中文English
ISSN 1001-5256 (Print)
ISSN 2097-3497 (Online)
CN 22-1108/R
Volume 42 Issue 4
Apr.  2026
Turn off MathJax
Article Contents

Intelligent diagnosis and treatment and comprehensive digital health management of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease

DOI: 10.12449/JCH260422
Research funding:

Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Undergraduate Innovative Training Program (1723X020);

Shanghai High-level Local University Innovation Team (SSMU-ZDCX1723X020)

More Information
  • Corresponding author: ZHOU Jingqi, jingqizhou@sjtu.edu.cn (ORCID: 0000-0002-9961-199X)
  • Received Date: 2025-07-31
  • Accepted Date: 2025-09-26
  • Published Date: 2026-04-25
  • Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has become one of the most prevalent chronic liver diseases worldwide, posing a serious challenge to public health. In this context, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), especially intelligent diagnosis and treatment and digital health interventions based on machine learning, can break through the limitations of traditional methods, realize efficient screening of multi-dimensional data such as key genes, biomarkers, and biochemical metabolites, and achieve revolutionary breakthroughs in risk prediction, subtype identification, and therapeutic effect assessment for MAFLD. This article systematically reviews the ground-breaking application of machine learning models in driving the innovation of clinical diagnosis and precise risk prediction of MAFLD, conducts a comprehensive comparative analysis of digital health practice cases of MAFLD in China and globally, and deeply analyzes their advantages and limitations in terms of research subjects, interventions, and management team. Studies have shown that the deep integration of digital health and long-term management of MAFLD is becoming the key engine driving the transformation of disease management modes towards an intelligent, individualized, and precise era, but there are various ethical and technical issues that need to be addressed urgently.

     

  • loading
  • [1]
    ZHOU JH, SUN DQ, TARGHER G, et al. Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease increases risk of chronic kidney disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis[J]. eGastroenterology, 2023, 1( 1): e100005. DOI: 10.1136/egastro-2023-100005.
    [2]
    FAN JG, YANG R. Global prevalence trends and disease burden of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease[J]. Chin J Dig, 2023, 43( 4): 248- 252. DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn311367-20230202-00038.

    范建高, 杨荣. 全球非酒精性脂肪性肝病的流行趋势与疾病负担[J]. 中华消化杂志, 2023, 43( 4): 248- 252. DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn311367-20230202-00038.
    [3]
    ESLAM M, FAN JG, YU ML, et al. The Asian Pacific Association for the study of the liver clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease[J]. Hepatol Int, 2025, 19( 2): 261- 301. DOI: 10.1007/s12072-024-10774-3.
    [4]
    YANG B, ZHANG R. Progress on the treatment of metabolic associated fatty liver disease[J/CD]. Chin J Liver Dis(Electronic Version), 2024, 16( 4): 25- 30. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7380.2024.04.004.

