Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has recently gained attention as a risk factor for primary liver cancer and extrahepatic cancers. Increasing evidence shows that MASLD creates a fibrotic, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that supports metastatic growth, making it a risk factor for liver metastasis from extrahepatic tumors, such as colorectal cancer. In steatotic liver, tumor-stromal interactions promote colorectal liver metastasis through several mechanisms, including extracellular vesicles enriched with oncogenic microRNAs, hyaluronan synthase 2-mediated hyaluronic acid production by activated hepatic stellate cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts, M2-polarized tumor-associated macrophage infiltration, and Yes-associated protein-dependent tumor signaling. In this review, we summarize key pathways involved in a pre- and pro-metastatic niche in the liver, such as extracellular vesicle-mediated intercellular communication, feed-forward loops between tumor cells and stromal fibroblasts, and hyaluronic acid-induced extracellular matrix remodeling and immune cell modulation, all of which impair antitumor immunity and promote immune escape. We also discuss how targeting hyaluronic acid synthesis, interleukin-1 signaling, or CXCR2 can restore antitumor immunity and improve responses to programmed cell death protein-1 blockade. These therapeutic approaches may offer promising benefits for patients with colorectal cancer liver metastasis.
Background/Aims Patients with concurrent type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) face elevated cardiovascular risks. However, optimal oral antidiabetic drug (OAD) selection for this population remains unclear.
Methods Using the Korean National Health Information Database, we conducted a target trial emulation comparing cardiovascular outcomes among patients with T2DM and MASLD (defined by fatty liver index ≥30) who initiated sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, thiazolidinediones, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, or sulfonylureas with metformin. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including cardiovascular mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and nonfatal stroke.
Results Among 71,071 patients (331,726 person-years), SGLT2 inhibitor users experienced a significantly lower MACE risk compared to sulfonylurea users (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio [aSHR], 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.31–0.62). SGLT2 inhibitors also demonstrated a lower MACE risk compared to thiazolidinediones (aSHR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.39–0.96) and DPP-4 inhibitors (aSHR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.42–0.83). Cardiovascular mortality risk was notably reduced with SGLT2 inhibitors compared to sulfonylureas (aSHR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.03–0.50), thiazolidinediones (aSHR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.04–0.86), and DPP-4 inhibitors (aSHR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.06–0.84). Mediation analysis revealed that MASLD regression accounted for 8.7% of the total cardiovascular benefit when comparing SGLT2 inhibitors to sulfonylureas.
Conclusions In patients with concurrent T2DM and MASLD, SGLT2 inhibitors demonstrated better cardiovascular outcomes compared to other OADs. These findings suggest that SGLT2 inhibitors may be the preferred OAD choice for cardiovascular risk reduction in this high-risk population.
Malnutrition and sarcopenia are highly prevalent and robustly associated with reduced quality of life, disease progression, and poor outcomes, including complications and mortality, in patients with cirrhosis. Their pathophysiology is multifactorial, involving inadequate dietary intake and malabsorption, impaired liver functional reserves, altered energy, protein, and ammonia metabolism, systemic inflammation, hormonal dysregulation, and lifestyle or environmental influences. Despite extensive research, unresolved issues remain regarding optimal diagnostic criteria, as current approaches vary and lack global standardization. Regarding the diagnostic criteria for malnutrition, the usefulness of the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria has been proposed by international nutrition societies. However, evidence supporting their applicability in hepatology remains insufficient. For sarcopenia, differences in disease concept and diagnostic methods among societies indicate that no unified diagnostic standard exists, and clinicians should approach diagnosis with an understanding of the strengths and limitations of each method. Nutritional strategies emphasize adequate energy and protein intake, late evening snacks, and branched-chain amino acid supplementation, while deficiencies in micronutrients require tailored replacement. Nutritional therapy alone has limited effect on sarcopenia, but when combined with exercise it improves muscle mass, physical performance, and outcomes. Comprehensive approaches integrating optimized nutrition, micronutrient support, and structured exercise are essential to alleviate the burden of malnutrition and sarcopenia and to improve prognosis in patients with cirrhosis. This review addresses malnutrition and sarcopenia in cirrhosis by highlighting their prevalence, pathophysiology, clinical impact, and approaches for screening and diagnosis, and by emphasizing personalized nutritional, pharmacological, and exercise interventions to improve patient outcomes.
