Rachel V Thomas

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Fatty Liver Disease: Scientists Identify 5 Subtypes With Different Health Risks

<span>Fatty liver disease</span>, which affects nearly 30% of adults worldwide, may comprise five biologically distinct subtypes, according to new research.

Researchers from the Mayo Clinic and Virginia Tech in the US found that each subtype may carry different risks of <span>liver failure</span>, cancer, <span>heart disease</span> and other serious complications.

The study, published in <em>Nature Communications</em>, suggests that metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (<span>MASLD</span>) can develop through different biological pathways. Some are closely linked to obesity and diabetes, while others appear to be driven by inherited genetic factors.

The findings suggest that genetic forms of the disease may progress to advanced liver damage even in people without typical metabolic risk factors.

<h2>Why <span rel="noindex">Fatty Liver</span> Disease Can Be Dangerous</h2>

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/nafld-to-masld-experts-explain-why-this-common-yet-dangerous-liver-condition-got-renamed-article-154077542" data-type="tilCustomLink">NAFLD to MASLD: Experts Explain Why This Common Yet Dangerous Liver Condition Got Renamed</a>

MASLD, previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, develops when excess fat accumulates in the liver. Many people experience no noticeable symptoms, allowing the condition to go undetected for years.

Although the disease does not always cause serious complications, it can progress to inflammation, scarring and permanent liver damage. In advanced cases, it may lead to cirrhosis, in which extensive scarring impairs liver function.

MASLD is a major contributor to cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver transplantation worldwide. Understanding why some patients develop severe complications while others do not is therefore an important research priority.

<h2>Genetic Analysis Reveals Five Distinct Subtypes</h2>

To investigate the differences, the researchers analyzed genetic sequencing results alongside detailed medical records from more than 4,600 patients with MASLD.

The data included liver enzyme measurements, body mass index, blood lipid levels and other indicators of metabolic health. The researchers also examined coexisting conditions, including diabetes, depression and <span>sleep apnea</span>.

Using computational models, they identified five groups of patients who shared distinct biological characteristics. The findings suggest that people with the same MASLD diagnosis may have different underlying disease processes and risks of complications.

“When clinical and genomic data are analyzed together at this scale, you begin to see patterns of disease progression that would otherwise remain hidden,” said Shulan Tian, Ph.D., co-senior author and a bioinformatician at Mayo Clinic. “Once you separate these subtypes, you can start to match treatments to the biology that's actually driving the disease.”

<h2>Links to Depression, Sleep Apnea and Migraines</h2>

<strong>Read More: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/lancet-study-shows-metabolic-liver-disease-to-rise-over-38-by-2050-whats-behind-the-surge-article-154073039" data-type="tilCustomLink">Lancet Study Shows Metabolic Liver Disease To Rise Over 38% By 2050: What’s Behind The Surge</a>

The findings also suggest that the differences between MASLD subtypes extend beyond the liver.

Researchers identified associations between specific subtypes and conditions such as depression, sleep apnea and migraine. These links suggest that the biological processes underlying some forms of fatty liver disease may also be associated with health problems affecting other parts of the body.

However, the findings do not establish that MASLD directly causes these conditions.

<h2>Could the Findings Improve Treatment?</h2>

Identifying distinct subtypes could eventually help doctors recognize high-risk patients earlier, improve screening and develop more personalized treatment strategies.

Eric Klee, a research and innovation leader at Mayo Clinic, said the approach could help researchers better understand disease progression and identify opportunities to intervene before severe damage occurs.

The team plans to evaluate the findings in larger and more diverse patient populations and investigate whether the subtypes respond differently to treatments, including GLP-1 receptor agonists.

If further studies validate the results, the research could help move MASLD care toward earlier intervention and treatments tailored to the biological processes driving each patient's disease.

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Fatty liver disease, which affects nearly 30% of adults worldwide, may comprise five biologically distinct subtypes, according to new research.Researchers from the Mayo Clinic and Virginia Tech in the US found that each subtype may carry different risks of liver failure, cancer, heart disease and other serious complications.The study, published in Nature Communications, suggests that metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) can develop through different biological pathways. Some are closely linked to obesity and diabetes, while others appear to be driven by inherited genetic factors.The findings suggest that genetic forms of the disease may progress to advanced liver damage even in people without typical metabolic risk factors.Why Fatty Liver Disease Can Be DangerousAlso read: NAFLD to MASLD: Experts Explain Why This Common Yet Dangerous Liver Condition Got RenamedMASLD, previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, develops when excess fat accumulates in the liver. Many people experience no noticeable symptoms, allowing the condition to go undetected for years.Although the disease does not always cause serious complications, it can progress to inflammation, scarring and permanent liver damage. In advanced cases, it may lead to cirrhosis, in which extensive scarring impairs liver function.MASLD is a major contributor to cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver transplantation worldwide. Understanding why some patients develop severe complications while others do not is therefore an important research priority.Genetic Analysis Reveals Five Distinct SubtypesTo investigate the differences, the researchers analyzed genetic sequencing results alongside detailed medical records from more than 4,600 patients with MASLD.The data included liver enzyme measurements, body mass index, blood lipid levels and other indicators of metabolic health. The researchers also examined coexisting conditions, including diabetes, depression and sleep apnea.Using computational models, they identified five groups of patients who shared distinct biological characteristics. The findings suggest that people with the same MASLD diagnosis may have different underlying disease processes and risks of complications.“When clinical and genomic data are analyzed together at this scale, you begin to see patterns of disease progression that would otherwise remain hidden,” said Shulan Tian, Ph.D., co-senior author and a bioinformatician at Mayo Clinic. “Once you separate these subtypes, you can start to match treatments to the biology that's actually driving the disease.”Links to Depression, Sleep Apnea and MigrainesRead More: Lancet Study Shows Metabolic Liver Disease To Rise Over 38% By 2050: What’s Behind The SurgeThe findings also suggest that the differences between MASLD subtypes extend beyond the liver.Researchers identified associations between specific subtypes and conditions such as depression, sleep apnea and migraine. These links suggest that the biological processes underlying some forms of fatty liver disease may also be associated with health problems affecting other parts of the body.However, the findings do not establish that MASLD directly causes these conditions.Could the Findings Improve Treatment?Identifying distinct subtypes could eventually help doctors recognize high-risk patients earlier, improve screening and develop more personalized treatment strategies.Eric Klee, a research and innovation leader at Mayo Clinic, said the approach could help researchers better understand disease progression and identify opportunities to intervene before severe damage occurs.The team plans to evaluate the findings in larger and more diverse patient populations and investigate whether the subtypes respond differently to treatments, including GLP-1 receptor agonists.If further studies validate the results, the research could help move MASLD care toward earlier intervention and treatments tailored to the biological processes driving each patient's disease.

fatty liver disease: scientists identify 5 subtypes with different health risks

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Fatty Liver Disease: Scientists Identify 5 Subtypes With Different Health Risks

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