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Review
. 2024 Oct 8;16(10):e71095.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.71095. eCollection 2024 Oct.

The Link Between Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Priyata Dutta  1 , Anika Annoor  2 , Proma Dey  3 , Jakia Sultana  4 , Mobin Ibne Mokbul  5 , Sadia Afrin Naurin  6 , Ritwik Roy  7 , Sultana Y Simona  8 , Jui Dutta  4 , Tanusree Mazumder  9 , Farjana Masud  10
Affiliations
Review

The Link Between Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Priyata Dutta et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are prevalent chronic conditions with escalating global incidence. This study delves into the intricate interplay between MASLD and GERD. The primary objective is to comprehensively explore the association between MASLD and GERD, investigating how various factors contribute to the coexistence and potential exacerbation of these conditions. We conducted a literature search in PubMed and Google Scholar of only human studies over the past 10 years. The search included systematic review, meta-analysis, editorial, and cross-sectional studies of patients with MASLD and GERD. The prevalence of GERD in patients with MASLD was higher, with various risk factors coming into play. Obesity was identified as an independent risk factor for both GERD and MASLD. However, obese patients predominantly had higher disease progression. Lifestyle factors like physical activity and dietary modifications emerge as promising strategies to mitigate risk.

Keywords: bmi; gerd; masld; obesity; risk factor.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Demonstration of the pathophysiology of MASLD and the various factors predisposing to its progression
MASLD: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, FFA: Free fatty acid, ROS: Reactive oxygen species, ER: Endoplasmic reticulum, VLDL: Very-low-density lipoprotein Illustration created by the authors.
Figure 2
Figure 2. How obesity contributes to both MASLD and GERD
MASLD: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, GERD: Gastroesophageal reflux disease Illustration created by the authors.
Figure 3
Figure 3. Autonomic dysfunction and its link with MASLD
As shown by the illustration, the imbalance between both sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems alters the dynamics that lead to further progression of MASLD. MASLD: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, FFA: Free fatty acid, TG: Triglyceride Illustration created by the authors.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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