Decoding the Liver-Heart Axis in Cardiometabolic Diseases

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Hepatology
• Metabolic Disease

Background:

• The liver and heart are closely interconnected, with bidirectional communication vital to cardiometabolic health.
• Liver dysfunction, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MAFLD), alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), and cirrhosis, is linked to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence linking liver dysfunction to heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases.
• To explore the mechanisms by which liver conditions contribute to cardiac remodeling, inflammation, and hemodynamic stress.
• To examine how cardiac dysfunction impacts liver perfusion and causes hepatic injury.

Main Methods:

• Review of current scientific literature on liver-heart interactions in cardiometabolic disease.
• Discussion of molecular mediators, including hepatokines and cardiokines.
• Exploration of advanced research methodologies like omics integration, proximity labeling, and organ-on-chip platforms.

Main Results:

• Liver dysfunction significantly increases the risk of heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases.
• Specific liver conditions like MAFLD, ALD, and cirrhosis promote cardiac remodeling, systemic inflammation, and hemodynamic stress.
• Cardiac dysfunction impairs liver perfusion, exacerbating hepatic injury, highlighting a critical interorgan crosstalk.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the molecular mediators and advanced research tools is crucial for deciphering liver-heart communication.
• Developing multiorgan therapeutic strategies is essential for effectively managing cardiometabolic diseases.
• This review integrates mechanistic insights and translational tools to advance the treatment of interconnected liver and heart conditions.