Epigenetic reprogramming in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: from metabolic memory to...

Metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide and is characterized by substantial heterogeneity in clinical presentation, disease progression, and treatment response. Conventional metabolic risk factors do not fully explain this variability. Epigenetic regulation has emerged as a central mechanism linking metabolic stress to sustained alterations in hepatic gene expression and long-term disease behavior.

This narrative review synthesizes evidence from human observational studies, interventional studies, systematic reviews, and experimental research examining epigenetic regulation in MASLD. Key epigenetic mechanisms reviewed include DNA methylation, histone modifications, and noncoding RNA mediated regulation, with emphasis on physiological relevance and translational implications.

Epigenetic alterations in MASLD are closely associated with chronic metabolic stress and influence pathways involved in lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and fibrogenesis. These changes contribute to disease persistence, progression, and heterogeneity, including lean disease phenotypes. Evidence suggests partial reversibility of epigenetic programming following lifestyle modification, metabolic improvement, and surgical intervention. Circulating microRNAs and DNA methylation signatures show promise as noninvasive tools for disease phenotyping, risk stratification, and monitoring, although clinical validation remains limited.

Epigenetic reprogramming represents a core biological process in MASLD that integrates metabolic exposures with long term hepatic outcomes. Improved understanding of epigenetic plasticity and stability across disease stages may inform earlier intervention strategies and support the development of precision medicine approaches in this heterogeneous condition.