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Download our infographic to understand the prevalence of NAFLD and NASH, as well as how biomarkers can serve as alternative NAFLD and NASH screening methods.  

Research confirms that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has an estimated global prevalence of 25% and is now considered to be a global pandemic^1,2. Trends in data indicate that the incidence of NAFLD will continue to rise, leading to an even larger worldwide prevalence rate in the coming years.

NAFLD involves multiple disease stages, each progressing at different rates within the population. More than half of those with NAFLD progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH is estimated to progress to fibrosis in 41% of individuals with NAFLD¹. Those who develop fibrosis may develop liver cancer, but more frequently develop liver cirrhosis¹. Having either liver cancer or cirrhosis increases the risk of liver failure, leading to a liver transplant and possibly death³.

Current NAFLD and NASH screening methods include liver biopsy and imaging technology. However, liver biopsies are invasive, risky, and painful^4,5. Although imaging technology is noninvasive, excessive body fat presents limitations, and the associated instrumentation and protocols are not fully optimized⁶. As a result of these issues, there is a tremendous need for researching alternative NAFLD and NASH screening methods. Blood-based biomarkers have become a topic of discussion in the field because they are noninvasive, do not require special equipment, are typically cost effective, and have rapid turnaround times. More research on biomarkers of NAFLD and NASH is needed to determine if these markers are suitable alternatives to liver biopsies and imaging.

1. Younossi et al. (2016). Global epidemiology of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease-Meta-analytic assessment of prevalence, incidence, and outcomes. Hepatology, 64(1), 73-84. PMID: 26707365.
2. Paglialunga. (2016). NAFLD/NASH and Non-Invasive Biomarkers Predicting Fibrosis. [Technical Note]. Celerion.
3. Fierbinteanu-Braticevici et al. (2016). Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: One entity, multiple impacts on liver health. Cell Biol. Toxicol. PMID: 27680752
4. Franciscus. (2014). HCSP Liver Biopsy Fact Sheet. HCV Advocates.
5. Shiffman. (2014). Liver Biopsy. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Diseases.
6. Alkhouri & Feldstien. (2016). Noninvasive diagnosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Are we there yet? Metabolism, 65(8), 1087-1095. PMID: 26972222.