The Cardiohepatic Axis in Metabolic Disease: Liver to Heart

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Hepatology
• Metabolic Disease Research

Background:

• Cardiometabolic diseases frequently coexist due to complex cardio-hepatic interactions.
• Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is increasingly recognized for its contribution to cardiovascular complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the mechanisms of organ crosstalk in cardiometabolic disease, focusing on the liver-to-heart axis.
• To elucidate how MASLD influences cardiac metabolism, inflammation, and remodeling through hepatic secretory factors.

Main Methods:

• Review of emerging evidence on organ crosstalk in cardiometabolic disease.
• Analysis of molecular mechanisms linking MASLD to cardiovascular pathology.
• Discussion of shared systemic inflammation pathways, including bone marrow reprogramming and clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential.

Main Results:

• MASLD, especially its inflammatory forms, releases hepatic factors that impact cardiac function.
• Secreted hepatic factors are key mediators of communication between the liver and heart.
• Bone marrow reprogramming and clonal hematopoiesis contribute to systemic inflammation regulating the heart-liver axis.

Conclusions:

• The liver-to-heart axis is a critical pathway in cardiometabolic disease pathogenesis.
• Integrated therapeutic strategies targeting both liver and cardiovascular health are essential.
• Understanding shared inflammatory mechanisms can improve patient outcomes in cardiometabolic conditions.