Investigation Into the Progression of MASLD to MASH and HCC

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) (formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) is the most common cause of liver disease. The potentially severe consequences of MASLD include cirrhosis, liver failure, need for liver transplant to survive, or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The proportion of Alaska Native and American Indian (AN/AI) Tribal members with MASLD is higher than in other communities. Many people with MASLD are unaware of the disease’s long-term severe consequences or possible reversibility in the early stage of the disease with lifestyle modifications that can prevent these consequences. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a more advanced form of MASLD, which is accompanied by liver inflammation and scarring. A critical barrier to HCC prevention is identifying who is most likely to develop MASH. Why some people progress to MASH is not fully understood, yet genetic factors are associated with susceptibility to MASLD and MASH. To further the mission of NIH, this study will increase the knowledge available regarding liver disease caused by MASLD, MASH, and HCC, and utilize the gained information to improve the health and well-being of people with these liver diseases in an effort to reduce the burden of HCC through secondary prevention of MASLD, cirrhosis, and MASH, and to identify risk factors associated with progression of MASLD to MASH, cirrhosis and HCC. Project Number: 5P20GM152302-02 | Fiscal Year: 2025 | NIH Institute/Center: National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) | Principal Investigator: Lesleigh Kowalski Frank | Institution: ALASKA NATIVE TRIBAL HEALTH CONSORTIUM, ANCHORAGE, AK | Award Amount: $110,244 | Activity Code: P20 | Study Section: ZGM1-RCB-9(C1) View on NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11471215