Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 10, 2026

Mouse Model of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease with Fibrosis
06:26

Mouse Model of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease with Fibrosis

Published on: July 18, 2025

893

Oxytocin Attenuates Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease via AMPK/SREBP1c/FAS-mediated

Yue Xu1,2, Siqian Lu1, Hongpei Wu1

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China.

Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology
|February 9, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Oxytocin (OXT) shows therapeutic potential for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). OXT reduces liver fat accumulation by regulating lipid metabolism via the AMPK/SREBP1c/FAS pathway.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Research

Background:

  • Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a global health concern with limited therapeutic options.
  • Oxytocin (OXT) is explored for its potential role in MASLD management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of oxytocin (OXT) in MASLD.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying OXT's effects on lipid metabolism in MASLD.

Main Methods:

  • Integrated bioinformatics analysis of MASLD datasets to identify OXT-related metabolic pathways.
  • Quantification of serum OXT levels in MASLD patients and healthy controls.
  • In vitro studies using oleic acid-induced HepG2 cells and in vivo studies in high-fat diet-fed mice to assess OXT's effects and mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • Elevated OXT levels were identified as an independent prognostic factor in MASLD patients.
  • OXT treatment reduced lipid accumulation in hepatocytes and improved liver injury, body weight, and cholesterol levels in mice.
  • OXT modulated the AMPK/SREBP1c/FAS pathway, enhancing AMPK phosphorylation and suppressing SREBP1c and FAS expression and SREBP1c nuclear translocation.

Conclusions:

  • Oxytocin (OXT) demonstrates significant therapeutic potential for MASLD.
  • OXT exerts its beneficial effects by regulating hepatic lipid metabolism through the AMPK/SREBP1c/FAS signaling pathway.
Keywords:
AMP-activated protein kinaseAMPK signaling pathwayLipid metabolismMASLDMetabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver diseaseOxytocin

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