Honorary Special Issue Dedicated to Prof. Giovanni Targher–the Metabolic Fatty Liver Syndromes: MASLD/MAFLD/NAFLD

Dear Colleagues,

This year marks the 21st anniversary of the publications of Professor Giovanni Targher (ORCID 0000-0002-4325-3900), a world-leading researcher on the role of metabolic fatty liver syndromes including MASLD/MAFLD/NAFLD in the development of extra-hepatic complications, especially nephro-cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. MASLD/MAFLD/NAFLD, collectively labelled metabolic fatty liver syndromes (MFLS), describe the spectrum of steatosis closely associated with metabolic dysfunction. They are currently the most common chronic liver diseases globally and a leading cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

With an H index of 99, Professor Targher is one of the most brilliant clinical Italian researchers. As a diabetologist with a solid background in general endocrinology and internal medicine, he has approached the MFLS arena from diabetes’ point of view, rapidly gaining insight into this very common liver disease as a systemic disorder. His scientific career, which flourished based on outstanding scientific intuitions and an exceptional attitude towards developing large amounts of work within highly intensive time schedules, includes numerous collaborations outside of Italy, a testament to Professor Targher’s international academic prestige and his frank, gentle, and friendly personality.

His research has shown that NAFLD, especially in its advanced forms, is a risk factor for the development and progression of cardiac alterations in patients with and without diabetes, often leading to their death. His papers have inspired many other scientists to explore the independent role of NAFLD in the development of cardiovascular disease, identifying it as a major clinical and public health issue globally.

As a leading figure in epidemiological sciences and in clinically relevant meta-analytic techniques, Professor Targher has also conducted high-standard investigations in the NAFLD arena regarding insulin resistance, vitamin D, genetics, ceramides, uric acid, adiponectin, PCSK9, N-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen, and SARS-CoV-2 infection. His studies have also expanded our understanding of secondary NAFLD forms, including those associated with dysthyroidism. His participation in guidelines and consensus conferences placed him at the forefront of the change in nomenclature from NAFLD to metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and, ultimately, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

In his honor, this Special Issue focuses on the role of the MFLS (MASLD/MAFLD/NAFLD) in the development of various extra-hepatic complications, such as cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, and cancer.

As both his colleagues and friends, we are honored to guest edit the introduction for the present Special Issue, which we hope will be a great success.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in Biomolecules.

Dr. Alessandro Mantovani
Dr. Amedeo Lonardo
Guest Editors

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• nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
• metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD)
• nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
• metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)
• fatty liver