A recent study published in eGastroenterology reveals that intestinal neutral ceramidase plays a crucial role in metabolic steatohepatitis (MASH) progression by altering gut microbial composition and metabolite profiles. The study suggests that targeting this enzyme and its downstream effects may lead to novel therapeutic strategies fo...
This study compared the effectiveness and safety of 11 promising targets for treating MASLD and steatohepatitis. Co-agonists of GLP-1, GCG, and/or GIP receptors, as well as FGF21 analogues, showed promising signals across several endpoints.
Research identifies MLKL as a protein that helps drive liver cancer associated with obesity-related fatty liver disease by reducing mitochondrial function, promoting tumor development. Removing MLKL reduces liver tumors but not fatty liver or liver inflammation, suggesting a new therapeutic target for liver cancer treatment
MASH disease is a systemic condition affecting multiple organs and biological processes, with different genetic, metabolic, and immune responses among patients. The disease's complexity requires targeted and individualised treatment strategies, with emerging therapies addressing various mechanisms and subtypes.
Researchers identified EFHD1 as a protein driving metabolic liver disease, triggering an antiviral immune response that can be blocked to protect against liver injury. Blocking EFHD1 shows promise in preventing liver damage, even on high-fat diets.
A new study reveals that patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) have elevated lipocalin-2 levels and exhibit early signs of cardiovascular and cognitive impairment. The findings highlight the importance of considering MASLD as a systemic condition affecting multiple organ systems.
The guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for screening, diagnosis, treatment, referral, and follow-up of MAFLD in primary care. Lifestyle interventions, such as weight loss and exercise, are recommended to reduce the risk of progression and complications.
A deep learning model integrating quantitative tongue image features with routine clinical data achieved high accuracy in diagnosing metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease. The model outperformed single-modality and serological models, providing a practical application for non-invasive assessment of the disease.
A clinical trial showed semaglutide improved liver scarring in patients with advanced fatty liver disease and early-stage cirrhosis. Non-invasive blood tests reflected treatment-related improvements more clearly than liver biopsies, which could reduce reliance on invasive procedures.
A new review calls on Mexico to add liver health to its existing chronic disease programs, citing the country's high liver disease prevalence. Liver disease affects nearly half of Mexican adults and is linked to diabetes and obesity.
Researchers discovered a potential drug developed at Michigan Medicine reverses metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in animal models by disrupting the disease-driving pathway that links the gut and liver. DT-109 improved gut health, reducing inflammation in livers of nonhuman primates.
A recent study found that long naps may increase the risk of developing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in people with type 2 diabetes. MASLD is characterized by excessive fat buildup in the liver, which can lead to chronic disorders like NAFLD.
This study investigates the role of YTHDF1 in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its epitranscriptomic control of NUPR1. The researchers found that YTHDF1 promotes hepatic steatosis by enhancing NUPR1 mRNA stability, leading to elevated NUPR1 protein levels and exacerbating NAFLD progression.
A multicenter cross-sectional study found hypertension significantly associated with extrahepatic cancers in the MASLD population. Metabolism-based treatments may have a protective role against extrahepatic cancers in individuals with FIB-4 scores ≥ 1.3.
A $10 million grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences will support research on PFAS health effects and translate discoveries into real-world solutions. The study aims to identify links between PFAS exposure and metabolic conditions, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
A cross-sectional study found intestinal Candida albicans abundance correlates with subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Cirrhosis patients showed higher Candida albicans levels and more severe atherosclerosis.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) affects approximately 32% of the US adult population. Obesity was identified as the strongest independent MRF among Asians, Whites, and Hispanics, particularly in individuals younger than 50 years, whereas hypertension was the strongest independent MRF in Blacks.
A Salk Institute study identifies Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 (FGF1) as the molecular signal that tells the liver when to release fat into the bloodstream, following a precise rhythm timed to the body's internal clock.
A study identified exosomal microRNA-122-3p as a key driver of MASLD pathogenesis. Elevated miR-122-3p levels induced triglyceride accumulation and reactive oxygen species production in liver cells.
Researchers have found that semaglutide, an active ingredient in popular weight loss drugs, acts directly on a subset of liver cells to improve organ function and reduce inflammation, scarring, and enzyme levels. This finding challenges traditional assumptions about how GLP-1 medicines work in the liver.
