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Updated: Aug 25, 2025

3D Imaging of the Liver Extracellular Matrix in a Mouse Model of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis
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Published on: February 25, 2022

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Molecular Advances in MAFLD-A Link between Sphingolipids and Extracellular Matrix in Development and Progression to

Adrian Kołakowski1, Sylwia Dziemitko1, Aleksandra Chmielecka1

  • 1Department of Physiology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|October 14, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Sphingolipids like ceramide and S1P drive Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) progression by altering the liver

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology and Molecular Biology
  • Extracellular Matrix Research

Background:

  • Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) is a growing global health concern.
  • Dysregulation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and inflammation are key drivers of MAFLD.
  • Sphingolipid accumulation, particularly ceramides and S1P, is implicated in MAFLD pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and summarize the role of sphingolipids in MAFLD development.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which sphingolipids contribute to liver fibrosis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on sphingolipids and MAFLD.
  • Analysis of the impact of sphingolipids on cellular components like macrophages and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs).

Main Results:

  • Sphingolipids, including ceramide and S1P, significantly influence macrophage and HSC activity.
  • This sphingolipid-mediated activation triggers excessive production of ECM components, notably collagen types I and III.
  • Increased expression of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases also contributes to fibrosis development.

Conclusions:

  • Sphingolipids are critical mediators in the development and progression of MAFLD towards fibrosis.
  • Targeting sphingolipid metabolism may offer a therapeutic strategy for MAFLD and liver fibrosis.
Keywords:
MAFLDfatty liverliver fibrosismetabolic associated fatty liver diseasemetabolic diseasessphingolipids

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