Topic: New Insights in MAFLD

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has become a major global health issue, reflecting the complex interaction of metabolic, genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Its rising prevalence parallels the increasing rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, making MAFLD a significant contributor to liver-related morbidity and mortality worldwide.

This Special Issue seeks to gather the latest insights and expert perspectives on MAFLD, inviting contributions that explore its recognition as a multi-systemic disease and its bidirectional interactions with alcohol consumption and viral hepatitis.

We aim to highlight the distinct phenotype of lean MAFLD and provide a comprehensive update on the potential of non-invasive tools, such as clinical scores and novel blood-based biomarkers, for disease assessment.

Submissions that delve into the emerging fields of genetic and epigenetic predictors of MAFLD trajectories, as well as the role of gut microbiota in its pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment, are highly encouraged. In addition, the issue welcomes articles addressing key clinical questions, such as the need for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance in patients with MAFLD, especially in paediatric populations, and practical management strategies, both non-pharmacological and pharmacological.

Through this collection, we aim to foster discussion, stimulate innovative research, and promote a deeper understanding of the complexities of MAFLD, ultimately guiding clinicians and researchers toward more effective strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Key topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

● MAFLD: Epidemiology, Natural History and Diagnosis;

● MAFLD: A Multi-systemic Disease;

● Bidirectional interactions among alcohol consumption, viral hepatitis, and MAFLD in progressive fatty liver disease;

● Lean MAFLD: a distinct phenotype;

● Non-invasive assessment of MAFLD: Clinical scores and novel blood-based biomarkers;

● Genetic and Epigenetic Predictors of MAFLD Trajectories;

● Gut Microbiota in MAFLD: Therapeutic and Diagnostic Implications;

● Should we undertake surveillance for HCC in patients with MAFLD?

● MAFLD in Children: Unique Considerations and Challenges;

● Non-pharmacological management options for MAFLD: practical guidance;

● Emerging pharmacological treatments for MAFLD.

We welcome submissions of original research articles, review papers, commentaries on recent MAFLD studies published in leading hepatology journals, and clinical perspectives offering valuable insights into the prevention, management, and therapeutic innovations for MAFLD.