Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 18, 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

930

Pharmacotherapy for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis: heart-liver co-management

Xiao-Dong Zhou1, Jeffrey V Lazarus2, Chayakrit Krittanawong3

  • 1MAFLD Research Center, Department of Hepatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment for the Development of Chronic Liver Disease in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China.

The Lancet. Gastroenterology & Hepatology
|February 16, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and heart disease share risks. Integrated management and new drugs are crucial for patients with MASLD and cardiovascular issues.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology and Cardiology
  • Metabolic Syndrome Research

Background:

  • Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) impacts 30% of adults, with 30% progressing to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
  • Cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of mortality in MASH patients, necessitating integrated heart-liver care.
  • Shared mechanisms like insulin resistance and inflammation link MASLD and cardiovascular disease, driving mutual progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current pharmacological strategies for managing MASLD and its cardiovascular comorbidities.
  • To highlight challenges in clinical practice, including underdiagnosis and limited integrated care.
  • To emphasize the need for therapies addressing both liver and heart conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of pharmacological approaches targeting metabolic pathways, liver-specific MASH/fibrosis, and cardiovascular health.
  • Analysis of benefits and limitations of existing and potential therapeutic options.
  • Discussion of the importance of integrated heart-liver co-management.

Main Results:

  • Metabolic-targeted therapies can improve the metabolic environment.
  • Liver-targeted therapies require further cardiovascular safety assessment.
  • Cardiovascular therapies may offer hepatoprotective benefits needing more research.

Conclusions:

  • Integrated heart-liver co-management is essential for improving outcomes in MASLD patients.
  • Pharmacological strategies must consider both hepatic and cardiac health.
  • Further research is needed to develop safe and effective treatments for the dual burden of MASLD and cardiovascular disease.

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