Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH)

Overview

What is MASH?

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, commonly referred to as MASH, was previously named nonalcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH, but both terms refer to the same condition. The liver is an important organ that helps break down food, store energy, filter waste and remove toxins from the body. When fat deposits in the liver it is called steatosis.1 Although healthy livers contain some fat, if the liver has more than 5% fat, an individual has some form of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which was previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).1, 2


MASLD is a condition in which fat builds up in the liver, and it tends to develop in those who are overweight and have diabetes, high cholesterol and/or high triglycerides. MASLD is more common in women and often has no symptoms. MASH is a progressive form of MASLD in which there is inflammation of the liver in addition to the buildup of excess fat. This inflammation can lead to scarring of the liver, which is also referred to as fibrosis. When the liver has had repeated scarring over years, it can progress to cirrhosis, liver failure and/or liver cancer. Cirrhosis is a result of liver damage in which the scarring over time has begun to interfere with the liver's ability to function. MASH is a leading cause of cirrhosis and liver transplant in the United States.1


Risk Factors for developing MASH include:3

  • Being overweight or obese
  • Having type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance
  • Having elevated levels of fats in the blood
    • High triglycerides
    • High cholesterol
    • Low HDL cholesterol or high LDL cholesterol
  • Having metabolic syndrome – a mix of conditions that consists of having 3 of the following:
    • Large waist size
    • High blood pressure
    • High blood sugar
    • High triglycerides
    • Low levels of good cholesterol in the blood (HDL)


It is unknown why some people with MASLD have simple fatty liver and others have MASH, but research suggests that genetics may play a role.2


In addition to the risk factors listed above, MASH is also more likely to occur in people who are older, are Hispanic or Asian, are post-menopausal women, or have obstructive sleep apnea. A few less-common factors are rapid excessive weight loss, infections like hepatitis C, exposure to certain toxins, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and taking certain medications such as glucocorticoids, synthetic estrogens, amiodarone, methotrexate or tamoxifen.3

How common is MASH?

MASLD is the most common chronic liver disease.P PAbout 25% of adults in the United States have MASLD, but less than 5% of people are aware of having the disease.1, 4

Most people with MASLD have simple fatty liver without the inflammation that characterizes MASH. It is estimated that only about 5% of adults in the United States have MASH.1

However, about 20% of those who already have MASLD will develop MASH over time. Of those who end up developing MASH, up to 25% may eventually have cirrhosis of the liver.1

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Questions regarding your MASH therapy?

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Call 888.608.9010