Skip to main content
Indiana University School of Medicine
Indiana University School of Medicine
Internal Medicine

Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis

Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) is a common liver condition linked to obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol — affecting people who consume little or no alcohol. It impacts over 100 million U.S. adults, or about 1 in 3. Obesity is the leading cause, with studies suggesting fatty liver is present in up to two-thirds of obese adults and half of obese children.

Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH) is a more advanced form of MASLD, marked by liver inflammation and damage. The exact cause of MASH is still being studied, but it likely involves a mix of oxidative stress, inflammatory signals from fat and immune cells, liver cell death, inflammation in fat tissue, and disruptions in gut bacteria that may worsen liver injury.

Investigators

4910-Chalasani, Naga Naga P. Chalasani, MD

Naga P. Chalasani, MD

David W. Crabb Professor of Gastroenterology and Hepatology

42036-Desai, Archita Archita Desai, MD

Archita Desai, MD

Associate Professor of Medicine

5172-Gawrieh, Samer Samer Gawrieh, MD

Samer Gawrieh, MD

Professor of Medicine

5166-Orman, Eric Eric Orman, MD

Eric Orman, MD

Associate Professor of Medicine

4674-Samala, Niharika Niharika Samala, MD

Niharika Samala, MD

Assistant Professor of Medicine

5034-Vuppalanchi, Raj Raj Vuppalanchi, MD

Raj Vuppalanchi, MD

Professor of Medicine

Explore Active Research Studies

Indiana University School of Medicine is actively conducting clinical research to advance the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of liver, gastrointestinal, and pancreatic conditions. Patients, caregivers, and community members who are interested in learning more about current, open research studies are encouraged to explore our clinical studies database.

Participation in research is voluntary and may offer opportunities to contribute to medical advancements that improve patient care now and in the future.

View active clinical studies