From the Guidelines
The new name for Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) is Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH). This change was implemented to better reflect the underlying metabolic dysfunction that drives this liver disease, as stated in the 2024 clinical practice guidelines on the management of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) published in the Journal of Hepatology 1. MASH is part of a broader condition now called Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), which replaced the term Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). The renaming acknowledges that metabolic factors like insulin resistance, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia play central roles in the development and progression of this condition, rather than simply defining it by the absence of alcohol consumption. Some key points to consider in the management of MASH include:
- Lifestyle modification, such as weight loss, dietary changes, and physical exercise, as well as optimal management of comorbidities, including the use of incretin-based therapies for type 2 diabetes or obesity, if indicated 1.
- Bariatric surgery is also an option in individuals with MASLD and obesity.
- If locally approved and dependent on the label, adults with non-cirrhotic MASH and significant liver fibrosis (stage >2) should be considered for a−MASH-targeted treatment with resmetirom, which demonstrated histological effectiveness on steatohepatitis and fibrosis with an acceptable safety and tolerability profile 1. The change in nomenclature also aims to reduce stigma associated with the previous terminology and improve disease awareness and treatment approaches, ultimately leading to better outcomes in terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life for patients with MASH.
From the Research
Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) Name Change
There is no evidence in the provided studies to suggest a name change for Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) [ 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ].
Definition and Characteristics of NASH
- NASH is characterized by steatosis of the liver accompanied by inflammation and hepatocyte ballooning [ 2 ].
- It is a progressive form of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) [ 4 ].
- NASH can progress to cirrhosis and result in liver-related death [ 4, 5 ].