Researchers compare viral and MASLD cirrhosis pathogenic mechanisms, identifying shared pathways and diagnostic differences. The study aims to establish a framework for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of MASLD cirrhosis.
A hormone called FGF21 reverses obesity in mice by signaling to the hindbrain, a region targeted by GLP-1 drugs. This finding provides insight into the naturally occurring hormone's benefits for weight loss and MASH treatment.
Elevated uric acid promotes liver damage and disease severity through inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic disturbances. Lifestyle interventions, medications, and potential biomarkers are being explored to improve diagnostic efficacy and treatment.
A new study has identified an altered expression of specific genes in individuals with obesity, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and liver fibrosis. The research team found that inhibiting the gene expression can reduce liver fibrosis, offering a potential new treatment option.
This study reveals a bidirectional causal link between MASLD and sarcopenia, mediated by liver-muscle communication. Altered pathways in both liver and muscle tissues contribute to the development of these conditions.
A study found that the TF-rs1049296 C>T variant is associated with a higher risk of significant liver fibrosis in patients with MASLD, particularly in those with RES iron deposition. The variant was also linked to increased risk of SF in mixed hepatocellular/RES iron deposition patterns.
This review synthesizes current applications of AI and smart devices in MASLD care, discussing their benefits and limitations. AI models leverage EHR, laboratory data, and multi-omics information to predict risk and severity, while also enhancing medical imaging interpretation and liver histopathology assessment.
Researchers investigated the therapeutic potential and molecular mechanisms of oxytocin in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Oxytocin attenuates lipid accumulation and accelerates lipid metabolism by regulating the AMPK/SREBP1c/FAS axis.
Nutrient-stimulated hormone-based therapies (NuSHs) show promise in managing MASH and preventing HCC progression. NuSHs improve metabolic parameters, reduce liver fat and fibrosis, and modulate immune-metabolic pathways that drive hepatocarcinogenesis.
Research on leptin reveals its multifaceted roles in MAFLD, including regulation of energy balance and metabolism. Leptin therapy shows promise in rare cases of leptin deficiency but is largely ineffective in obesity-associated hyperleptinemia.
This review highlights SIRT1 as a key regulator in MASLD, orchestrating metabolic homeostasis, immune modulation, and inter-organ communication. SIRT1's therapeutic potential is supported by natural product activators and synthetic small-molecule compounds.
This study reveals limited national strategies, weak guideline implementation, and underutilized multidisciplinary collaboration in MASLD care across the MENA region. The insights gathered from regional experts highlight systemic challenges and actionable opportunities for improvement.
Arctigenin, a monomer of Fructus Arctii, exhibits anti-inflammatory activity and prevents MASH progression through modulating the NLRP3/GSDMD-N axis in macrophages. ATG administration also reduces hepatic macrophage infiltration, serum enzyme levels, and lipid peroxidation while enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity.
This study found a significant association between urinary arsenic levels and the prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Higher arsenic exposure was linked to an increased risk of MASLD, particularly in females and individuals with higher incomes.
Researchers identified a significant association between perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) exposure and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in adolescents. The study used advanced models to reveal PFHpA's role in disrupting biological pathways, leading to liver damage and inflammation.
Researchers developed innovative 3D dynamic cell co-culture models to simulate MASLD progression stages, addressing traditional 2D culture limitations. Pro-inflammatory macrophages were identified as drivers of hepatocyte lipid metabolism disruption.
Researchers have developed a new mRNA vaccine technology using albumin-recruiting lipid nanoparticles to deliver vaccines precisely to lymph nodes, avoiding liver toxicity. The approach outperformed traditional delivery systems in laboratory tests, producing strong antitumor T-cell responses and high levels of neutralizing antibodies.
People with MASLD emphasize affordability, accessibility and considerations for comorbidities in exercise care. Exercise-focused research should include standardized non-invasive outcomes and culturally responsive models to advance awareness and management of MASLD.
A study discovered six causal molecular biomarkers (CNPY4, ENTPD6, HLA-A) and eight clinical biomarkers for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Serum total protein levels partially mediated the effect of HLA-A on MASLD.
This study found a significant association between arsenic exposure and MASLD in humans, with higher urinary arsenic levels increasing the risk ofMASLD. The analysis also showed that arsenic exposure persisted across key subgroups, suggesting its contribution to hepatic steatosis even at moderate exposure levels.