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Letter: Amino Acid Imbalance Is an Independent Factor for Mortality in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis. Authors' reply Yuki Utakata, Takao Miwa, Shinji Unome, Naoya Masuda, Mikita Oi, Masashi Aiba, Kenji Imai, Koji Takai, Makoto Shiraki, Naoki Katsumura, Masahito Shimizu Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics.2026;[Epub] CrossRef
Background/Aims Previous studies have identified a substantial degree of agreement between the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) populations, but the same notion may not apply to normal-weight patients with a lower cardiometabolic risk burden. This study aims to investigate the cardiometabolic risk factor (CMRF) distributions between normal-weight and overweight/obese MASLD, the agreement between historical NAFLD and MASLD, and to compare the risk of liver-related events (LREs) and all-cause mortality in normal-weight versus overweight or obese MASLD.
Methods This study included participants with steatotic liver disease (SLD) from five cohorts in China (Hong Kong), South Korea, and the United States. Participants were recruited from settings including both hospitals and communities. Individuals were classified into normal-weight and overweight/obese groups.
Results This study included 33,793 participants with SLD from five cohorts, of whom 20,893 and 20,701 patients met the diagnosis of NAFLD and MASLD, respectively. Normal-weight patients with NAFLD demonstrated a lower CMRF distribution compared to those with overweight/obese NAFLD. In the community-based cohorts, the proportions with 0 CMRF ranged from 9.0 to 26.7% among normal-weight NAFLD patients, representing the discrepancy between MASLD and NAFLD definitions. Compared with the overweight/obese MASLD, the normalweight MASLD had increased all-cause mortality (normal-weight vs. overweight/obese, 23.44 and 13.80 per 1,000 person-years; P<0.001) but not LREs (2.81 and 2.59 per 1,000 person-years; P=0.54) in the Hong Kong Clinical Data Analysis and Reporting System cohort.
Conclusions Normal-weight individuals with NAFLD demonstrated a lower distribution of CMRFs, resulting in the incomplete agreement between historical NAFLD and MASLD.
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Challenges in defining MASLD in lean individuals: the impact of the Fatty Liver Index on phenotypic characterisation Sherlot Juan Song, Yiwei Liu, Vincent Wai-Sun Wong, Terry Cheuk-Fung Yip Gut.2026; : gutjnl-2026-338216. CrossRef
Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is a leading cause of preventable cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and liver-related mortality, yet current laboratory and imaging tools detect only late-stage disease. This narrative review synthesizes emerging evidence on novel biomarkers that capture the multidimensional pathophysiology of ALD and discusses their utility for routine clinical practice. Traditional serum-based liver fibrosis markers (e.g., cytokeratin-18 fragments, Pro-C3, the enhanced liver fibrosis test) improve non-invasive staging risk beyond aminotransferases, while elastography techniques, such as vibration-controlled transient elastography and magnetic resonance elastography, can also quantify liver stiffness with high precision. Among novel mechanistic biomarkers, genetic polymorphisms in PNPLA3, TM6SF2, MBOAT7, HSD17B13, and polygenic risk scores define lifetime risk, whereas sex-specific hormonal milieus also modify susceptibility and progression. Moreover, gut dysbiosis signatures, including reduced Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Akkermansia muciniphila, and a lower Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, and their metabolites (short-chain fatty acids, and bile acids, trimethylamine N-oxide) correlate with liver inflammation and fibrosis. Endocrine imbalances of cortisol, testosterone, and thyroid hormones further stratify metabolic vulnerability. Ultimately, multi-omics platforms (i.e., transcriptomics, lipidomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics) can reveal distinct molecular signatures that predict steatohepatitis, fibrogenesis, and early HCC. Integrating these biomarkers enables phase-specific enrichment strategies, earlier intervention windows, adaptive dose-finding, and mechanismbased endpoints in ALD trials. Remaining challenges include assay standardization, validation across diverse cohorts, and incorporation into regulatory frameworks. Future work could evaluate cost-effectiveness and feasibility in routine clinical practice. Widespread adoption promises earlier diagnosis, personalized risk reduction, and more efficient drug development for this globally prevalent disorder.
