Molecular mechanisms of metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD): functional analysis of lipid metabolism pathways

The metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a condition of fat accumulation in the liver in combination with metabolic dysfunction in the form of overweight or obe-sity and insulin resistance. It is also associated with an increased cardiovascular disease risk, including hypertension and atherosclerosis. Hepatic lipid metabolism is regulated by a combination of the uptake and export of fatty acids, de novo lipogenesis, and fat uti-lization by beta-oxidation. When the balance between these pathways is altered, hepatic lipid accumulation commences, and long-term activation of inflammatory and fibrotic pathways can progress to worsen the liver disease. This review discusses the details of the molecular mechanisms regulating hepatic lipids and the emerging therapies targeting these pathways as potential future treatments for MAFLD.

Automated summary

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a condition characterized by fat accumulation in the liver along with metabolic dysfunction, leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. The regulation of hepatic lipid metabolism involves various pathways, and imbalances in these pathways can result in hepatic lipid accumulation and the progression of inflammation and fibrosis. This review explores the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of hepatic lipids and discusses emerging therapies that target these pathways as potential future treatments for MAFLD.