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Updated: Sep 11, 2025

Author Spotlight: Establishing MASLD Cell Models for Investigating Disease Mechanisms and the Lipid-Lowering Effects of Koumiss
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Pediatric metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and the gut microbiome: from research landscape to

Lu Jiang1,2,3, Lan-Duoduo Du1, Jing Zeng4

  • 1Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.

Clinical and Molecular Hepatology
|August 18, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in children is linked to gut bacteria changes. Understanding the gut-liver axis offers new ways to diagnose and treat this common liver condition.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Microbiology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease in children.
  • Pediatric MASLD encompasses a range from simple steatosis to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
  • Pathogenesis involves genetic, epigenetic, environmental factors, and gut microbiota alterations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review clinical studies on gut microbiota and microbial product alterations in pediatric MASLD.
  • To explore the potential of targeting the gut-liver axis for diagnosis and therapy.
  • To discuss therapeutic strategies including diet, medication, and probiotics.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical studies focusing on gut microbiota and microbial products in pediatric MASLD.
  • Analysis of short-chain fatty acids, bile acids, and ethanol in relation to disease pathogenesis.
  • Summarization of current research on dietary, pharmacological, and probiotic interventions.

Main Results:

  • Alterations in gut microbiota and microbial products are implicated in pediatric MASLD pathogenesis.
  • Existing research is limited by small sample sizes and methodological inconsistencies.
  • Dietary modification, pharmacological treatments, and probiotics show therapeutic potential.

Conclusions:

  • The gut-liver axis plays a crucial role in pediatric MASLD.
  • Further research is needed to overcome current limitations and develop effective diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
  • Targeting the gut microbiome may offer novel strategies for managing pediatric MASLD.

Keywords:
ChildrenGut microbiomeLiver diseasesMetabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver diseaseProbiotics

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