A substantial proportion of asymptomatic individuals in Greater Vancouver have undetected MASLD and significant fibrosis. Age, male sex, ethnicity, cardiac disease, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity were significantly associated with fibrosis.
A study from University of Louisville researchers found that perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) can worsen liver damage when combined with alcohol consumption. The study showed that PFOS exposure can increase fat accumulation and markers of liver damage, disrupt the liver's ability to manage fats, and activate pathways that promote liver...
This review explores the roles of orphan nuclear receptors (ONRs) in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) pathogenesis. ONRs modulate key pathways involved in lipid metabolism, inflammation, and fibrosis, offering novel therapeutic avenues.
Researchers discovered that short-term physical activity decreases liver disease severity by breaking down branched-chain amino acids in skeletal muscle. This process enhances redox balance and inhibits lipid accumulation in hepatocytes.
Michael Karin, renowned for his work on chronic inflammation and cancer, will lead the Center for Metabolic and Liver Diseases at Sanford Burnham Prebys. He aims to develop new treatments for metabolic and liver diseases, which affect millions of patients worldwide.
Chronic liver diseases like MASLD and MASH affect 33% and 5% of adults worldwide, respectively. Experts propose doubling MASH diagnosis rate by 2027 to improve outcomes and reduce healthcare burdens. A paradigm shift towards preventive hepatology is key to addressing this growing public health threat.
Clinical trials for MASH cirrhosis have shown promising results, particularly with FGF21 analogues like efruxifermin and pegozafermin. The review emphasizes the need for effective interventions targeting advanced disease stages and highlights the importance of surrogate endpoints in accelerating approvals.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma discovered that FGF21 can reverse fatty liver disease in mice by sending signals to both the brain and liver. The study provides valuable insight into the mechanism of action of FGF21, a target for a new class of highly anticipated drugs.
This study found that intestinal depletion of TM6SF2 exacerbates high-fat diet-induced MASLD by altering the gut microbiota and liver lipid content. The absence of TM6SF2 also led to increased serum biomarkers associated with MASLD progression.
New research published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that semaglutide effectively treats liver disease in two-thirds of patients with MASH. The substance has been found to halt and even reverse the disease, reducing steatohepatitis and improving liver fibrosis.
A VCU-led study suggests that semaglutide, a medication approved for weight loss and blood sugar control, may also reverse liver damage in patients with non-cirrhotic non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (MASH). Researchers found that nearly 90% of participants remained on the medication after 72 weeks without significant side effects.
A study published in Hepatology reveals that children with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are at a significantly increased risk of premature death and serious long-term health complications. The mortality rate was found to be nearly 40 times higher than the national average.
Researchers successfully treated atherosclerosis and fatty liver disease using DT-109 in nonhuman primates, which has potential as a dual therapy for two common conditions. The compound reduced the formation of atherosclerotic plaques and stopped critical processes that lead to vascular calcification.
Researchers investigated the therapeutic mechanisms of ursolic acid on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Ursolic acid was found to reduce inflammation by modulating estrogen conversion via HSD17B14, a crucial enzyme regulating estrogen balance.
A new study published in Liver International found that a mother's high-fat diet during pregnancy can lead to liver stress and changes in the fetus's bile acid levels. This may be a key factor in the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) later in life.
The study highlights the role of the Nwd1 gene in liver disease and its potential as a therapeutic target. Mice with Nwd1 gene deletion exhibited liver pathologies mirroring MASH, including excessive lipid accumulation and increased ER stress.
The study highlights the significant protective role of Asah1 in preventing NAFLD progression by regulating hepatic lipid homeostasis and cellular maintenance processes. The findings suggest that targeting Asah1 expression or activity may inform new therapeutic strategies for improving patient outcomes.
A new drug candidate has been developed to target and eliminate senescent cells in the liver, reducing fat buildup and preventing liver damage. The study demonstrates a safer and more effective approach to treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and potentially inhibiting liver cancer development.
Research identifies six clusters of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) with varying pathophysiology and clinical outcomes. These clusters may enable personalized risk prognosis and treatment through lifestyle modification programs and targeted therapies.
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a critical role in metabolic and fibrotic pathways, influencing lipid metabolism, inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrogenesis. Targeting pathogenic lncRNAs or enhancing protective ones may provide a dual approach for MASLD treatment.