Glossary of Terms

Cardiometabolic risk factors: Metabolic risk factors are sometimes referred to as cardiometabolic risk factors, because these factors also affect the cardiovascular system, which is made up of your heart and blood vessels. Cardiometabolic risk factors include:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• High triglycerides (a type of fat)
• Low HDL (good cholesterol)

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Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis is the most severe form of fibrosis (liver scarring). Cirrhosis occurs when liver scarring becomes severe and prevents the liver from working normally.

 

While cirrhosis can be caused by alcohol overuse, it may also result from other conditions, including MASH.

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Fibrosis: Damaged liver cells may cause scarring. The buildup of scar tissue is known as fibrosis.

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MASH (formerly called NASH): MASH (metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis) is a severe form of fatty liver disease. The presence of excess fat, inflammation, and damage to the liver indicates progression to MASH. Over time, MASH could lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications.

 

MASH used to be called NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis). These terms refer to the same disease. NASH was renamed as MASH because it better describes the metabolic aspect of this disease.

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MASLD (formerly called NAFLD): MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease) used to be named NAFLD (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease). MASLD is the technical term for a type of fatty liver disease and can be used to describe all different levels (a spectrum) of the disease, from mild to potentially dangerous. MASH refers to the advanced form of the disease.

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Metabolism: Metabolism is the process of turning food into energy your body can use. Metabolic disorders are partially influenced by factors you can control, although it may be difficult, and ones you cannot control, including family history and certain health conditions.

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Noninvasive testing: Noninvasive testing options for fatty liver disease and MASH have been developed, including:

• Blood tests: Blood tests can be used to measure liver enzymes, which when consistently elevated, may be an indication of MASH. There are also blood tests that can help evaluate the severity of fibrosis (liver scarring) in people already diagnosed with MASH and predict their risk of progression
  • FIB-4 (Fibrosis-4) score: A calculation based on age and blood test results (AST, ALT, and platelets) to determine the likelihood of advanced fibrosis
• Imaging tests: In some instances, doctors will order an imaging test, which may be ultrasound-based, to evaluate the health of your liver and, if necessary, the status and impact of fatty liver disease

Your health care professional may recommend a combination of blood tests and imaging tests.