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Immune Determinants of MASLD Progression: From Immunometabolic Reprogramming to Fibrotic Transformation Senping Xu, Zhaoshan Zhang, Zhongquan Zhou, Jiawei Guo Biology.2026; 15(2): 148. CrossRef
Le Bich Hang Pham, Taeeung Kim, Seoyoung Kim, Yun Seok Kim, Jiyeon Kim, Kyeongseon Kim, Hyeonwoo Lim, Wan Seob Shim, Byoungmo Kim, So-Yeol Yoo, Jae-Young Lee, Murim Choi, Won Kim, Keon Wook Kang, Jeeyeon Lee
Clin Mol Hepatol 2026;32(1):318-338. Published online November 17, 2025
Background/Aims Ferroptosis, recently emerged as a new cell death modality characterized by iron-dependent peroxidation of lipids, has been explored in various diseases. However, detection of ferroptosis, particularly in chronic liver disease models, is hampered by the lack of universal ferroptosis markers and limited number of fluorescence sensors for in vivo ferroptosis.
Methods In this study, we developed TTM-4 as a highly sensitive near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe to detect ferroptosis.
Results TTM-4 exhibited turn-on fluorescence upon viscosity change, enabling visualization of lipid peroxidation (LPO) in ferroptotic hepatocytes and liver tissue samples with greater sensitivity than BODIPY 581/591 C11. Timelapse live-cell imaging of erastin-treated cells revealed real-time LPO dynamics involving cytosolic lipid droplets (cLDs), endoplasmic reticulum, and nuclear LDs in a chronological order. Further gene expression analysis of 216 liver tissue samples from the NCBI GEO database showed a significant increase in CIDEC concurrent with TTM-4 fluorescence during progression to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic hepatitis (MASH). TTM-4, with its low toxicity and turn-on NIR emission during ferroptosis, also enabled in vivo visualization of ferroptosis in liver injury and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) models.
Conclusions Our findings suggest that TTM-4 enables monitoring of ferroptosis in MASLD and would aid in early MASH diagnosis.
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Targeting ferroptosis to halt MASLD and MASH Fudi Wang Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism.2026;[Epub] CrossRef
Joseph Rabbat, Boyu Yang, Hye Won Lee, Huapeng Lin, Emmanuel Tsochatzis, Salvatore Petta, Elisabetta Bugianesi, Masato Yoneda, Ming-Hua Zheng, Hannes Hagström, Jérôme Boursier, José Luis Calleja, George Boon-Bee Goh, Wah-Kheong Chan, Rocio Gallego-Durán, Arun J. Sanyal, Victor de Lédinghen, Philip N Newsome, Jian-Gao Fan, Laurent Castéra, Michelle Lai, Céline Fournier-Poizat, Grace Lai-Hung Wong, Mirko Zoncape, Grazia Pennisi, Angelo Armandi, Atsushi Nakajima, Wen-Yue Liu, Ying Shang, Marc de Saint-Loup, Elba Llop, Kevin Kim Jun Teh, Carmen Lara-Romero, Amon Asgharpour, Sara Mahgoub, Mandy Sau-Wai Chan, Clemence M Canivet, Manuel Romero-Gomez, Vincent Wai-Sun Wong, Seung Up Kim, Terry Cheuk-Fung Yip
Clin Mol Hepatol 2026;32(1):289-304. Published online November 11, 2025
Background/Aims Current guidelines recommend a 2-step approach for identifying advanced fibrosis in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), using Fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4) followed by liver stiffness measurement (LSM) via vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE). However, some patients may exhibit discordant results. This study evaluates the histological severity and outcomes in patients with discordant FIB-4 and LSM results.
