MicroRNA In Metabolism-Related Fatty Liver Inflammation: Mechanisms and Clinical Translation Prospects

Area of Science:

• Molecular biology
• Hepatology
• Biomarker discovery

Background:

• Metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a growing global health concern with complex, multifactorial pathogenesis.
• Current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for MASH are limited, necessitating novel approaches.
• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key post-transcriptional regulators implicated in MASH development and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the molecular mechanisms of miRNA regulation in MASH pathogenesis, including lipid accumulation, inflammation, and fibrosis.
• To explore the potential of miRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers for MASH diagnosis and prognosis.
• To analyze preclinical research progress and translational challenges for miRNA-based MASH therapeutics.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of existing literature on miRNAs in MASH.
• Examination of molecular pathways regulated by miRNAs in MASH.
• Analysis of preclinical studies on miRNA mimics and antagonists for MASH treatment.

Main Results:

• miRNAs significantly influence lipid metabolism, inflammation, hepatocyte injury, and fibrosis in MASH.
• miRNAs show promise as non-invasive biomarkers for MASH diagnosis and prognosis assessment.
• Preclinical studies demonstrate potential for miRNA-based therapeutics (mimics and antagonists), but face significant translational hurdles.

Conclusions:

• Addressing limitations in standardized protocols, liver-specific delivery, and safety data is crucial for clinical translation of miRNA-based MASH diagnostics and therapeutics.
• Further validation through large-scale prospective studies is required to establish miRNAs as precision tools for MASH management.