    杨彬, 张瑞. 代谢相关脂肪性肝病治疗进展[J/CD]. 中国肝脏病杂志(电子版), 2024, 16( 4): 25- 30. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7380.2024.04.004.
    [5]
    ZENG MH, SHI QY, XU L, et al. Establishment and validation of an adherence prediction system for lifestyle interventions in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease[J]. World J Gastroenterol, 2024, 30( 10): 1393- 1404. DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i10.1393.
    [6]
    XIE TA, LIUFU LL, CHEN HJ, et al. Trends in the applications of artificial intelligence in fatty liver diseases[J]. Hepatol Int, 2025, 19( 5): 1109- 1120. DOI: 10.1007/s12072-025-10827-1.
    [7]
    XU XQ, LI J, FU YQ, et al. A plasma metabolome-derived model predicts severe liver outcomes of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in the UK Biobank[J]. Diabetes Obes Metab, 2025, 27( 9): 4903- 4914. DOI: 10.1111/dom.16533.
    [8]
    MAMANDIPOOR B, WERNLY S, SEMMLER G, et al. Machine learning models predict liver steatosis but not liver fibrosis in a prospective cohort study[J]. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol, 2023, 47( 7): 102181. DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2023.102181.
    [9]
    ZHANG YY, LI JE, ZENG HX, et al. Identification and validation of biomarkers in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis using machine learning and bioinformatics[J]. Mol Genet Genomic Med, 2025, 13( 2): e70063. DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.70063.
    [10]
    WANG HN, CHENG W, HU P, et al. Integrative analysis identifies oxidative stress biomarkers in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease via machine learning and weighted gene co-expression network analysis[J]. Front Immunol, 2024, 15: 1335112. DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1335112.
    [11]
    QIN JT, CAO P, DING XX, et al. Machine learning identifies ferroptosis-related gene ANXA2 as potential diagnostic biomarkers for NAFLD[J]. Front Endocrinol, 2023, 14: 1303426. DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1303426.
    [12]
    ABDURRACHIM D, LEK S, ONG CZL, et al. Utility of AI digital pathology as an aid for pathologists scoring fibrosis in MASH[J]. J Hepatol, 2025, 82( 5): 898- 908. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.11.032.
    [13]
    JEON SK, JOO I, PARK J, et al. Automated hepatic steatosis assessment on dual-energy CT-derived virtual non-contrast images through fully-automated 3D organ segmentation[J]. Radiol Med, 2024, 129( 7): 967- 976. DOI: 10.1007/s11547-024-01833-8.
    [14]
    KWON H, KIM MG, OH S, et al. Application of quantitative ultrasonography and artificial intelligence for assessing severity of fatty liver: A pilot study[J]. Diagnostics(Basel), 2024, 14( 12): 1237. DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14121237.
    [15]
    LIN HP, LEE HW, YIP TC, et al. Vibration-controlled transient elastography scores to predict liver-related events in steatotic liver disease[J]. JAMA, 2024, 331( 15): 1287- 1297. DOI: 10.1001/jama.2024.1447.
    [16]
    WANG XN, CHEN HH, WANG LQ, et al. Machine learning for predicting all-cause mortality of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: A longitudinal study based on NHANES[J]. BMC Gastroenterol, 2025, 25( 1): 376. DOI: 10.1186/s12876-025-03946-4.
    [17]
    YE JZ, ZHUANG XD, LI X, et al. Novel metabolic classification for extrahepatic complication of metabolic associated fatty liver disease: A data-driven cluster analysis with international validation[J]. Metabolism, 2022, 136: 155294. DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2022.155294.
    [18]
    VERMA N, VOJJALA N, MISHRA S, et al. Machine learning can guide suitability of consultation and patient referral through telemedicine for hepatobiliary diseases[J]. J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2023, 38( 6): 999- 1007. DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16194.
    [19]
    ZAMANIAN H, SHALBAF A, ZALI MR, et al. Application of artificial intelligence techniques for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease diagnosis: A systematic review(2005-2023)[J]. Comput Methods Programs Biomed, 2024, 244: 107932. DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2023.107932.
    [20]
    World Health Organization. Global strategy on digital health 2020- 2025[R/OL].( 2021-08-18)[ 2025-09-25]. Geneva: World Health Organization, 2021. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240020924. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240020924
    [21]
    CHEN XH, HUANG J, HUANG Q, et al. Application of network support intervention in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease[J]. Nurs Pract Res, 2014, 11( 7): 56- 57. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-9676.2014.07.028.

    陈小华, 黄健, 黄群, 等. 网络支持干预在非酒精性脂肪肝患者中的应用[J]. 护理实践与研究, 2014, 11( 7): 56- 57. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-9676.2014.07.028.
    [22]
    KWON OY, CHOI JY, JANG Y. The effectiveness of eHealth interventions on lifestyle modification in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Systematic review and meta-analysis[J]. J Med Internet Res, 2023, 25: e37487. DOI: 10.2196/37487.
    [23]
    ZAFAR Y, SOHAIL MU, SAAD M, et al. eHealth interventions and patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis[J]. BMJ Open Gastroenterol, 2025, 12( 1): e001670. DOI: 10.1136/bmjgast-2024-001670.
    [24]
    SAOKAEW S, KANCHANASURAKIT S, KOSITAMONGKOL C, et al. Effects of telemedicine on obese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis[J]. Front Med, 2021, 8: 723790. DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.723790.
    [25]
    SUN C, FAN JG. Effects of mobile health applications on lifestyle intervention for patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease[J]. Chin J Health Manage, 2023, 17( 10): 796- 800. DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn115624-20230615-00374.

    孙超, 范建高. 移动医疗应用程序干预非酒精性脂肪性肝病患者生活方式的效果[J]. 中华健康管理学杂志, 2023, 17( 10): 796- 800. DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn115624-20230615-00374.
    [26]
    LI J, HE TS, WANG P, et al. Application of PDCA health education management model on WeChat platform in patients with fatty liver[J]. J Qilu Nurs, 2018, 24( 4): 108- 110. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-7256.2018.04.049.

