Cardiometabolic Approach To The Management Of Metabolically Associated Fatty Liver Disease (Mafld)
Keywords:
MAFLD, cardiometabolic approach, insulin resistance, fatty liver, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome.Abstract
Background: Metabolically associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is now recognized as the hepatic manifestation of systemic metabolic dysfunction. The global increase in obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has positioned MAFLD as the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Cardiometabolic risk factors such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, and visceral adiposity are integral to its pathogenesis.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the cardiometabolic characteristics of patients with MAFLD and to assess the efficacy of an integrated cardiometabolic management strategy combining lifestyle modification, pharmacotherapy, and metabolic risk optimization.
Methods: A prospective study was conducted among 120 adult patients diagnosed with MAFLD between 2021 and 2024. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (standard therapy) received conventional hepatoprotective treatment and dietary advice, whereas Group B (cardiometabolic approach) received individualized therapy targeting metabolic syndrome components alongside hepatoprotective care. Anthropometric, biochemical, and imaging parameters were evaluated at baseline and after 12 months of treatment.
Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. After 12 months, Group B demonstrated significantly greater reductions in body mass index (BMI), liver enzymes (ALT, AST), fasting glucose, and triglycerides. Mean hepatic fat content by ultrasound decreased by 38% in Group B compared to 17% in Group A (p < 0.001). Improvement in insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) correlated strongly with decreases in liver fat and serum triglycerides.
Conclusion: The cardiometabolic approach addressing systemic metabolic dysfunction significantly improves hepatic outcomes in MAFLD patients. Targeting insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and visceral obesity alongside liver-directed therapy yields better metabolic and hepatic recovery than conventional treatment alone.
