Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
Mouse Model of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease with Fibrosis
Published on: July 18, 2025
Comparison and Characteristics of MASLD Mouse Models
Li Wei1, Chunchen Gao1, Hongyan Qin1
1State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
Abstract:
Metabolic dysfunction-associated (non-alcoholic) steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a chronic inflammatory liver disorder characterized by excessive hepatic lipid accumulation. Its progressive subtype, metabolic dysfunction-associated (non-alcoholic) steatohepatitis (MASH), is featured by enhanced inflammation and liver injury. Some MASH cases are accompanied by hepatic fibrosis, which may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MASLD is also associated with comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease. To date, only Resmetirom has been approved by the FDA for MASH treatment, highlighting the urgency of investigating MASH pathogenesis and developing effective therapeutic agents. Establishment of experimental animal models which can mimic the clinical symptom of MASLD are fundamental to explore therapeutic targets and advance clinical drugs development. Therefore, this review focus on the pathological features of MASLD/MASH and comprehensively summarizes the current MASH-related mouse models, which can be useful for researchers to select appropriate models in order to explore the underlying mechanisms and dig novel targets for MASH treatment.
Insights
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and its severe form, MASH, involve liver inflammation and injury. This review details MASH pathology and summarizes mouse models crucial for developing new treatments.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Translational Medicine
- Animal Models
Background:
- Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a growing global health concern characterized by liver fat accumulation.
- Its progressive form, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), involves inflammation, liver cell injury, and potential progression to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
- MASLD/MASH is linked to significant comorbidities, including cardiovascular and kidney diseases, underscoring the need for effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathological features of MASLD and MASH.
- To comprehensively summarize existing MASH-related mouse models.
- To aid researchers in selecting appropriate models for mechanistic studies and therapeutic target discovery.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of MASH pathology.
- Systematic summary of MASH-relevant experimental animal models, particularly mouse models.
- Analysis of model relevance to clinical MASH symptoms.
Main Results:
- Detailed description of MASLD/MASH pathological hallmarks including steatosis, inflammation, and hepatocyte injury.
- Categorization and description of various MASH mouse models, highlighting their strengths and limitations.
- Identification of key features that make certain models suitable for specific research questions.
Conclusions:
- Understanding MASH pathology is critical for therapeutic development.
- A variety of MASH mouse models exist, each offering unique insights into disease mechanisms.
- Appropriate selection of MASH animal models is fundamental for advancing research and drug discovery.
