in the liver with minimal to no inflammation or damage.
- Symptoms and Causes: NAFLD is often symptomless, but conditions like obesity, metabolic syndrome (a cluster of metabolic abnormalities), and type 2 diabetes increase its risk.
- Diagnosis: NAFLD is diagnosed through medical history, physical exams, and tests such as blood tests, imaging, and liver biopsy to distinguish between NAFL and NASH.
- Treatment: Weight loss is key to managing NAFLD, as it can reduce fat, inflammation, and liver fibrosis (a condition where the liver develops an excess of scar tissue, or collagen, due to chronic inflammation).
- Prevention: A healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent or manage NAFLD. Diet changes and weight loss are recommended for those affected.
What Makes MASLD Different?
- Focus on Metabolic Causes: MASLD highlights metabolic dysfunction as the primary cause, while NAFLD only indicated the absence of alcohol use.
- Prevalence: MASLD affects 25% of people globally, with higher rates (50-70%) among those with obesity or type 2 diabetes.
- MASLD Diagnosis: Non-Invasive Tests like FibroScan, MRI, ultrasound, and blood tests are used to diagnose MASLD.
- FibroScan is a non-invasive test that measures liver fat and stiffness, eliminating the need for a liver biopsy.
- Prevention of MASLD: Avoid fast food, processed foods, and sugary items.
- A balanced diet of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can help prevent MASLD.
Note: Hepatitis is liver inflammation, which can be acute or chronic. It can be caused by viral infections (A, B, C, D, E), alcohol use, toxins, medications, or autoimmune disorders where the immune system attacks the liver.
India’s Initiatives Related to Healthy Lifestyle
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims:
Q. Which one of the following statements is not correct? (2019)
(a) Hepatitis B virus is transmitted much like HIV.
(b) Hepatitis B unlike Hepatitis C, does not have a vaccine.
(c) Globally, the number of people infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses arc several times more than those infected with HIV.
(d) Some of those infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses do not show the symptoms for many years.
Ans: (b)
Q. Which of the following diseases can be transmitted from one person to another through tattooing? (2013)
- Chikungunya
- Hepatitis B
- HIV-AIDS
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)