Growth differentiation factor 15: Emerging role in liver diseases

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Hepatology
• Metabolic Research

Background:

• Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a cytokine in the TGFβ superfamily.
• It mediates metabolic effects via GFRAL receptor and Ret kinase signaling.
• The liver's central role in metabolism makes GDF15's hepatic functions crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review GDF15's metabolic, inflammatory, fibrogenic, and tumorigenic effects in liver diseases.
• To focus on GDF15's role in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) progression.
• To explore GDF15's clinical application potential and research progress.

Main Methods:

• Literature assessment of GDF15's effects on various liver conditions.
• Analysis of GDF15's role in MASLD, from steatosis to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
• Review of GDF15's impact on alcoholic and drug-induced liver injury, viral, and autoimmune hepatitis.

Main Results:

• GDF15 influences diverse metabolic and inflammatory pathways in the liver.
• It plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of MASLD and its progression.
• GDF15 is implicated in liver fibrosis and the development of HCC.

Conclusions:

• GDF15 has multifaceted roles in liver disease pathogenesis, particularly MASLD.
• Further research into GDF15 could unlock new therapeutic strategies for liver diseases.
• GDF15 presents promising clinical application potential in hepatology.