Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 11, 2025
Author Spotlight: Establishing MASLD Cell Models for Investigating Disease Mechanisms and the Lipid-Lowering Effects of Koumiss
Published on: July 19, 2024
The microbial metabolome in metabolic-associated fatty liver disease
Mengci Li1, Cynthia Rajani2, Xiaojiao Zheng1
1Center for Translational Medicine and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China.
Abstract:
Metabolism-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is defined as the presence of excess fat in the liver in the absence of excess alcohol consumption and metabolic dysfunction. It has also been described as the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. The incidence of MAFLD has been reported to be 43-60% in diabetics, ~90% in patients with hyperlipidemia, and 91% in morbidly obese patients. Risk factors that have been associated with the development of MAFLD include male gender, increasing age, obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. All of these risk factors have been linked to alterations of the gut microbiota, that is, gut dysbiosis. MAFLD can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis with the presence of inflammation and ballooning, which can deteriorate into cirrhosis, MAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver failure. In this review, we will be focused on the role of the gut microbial metabolome in the development, progression, and potential treatment of MAFLD.
Insights
Metabolism-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is linked to gut dysbiosis. This review explores how the gut microbial metabolome influences MAFLD development, progression, and treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiome Research
Background:
- Metabolism-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is characterized by liver fat accumulation without excessive alcohol intake, often linked to metabolic dysfunction.
- MAFLD affects a significant portion of individuals with diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and obesity, highlighting its strong association with metabolic syndrome.
- Risk factors for MAFLD, including age, gender, obesity, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemia, are connected to gut dysbiosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the critical role of the gut microbial metabolome in the pathogenesis of MAFLD.
- To examine the influence of gut microbiota alterations on MAFLD progression.
- To discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiome for MAFLD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on studies investigating the gut microbiome and metabolome in MAFLD.
- Analysis of research linking gut dysbiosis to MAFLD development and progression.
- Synthesis of current understanding of MAFLD and its relationship with microbial metabolites.
Main Results:
- Gut dysbiosis is a common finding in MAFLD patients and is associated with key risk factors.
- Alterations in microbial metabolites contribute to liver inflammation and fat accumulation in MAFLD.
- The gut microbial metabolome represents a promising area for novel MAFLD therapeutic interventions.
Conclusions:
- The gut microbial metabolome plays a significant role in the development and progression of MAFLD.
- Targeting gut microbiota and their metabolites offers potential therapeutic avenues for MAFLD.
- Further research into the gut microbial metabolome is crucial for advancing MAFLD treatment.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Overview of Fatty Acid Metabolism
Fatty acids are catabolized in a process called beta-oxidation, which takes place in the matrix of the mitochondria and converts their fatty acid chains into two-carbon units of acetyl groups. The acetyl...
01:25Lipid Catabolism
01:24Overview of Lipid Metabolism
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...
01:29Biosynthesis of Lipids