    李静, 何婷珊, 王鹏, 等. 微信平台PDCA健康教育管理模式在脂肪肝患者中的应用[J]. 齐鲁护理杂志, 2018, 24( 4): 108- 110. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-7256.2018.04.049.
    [27]
    WANG XJ, CHEN JC, JIAO LM, et al. Effect of internet-based health management intervention among college students with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease[J]. Chin J Public Health, 2017, 33( 6): 988- 990. DOI: 10.11847/zgggws2017-33-06-32.

    王雪娇, 陈基成, 焦凌梅, 等. 非酒精性脂肪肝大学生“互联网+”健康管理干预效果分析[J]. 中国公共卫生, 2017, 33( 6): 988- 990. DOI: 10.11847/zgggws2017-33-06-32.
    [28]
    DONG FY, ZHANG Y, HUANG YQ, et al. Long-term lifestyle interventions in middle-aged and elderly men with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized controlled trial[J]. Sci Rep, 2016, 6: 36783. DOI: 10.1038/srep36783.
    [29]
    FARD SJ, GHODSBIN F, KAVIANI MJ, et al. The effect of follow up(telenursing) on liver enzymes in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized controlled clinical trial[J]. Int J Community Based Nurs Midwifery, 2016, 4( 3): 239- 246.
    [30]
    GHODSBIN F, JAVANMARDIFARD S, JAVAD KAVIANI M, et al. Effect of tele-nursing in the improving of the ultrasound findings in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases: A randomized clinical trial study[J]. Invest Educ Enferm, 2018, 36( 3). DOI: 10.17533/udea.iee.v36n3e09.
    [31]
    AXLEY P, KODALI S, KUO YF, et al. Text messaging approach improves weight loss in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized study[J]. Liver Int, 2018, 38( 5): 924- 931. DOI: 10.1111/liv.13622.
    [32]
    MAZZOTTI A, CALETTI MT, BRODOSI L, et al. An Internet-based approach for lifestyle changes in patients with NAFLD: Two-year effects on weight loss and surrogate markers[J]. J Hepatol, 2018, 69( 5): 1155- 1163. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2018.07.013.
    [33]
    HALLSWORTH K, MCPHERSON S, ANSTEE QM, et al. Digital intervention with lifestyle coach support to target dietary and physical activity behaviors of adults with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Systematic development process of VITALISE using intervention mapping[J]. J Med Internet Res, 2021, 23( 1): e20491. DOI: 10.2196/20491.
    [34]
    TINCOPA MA, LYDEN A, WONG J, et al. Impact of a pilot structured mobile technology based lifestyle intervention for patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease[J]. Dig Dis Sci, 2022, 67( 2): 481- 491. DOI: 10.1007/s10620-021-06922-6.
    [35]
    STINE JG, SCHREIBMAN I, NAVABI S, et al. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis Fitness Intervention in Thrombosis(NASHFit): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial of a supervised aerobic exercise program to reduce elevated clotting risk in patients with NASH[J]. Contemp Clin Trials Commun, 2020, 18: 100560. DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2020.100560.
    [36]
    LIM SL, JOHAL J, ONG KW, et al. Lifestyle intervention enabled by mobile technology on weight loss in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Randomized controlled trial[J]. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth, 2020, 8( 4): e14802. DOI: 10.2196/14802.
    [37]
    STINE JG, RIVAS G, HUMMER B, et al. Mobile health lifestyle intervention program leads to clinically significant loss of body weight in patients with NASH[J]. Hepatol Commun, 2023, 7( 4): e0052. DOI: 10.1097/HC9.0000000000000052.
    [38]
    CHO E, KIM S, KIM S, et al. The effect of mobile lifestyle intervention combined with high-protein meal replacement on liver function in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: A pilot randomized controlled trial[J]. Nutrients, 2024, 16( 14): 2254. DOI: 10.3390/nu16142254.
    [39]
    FREER CL, GEORGE ES, TAN SY, et al. Delivery of a telehealth supported home exercise program with dietary advice to increase plant-based protein intake in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A 12-week randomised controlled feasibility trial[J]. Br J Nutr, 2024, 131( 10): 1709- 1719. DOI: 10.1017/S0007114524000242.
    [40]
