Transferrin combined with alanine aminotransferase and body mass index improves non-invasive diagnosis of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease globally, with over 20% of patients progressing to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), which carries a high risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. While liver biopsy remains the gold standard for MASH diagnosis, its invasiveness and limitations necessitate reliable noninvasive alternatives. This study aimed to develop a cost-effective biomarker panel using routine laboratory tests to distinguish MASLD severity stages.

Methods

We conducted a single-center, retrospective study of 209 biopsy-proven MASLD patients, stratified by NAS: simple steatosis (NAS <3, n = 40), borderline (NAS 3-4, n = 120), and definitive MASH (NAS ≥5, n =

SUBMITTER: Wang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12665513 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature