Melatonin: Roles and Molecular Mechanisms in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a common metabolic disorder that affects the endocrine and digestive systems. It often leads to multi-system metabolic abnormalities, including disturbances in blood glucose and lipid levels. MASLD ranges from normal liver to steatosis, followed by fibrosis and cirrhosis, eventually leading to hepatocellular carcinoma. This disease can exacerbate liver-related complications and promote the development of extrahepatic diseases in other systems, including the cardiovascular and renal systems. Melatonin, a regulator of neurotransmitters, hormones, and biological responses, modulates oxidative stress, buffers free radicals, influences mitochondrial function, and regulates energy. Therefore, melatonin may serve as a novel adjunctive therapeutic agent for delaying or inhibiting the development of MASLD. We summarize the recent research progress on the effects of melatonin on MASLD and related molecular mechanisms, and identify new ideas and targets for MASLD treatment.