MASLD as a Multisystemic Disease

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is linked to increased overall and liver-specific mortality, has emerged not only as a liver condition, but also as a multisystem disease that influences the cardiovascular, renal, endocrine, and neurological systems, as well as increasing the risk of gastrointestinal cancer. This chapter discusses the broad cardiovascular implications associated with MASLD, such as dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, hypertension, obesity, and gut-liver axis dysfunction, which contribute to an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of mortality among these patients. The relationship between MASLD and other serious conditions such as chronic kidney disease and cognitive impairment is also explored, indicating a broader health impact beyond liver dysfunction. In addition, the paper delves into the interconnections between MASLD and various systemic diseases, such as thyroid dysfunction, gastrointestinal diseases and, most importantly, an elevated risk of cancer, both hepatic and extrahepatic.