Journal Article Review Epublish
PubMed: 40427086 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines13051260
Chronic Inflammation and Immune Dysregulation in Metabolic-Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Progression: From Steatosis to Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
Biomedicines 13(5)
Authors: Young-Min Jee, Jeong-Yoon Lee, Tom Ryu
Affiliations
- Department of Family Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul 04401, Republic of Korea. Department of Family Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Neurology, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul 04401, Republic of Korea. Department of Translational Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute for Digestive Research, Digestive Disease Center, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul 04401, Republic of Korea.
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) progresses from hepatic steatosis to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as a result of systemic immunometabolic dysfunction. This review summarizes the key roles of the innate and adaptive immune mechanisms driving hepatic injury, fibrogenesis, and carcinogenesis in MASLD. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was performed using PubMed to identify relevant published studies. Eligible articles included original research and clinical studies addressing immunological and metabolic mechanisms in MASLD, as well as emerging therapeutic strategies. Results: We highlight the roles of cytokine networks, the gut-liver axis, and immune cell reprogramming. Emerging therapeutic strategies, including cytokine inhibitors, anti-fibrotic agents, metabolic modulators, and nutraceuticals, offer several indications for attenuating MASLD progression and reducing the prevalence of extrahepatic manifestations. Conclusions: Given the heterogeneity of MASLD, personalized combination-based approaches targeting both inflammation and metabolic stress are essential for effective disease management and the prevention of systemic complications.
MeSH
Liver Diseases, Cytokines, Cells, Carcinoma, Hepatocellular, Disease Progression, Liver, Immunity, Therapeutics