A single-letter change in an acronym: signals, reasons, promises, challenges, and steps ahead for moving from NAFLD to MAFLD. (3rd April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yilmaz, Yusuf; Byrne, Christopher D.; Musso, Giovanni
• Is Part Of: Expert review of gastroenterology & hepatology. Volume 15:Number 4(2021)
• Page Start: 345
• Page End: 352
• Publication Date: 2021-04-03
• Subjects: Disease rebranding -- metabolic (dysfunction) associated fatty liver disease -- nomenclature -- nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; Gastroenterology -- Periodicals; Liver -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.3
• DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2021.1860019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1747-4124

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction : We are currently at the dawn of a revolution in the field of fatty liver diseases. Recently, a consensus recommended 'metabolic (dysfunction) associated fatty liver disease' (MAFLD) as a more appropriate name to describe fatty liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction, ultimately suggesting that the old acronym nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) should be abandoned. Areas covered : In this viewpoint, we discuss the reasons and relevance of this semantic modification through five different conceptual domains, i.e., 1) signals, 2) reasons, 2) promises, 4) challenges and 5) steps ahead. Expert opinion : The road ahead will not be traveled without major challenges. Further research to evaluate the positive and negative impacts of the nomenclature change is warranted. However, this modification should encourage increased disease awareness among policymakers and stimulate public and private investments leading to more effective therapy development.