Research questions and objectives! The research aims to investigate the intricate relationships between metabolic risk factors, biomarkers, lifestyle choices, and imaging findings on the progression and outcomes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We seek to understand how these diverse elements interact and influence the development of adverse outcomes in patients with NAFLD, including liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver-related mortality. Furthermore, we will explore the potential moderating effects of these factors within the context of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, which frequently co-occur with NAFLD and can exacerbate the disease trajectory. By developing predictive models that synthesize metabolic, biological, and imaging data, we aspire to enhance early identification and preventive measures for NAFLD complications and pinpoint potential therapeutic interventions to enhance patient prognoses. Scientific rationale for the research: The multifactorial nature of NAFLD risk is becoming increasingly evident, with metabolic conditions, lifestyle factors, and genetic predispositions all playing a role in disease progression. However, the complex interplay among these elements and their combined effect on disease outcomes is not fully understood. Recent advancements in biomarker identification and imaging technologies provide novel avenues for assessing NAFLD risk, yet their incorporation into predictive models and clinical applications is still in its infancy. Moreover, prevalent comorbidities such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome further complicate NAFLD risk assessment, and the underlying mechanisms of their interactions with other risk factors require further elucidation.
