Metabolic dysfunction-associated liver diseases (MASLD), including its advanced form, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), are increasingly recognized as global health challenges linked to metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. These conditions involve complex interactions between inflammation, gut dysbiosis, and metabolic dysregulation. Recent research has clarified the pathophysiology of MASLD, highlighting the roles of dietary factors, gut microbiota, metabolic perturbations, and immune system dysfunction in driving lipotoxicity, hepatic inflammation, and systemic disease progression.
This review emphasizes the need to understand the intricate pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying MASLD to develop targeted treatments. The rapid rise in MASLD prevalence necessitates effective prevention and intervention strategies to address the disease’s progression to more severe stages, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Insights into the role of hyper-anabolism, gut-liver axis interactions, and systemic inflammation are crucial for advancing therapeutic approaches and improving patient outcomes.
Reference: Schwärzler J, Grabherr F, Grander C, et al. The pathophysiology of MASLD: an immunometabolic perspective. Expert Rev Clin Immunol. 2024 Apr;20(4):375-386. doi: 10.1080/1744666X.2023.2294046. Epub 2023 Dec 27. PMID: 38149354.
