ADVANCES IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF METABOLIC DYSFUNCTION-ASSOCIATED STEATOTIC LIVER DISEASE (MASLD): A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) is one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease and is strongly associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and other cardiometabolic disorders. The updated nomenclature has reinforced the relationship between liver disease and metabolic dysfunction, accompanied by the development of new diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies. This study aimed to analyze recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of MASLD, with emphasis on non-invasive diagnostic methods, biomarkers, artificial intelligence, and emerging therapeutic approaches. A literature review was conducted using the PubMed and Virtual Health Library (VHL) databases, employing the descriptors “Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease”, “Diagnosis”, and “Treatment”, combined with the Boolean operator AND. Studies published between 2021 and 2026 were included, with 25 articles selected after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The studies demonstrated advances in fibrosis risk stratification through serum scores and elastography, as well as the potential of emerging biomarkers and machine-learning tools. Regarding treatment, weight loss, physical exercise, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, and other pharmacological therapies were highlighted. It is concluded that integrating non-invasive diagnostic methods with individualized therapeutic strategies may contribute to early diagnosis and reduce MASLD progression, although challenges related to validation and incorporation of these technologies into clinical practice remain.