Kedokteran & Kesehatan editorial
Open AccessOA2026
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease: Current Insights into Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Global Health Challenges
NAFLD affects over 30% of adults globally and is now recognized as a multisystem disease. This review critically evaluates advances in epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and the shift toward MAFLD terminology.
Charu Sinha Sinha· Journal of Pharmacology, Genetics and Molecular Biology· 2026· DOI 10.64062/jpgmb.vol2.issue4.5
The core problem
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most prevalent chronic liver disorder worldwide, affecting over 30% of adults. It is increasingly recognized as a multisystem disease with significant cardiometabolic and oncologic consequences. Recent advances have substantially transformed its conceptual understanding, diagnosis, and clinical management. This review aims to critically evaluate global progress in NAFLD research and management with emphasis on epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic innovations, therapeutic developments, and the emergence of precision hepatology, while addressing the transition toward metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).
Innovation
A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, covering studies published between [date range not specified in source]. Relevant clinical trials, guidelines, and high-impact research articles were systematically analyzed across key domains including epidemiology, molecular mechanisms, diagnostics, therapeutics, and public health strategies.
Introduction
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most prevalent chronic liver disorder worldwide, affecting over 30% of adults. It is increasingly recognized as a multisystem disease with significant cardiometabolic and oncologic consequences. Recent advances have substantially transformed its conceptual understanding, diagnosis, and clinical management. This review aims to critically evaluate global progress in NAFLD research and management with emphasis on epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic innovations, therapeutic developments, and the emergence of precision hepatology, while addressing the transition toward metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).
Why it matters
Emerging precision hepatology approaches integrating multi-omics, artificial intelligence, and digital health technologies are enabling personalized disease management. NAFLD is evolving from a liver-specific disorder into a global multisystem health challenge. Despite significant advances, key challenges remain in standardizing diagnostic criteria, ensuring equitable access to therapies, and addressing global health disparities. The integration of precision medicine, digital technologies, and public health strategies holds promise for reducing the burden of NAFLD in the coming decade.
Who should read this
Praktisi kesehatan, peneliti klinis, dan pembaca Research Digest.
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