21^th European Gastroenterology and Therapeutics Congress

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and NASH

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and its progressive form, Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), are becoming the most common chronic liver conditions globally due to rising rates of obesity and metabolic syndrome. This session highlights the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of NAFLD/NASH, focusing on its metabolic links and long-term liver-related complications, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. As there are currently no approved pharmacologic treatments, lifestyle modification remains the cornerstone of therapy. However, promising drug candidates targeting insulin resistance, fibrosis pathways, and inflammation are under investigation. This track also explores the use of non-invasive biomarkers, imaging modalities like MRI-PDFF and FibroScan, and risk stratification tools to avoid unnecessary biopsies. Experts will discuss the implications of NAFLD in children and its overlap with cardiovascular risk. With multidisciplinary care being essential, this session aims to advance understanding and awareness of NAFLD/NASH among clinicians, hepatologists, and public health professionals to better address this silent epidemic