Implications of Microbiota and Immune System in Development and Progression of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated...

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Microbiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a global health concern.
• Its pathophysiology involves multiple factors, including diet, genetics, metabolic issues, and the gut microbiome.
• Current management relies on lifestyle changes, with no definitive cure available.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of the intestinal microbiome in MASLD and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) pathogenesis.
• To identify key microbial taxa associated with these liver conditions.
• To discuss the potential of microbiome-targeted therapies for MASLD/MASH management.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on the interplay between gut microbiota, the immune system, and liver disease.
• Synthesis of evidence on microbial contributions to lipid accumulation, inflammation, and fibrosis in MASLD/MASH.
• Analysis of current and emerging microbial-targeted therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

• The gut microbiome significantly influences MASLD and MASH development and progression.
• Specific microbial taxa are implicated in the pathogenesis of these liver diseases.
• Emerging therapies like probiotics, antibiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation show promise.

Conclusions:

• The gut microbiome is a critical factor in MASLD and MASH.
• Understanding microbial-host interactions is key to developing novel therapeutic strategies.
• Microbiome-targeted interventions represent a promising frontier for MASLD/MASH treatment.