Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 11, 2026
06:26
Mouse Model of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease with Fibrosis
Published on: July 18, 2025
660
Association Between Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease and Sarcopenia: A Systematic Review and
Helai Hussaini1, Fikadu Woreta2, Olga Sarah3
1Internal Medicine, West Anaheim Medical Center, Anaheim, USA.
Cureus
|November 19, 2025
Summary
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) patients have a significantly higher prevalence of sarcopenia compared to controls. Routine screening for sarcopenia in MASLD patients is recommended to improve integrated management and muscle health.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Gerontology
- Metabolic Diseases
Background:
- Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a growing health concern.
- Sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass and strength, is a common condition in older adults and those with chronic diseases.
- The relationship between MASLD and sarcopenia requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with MASLD compared to controls.
- To identify factors influencing the association between MASLD and sarcopenia.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science) from January 2015 to August 2025.
- Sixteen studies comparing sarcopenia prevalence in MASLD patients and non-MASLD controls were included.
- Random-effects models were used for meta-analysis to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs).
Main Results:
- The meta-analysis revealed a significantly higher prevalence of sarcopenia in MASLD patients (14.86%) versus controls (6.49%), with a pooled OR of 2.24 (95% CI: 1.74-2.89, p < 0.001).
- Substantial heterogeneity (I² = 95%) was observed across studies.
- Subgroup analyses indicated stronger associations in cohort studies, populations under 50, and studies from Korea and the United States.
Conclusions:
- MASLD is independently associated with a significantly increased prevalence of sarcopenia.
- Shared pathophysiological mechanisms, including insulin resistance and inflammation, link MASLD and sarcopenia.
- Routine sarcopenia screening in MASLD patients and integrated management strategies are warranted.
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