Context:
Madrigal Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s drug Rezdiffra gained the first US approval to treat a potentially deadly liver disease called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH that affects millions worldwide.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
About Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) is a liver condition characterized by inflammation and damage to the liver caused by the accumulation of fat in the liver cells. Here are the key points about NASH:
- Part of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): NASH is a subtype of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a group of conditions where fat builds up in the liver without the presence of significant alcohol consumption.
- Liver Damage: NASH can progress and lead to more severe liver damage, including scarring of the liver (cirrhosis). However, the disease progression varies among individuals, and not everyone with NASH develops cirrhosis.
- Similarity to Alcoholic Liver Disease: NASH shares similarities with liver diseases caused by long-term, heavy alcohol consumption. However, NASH occurs in individuals who do not abuse alcohol.
- Symptoms: As NASH advances and liver damage worsens, individuals may experience symptoms such as fatigue (persistent tiredness), unexplained weight loss, general weakness, and discomfort or pain in the upper right part of the abdomen.
- Risk Factors: Several factors increase the risk of developing NASH and worsening liver damage, including obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, metabolic syndrome, and certain medications.
- Treatment: Management of NASH focuses on addressing underlying conditions that contribute to liver damage and reducing the risk of disease progression. Treatment strategies may include lifestyle modifications such as weight loss, dietary changes, and regular exercise to achieve a healthy weight and improve metabolic health. Additionally, controlling conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol levels is essential in managing NASH.
-Source: Hindustan Times
