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Updated: Jan 6, 2026
Mouse Model of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease with Fibrosis
Published on: July 18, 2025
Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease and Cardiovascular Disease- A Growing Threat Beyond the
Mohammad Dawar Zahid1, Abhishek Lal2, Aysha Almas2
1Medical Student, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
Insights
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) indicates increased atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. Early detection and joint management strategies using novel biomarkers and treatments are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hepatology
- Metabolic Diseases
Background:
- Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) frequently coexist.
- The bidirectional pathophysiological links between MASLD and ASCVD are not fully understood.
- Key mechanisms include insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the relationship between MASLD and ASCVD.
- To discuss MASLD-induced atherogenesis mechanisms.
- To identify tools for ASCVD risk stratification in the MASLD population.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent cohort studies (last five years).
- Evaluation of novel biomarkers (e.g., apolipoprotein B, adipokines).
- Assessment of advanced imaging techniques (e.g., coronary CT angiography).
Main Results:
- MASLD severity correlates with subclinical atherosclerosis and future cardiovascular events.
- Novel biomarkers and imaging improve risk prediction beyond traditional factors.
- Emerging treatments (GLP-1 RAs, SGLT2 inhibitors) show promise for both MASLD and ASCVD, though statin use is limited by liver safety concerns.
Conclusions:
- MASLD is both a marker and mediator of ASCVD risk, necessitating integrated screening and management.
- Incorporating MASLD-related biomarkers into cardiovascular risk models can aid early detection.
- Future research should focus on large-scale trials of combined metabolic therapies for dual liver and heart benefits.
Purpose Of Review:
Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) are familiar co-attendants, while two-way pathophysiological relationships between them are incompletely determined. Mechanisms-insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction-that underlie MASLD-induced atherogenesis are discussed in the narrative. Ascertainment of tools for the risk stratification of ASCVD in the population is also made.
Recent Findings:
In the last five years, the findings of the cohort studies show MASLD severity is related to subclinical atherosclerosis and future cardiovascular events. New biomarkers (e.g., apolipoprotein B, adipokines) and imaging techniques (e.g., coronary CT angiography) enhance the prediction of risk over the traditional factors. New treatments-GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors-appear to decrease the hepatic steatosis and endpoints of ASCVD, but the use of statins is suboptimal due to the perceived safety issue of the liver. MASLD is a marker and mediator of the risk of ASCVD and thus warrants joint screening and management strategies. Incorporating MASLD-related biomarkers within cardiovascular risk models may be helpful for early detection. High priority for the future is large-scale, randomly controlled clinical studies of combined metabolic therapies to gain dual optimal benefits for the liver and the heart.
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