    FREER CL, GEORGE ES, TAN SY, et al. Acceptability and perceptions of a 12-week telehealth exercise programme with dietary advice to increase plant-based protein in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A programme evaluation using mixed methods[J]. BMJ Open, 2025, 15( 3): e086604. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-086604.
    [41]
    KWON OY, LEE MK, LEE HW, et al. Mobile app-based lifestyle coaching intervention for patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Randomized controlled trial[J]. J Med Internet Res, 2024, 26: e49839. DOI: 10.2196/49839.
    [42]
    KAEWDECH A, ASSAWASUWANNAKIT S, CHURUANGSUK C, et al. Effect of smartphone-assisted lifestyle intervention in MASLD patients: A randomized controlled trial[J]. Sci Rep, 2024, 14: 13961. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64988-4.
    [43]
    PFIRRMANN D, HUBER Y, SCHATTENBERG JM, et al. Web-based exercise as an effective complementary treatment for patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Intervention study[J]. J Med Internet Res, 2019, 21( 1): e11250. DOI: 10.2196/11250.
    [44]
    HUBER Y, PFIRRMANN D, GEBHARDT I, et al. Improvement of non-invasive markers of NAFLD from an individualised, web-based exercise program[J]. Aliment Pharmacol Ther, 2019, 50( 8): 930- 939. DOI: 10.1111/apt.15427.
    [45]
    AVERY L, SMITH H, MCPHERSON S, et al. Feasibility and acceptability of an evidence-informed digital intervention to support self-management in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Protocol for a non-randomised feasibility study(VITALISE)[J]. Pilot Feasibility Stud, 2023, 9( 1): 62. DOI: 10.1186/s40814-023-01286-2.
    [46]
    AVERY L, SMITH H, LIVINGSTON R, et al. Feasibility of a digital lifestyle intervention(VITALISE) to support weight loss in patients with MASLD in routine secondary care[J]. BMJ Open Gastroenterol, 2025, 12( 1): e001771. DOI: 10.1136/bmjgast-2025-001771.
    [47]
    BJÖRNSDOTTIR S, ULFSDOTTIR H, GUDMUNDSSON EF, et al. User engagement, acceptability, and clinical markers in a digital health program for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Prospective, single-arm feasibility study[J]. JMIR Cardio, 2024, 8: e52576. DOI: 10.2196/52576.
    [48]
    MOTZ V, FAUST A, DAHMUS J, et al. Utilization of a directly supervised telehealth-based exercise training program in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: Feasibility study[J]. JMIR Form Res, 2021, 5( 8): e30239. DOI: 10.2196/30239.
    [49]
    SONI J, PATHAK N, GHARIA M, et al. Effectiveness of RESET care program: A real-world-evidence on managing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease through digital health interventions[J]. World J Hepatol, 2025, 17( 1): 101630. DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v17.i1.101630.
    [50]
    ZHOU R, GU YP, ZHANG BB, et al. Digital therapeutics: Emerging new therapy for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease[J]. Clin Transl Gastroenterol, 2023, 14( 4): e00575. DOI: 10.14309/ctg.0000000000000575.
    [51]
    VILAR-GOMEZ E, ATHINARAYANAN SJ, ADAMS RN, et al. Post hoc analyses of surrogate markers of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) and liver fibrosis in patients with type 2 diabetes in a digitally supported continuous care intervention: An open-label, non-randomised controlled study[J]. BMJ Open, 2019, 9( 2): e023597. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023597.
    [52]
    MO LF, LI Z, GAN HL, et al. Patient privacy and data security in medical artificial intelligence from a global perspective: Focus and strategies[J]. Acad J Nav Med Univ, 2025, 46( 8): 989- 999. DOI: 10.16781/j.CN31-2187/R.20250363.

    莫琳芳, 李喆, 甘辉亮, 等. 全球视野下医疗人工智能中患者隐私和数据安全: 焦点与策略[J]. 海军军医大学学报, 2025, 46( 8): 989- 999. DOI: 10.16781/j.CN31-2187/R.20250363.
  • 加载中

Catalog

    通讯作者: 陈斌, bchen63@163.com
    • 1. 

      沈阳化工大学材料科学与工程学院 沈阳 110142

    1. 本站搜索
    2. 百度学术搜索
    3. 万方数据库搜索
    4. CNKI搜索

    Tables(1)

    Article Metrics

    Article views (43) PDF downloads(12) Cited by()
    Proportional views
    Related

    /

    DownLoad:  Full-Size Img  PowerPoint
    Return
    Return