Does alcohol- and metabolism-related liver disease have a distinct biological profile?
A new form of liver disease, known as metabolic and alcohol-related liver disease, lies between metabolic-associated fatty liver disease and that caused by excessive alcohol consumption. It is characterized by the combination of metabolic dysfunction and moderate but regular alcohol consumption. So far, few studies have clearly defined its clinical and biological particularities.
A recent analysis of over seven million people reveals that this disease has biological and metabolic traits that distinguish it from other liver conditions. Compared to purely metabolic fatty liver disease, it is associated with higher levels of liver enzymes such as transaminases and gamma-GT, as well as triglycerides and HDL cholesterol. Conversely, LDL cholesterol, body mass index, and glycated hemoglobin are often lower. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure are also slightly higher, while the number of blood platelets tends to decrease.
Compared to purely alcohol-related fatty liver disease, this condition shows lower levels of liver enzymes but shares similar metabolic characteristics. These observations suggest that the interaction between metabolic disorders and alcohol consumption directly influences liver function and cardiovascular risk. The exact mechanisms remain to be clarified, but this disease appears to occupy an intermediate position between the other two forms of fatty liver disease.
Its identification remains a challenge, as current diagnostic tools do not always allow it to be distinguished with certainty. Biological markers such as phosphatidylethanol, which reflects recent alcohol consumption, could improve its screening. A better understanding of its specificities would enable more tailored management and a more precise assessment of health risks for affected patients.
Information and Sources
Scientific Reference
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-026-00696-6
Title: Distinct Laboratory and Clinical Features of Metabolic and Alcohol-Related Liver Disease (MetALD): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Journal: Current Obesity Reports
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Authors: Maria Tampaki; Vasileios Lekakis; Christos Chologkitas; Stergios Α. Polyzos; Evangelos Cholongitas