Metabolic and alcohol-associated liver disease (MetALD): a representation of duality

MetALD is a recently coined term that refers to a systemic entity to describe patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and simultaneous moderate alcohol consumption. The deleterious association of alcohol and metabolic risk factors synergistically increases the development of steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite its increasing incidence, the pathophysiological mechanisms triggering liver damage in MetALD remain unclear. This review aims to summarize the prevalence, pathophysiology of MetALD, taking into account the latest clinical and translational aspects.