Methods This secondary analysis of the VCTE-Prognosis study included 12,950 patients evaluated for MASLD at 16 tertiary centers, of whom 2,915 underwent liver biopsy. Patients were categorized into four groups based on established FIB-4 (1.3) and LSM (8 kPa) cutoffs.
Results F3–F4 fibrosis was observed in 6.4%, 13.7%, 30.6%, and 62.4% in low-FIB-4-low-LSM (n=6,403), high-FIB-4-low-LSM (n=3,017), low-FIB-4-high-LSM (n=1,363), and high-FIB-4-high-LSM (n=2,167) groups, respectively. During a median follow-up of 47.4 months, 248 patients experienced hepatic decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver transplantation, or liver-related death. The incidence rates of liver-related events (LREs) were 0.67, 1.19, 2.58, and 21.30 per 1,000 person-years, respectively. Compared to low-FIB-4-low-LSM patients, those with low-FIB-4-high-LSM (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio [aSHR] 4.12) and high-FIB-4-high-LSM (aSHR 21.38) had a significantly higher risk of LREs, while high-FIB-4-low-LSM patients did not. Similar findings were observed when hepatic decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma were analyzed separately.
Conclusions Approximately 30% of patients in tertiary centers exhibit discordant FIB-4 and LSM results, with LSM more likely reflecting true severity. While some patients with discordant results may have advanced fibrosis, the overall incidence of LREs remains low.
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Are FIB-4 and liver stiffness measurement interchangeable for HCC risk stratification in MASLD? Yimeng Zhou, Xue Meng JHEP Reports.2026; : 101852. CrossRef
Background/Aims The first metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) drug was approved with an unsatisfactorily small effect size. This study aimed to determine key factors impacting the cost-effectiveness of a new hypothetical MASLD drug as well as its treatment efficacy.
Methods A Markov model reflecting the natural history of MASLD was developed, incorporating fibrosis progression, cardiovascular disease risk, and mortality. Treatment effect of drug X (with $20,000 of annual cost) was assumed to achieve a ≥1 stage fibrosis regression, with a 25% gap of effect size in regression rate over non-treatment in the first year. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) over a 20-year horizon was estimated. And sensitivity analyses were conducted to explore uncertainty and identify influential factors.
Results In the base case analysis, drug X provided an incremental gain of 1.32 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and 1.20 life years compared to the non-treatment, with an ICER of $68,010/QALY–below the $100,000/QALY willingnessto- pay threshold, indicating that drug X treatment is cost-effective. Two-way sensitivity analysis further highlighted that the drug should achieve at least a 15% initial regression gap and maintain a minimum 3% sustained durability gap to remain cost-effective. In addition baseline fibrosis stage distribution also acted as an influencing factor.
Conclusions Long-term sustained durability of the hypothetical drug, patient distribution based on baseline fibrosis stage, as well as initial treatment response rate are key factors that influence the cost-effectiveness of new MASLD drugs.
Jiyi Choi, Moon Gyeong Yoon, Se Ha Jang, Geum Ok Baek, Hyun Sun Jung, Na-Rae Lee, Choong Hwan Lee, Ji Eun Han, Jae Youn Cheong, Jung Woo Eun, Soon Sun Kim
Clin Mol Hepatol 2026;32(1):239-257. Published online October 27, 2025
Background/Aims Gut microbiome plays a pivotal role in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) pathogenesis, yet, associated functional mechanisms and host responses of specific microbial species remain insufficiently characterized. This study investigated the Bacteroides eggerthii therapeutic effects on MASLD by integrating multi-omics analysis and experimental validation in a Western diet (WD)-induced mouse model.
Methods Candidate strains were identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing of fecal samples from individuals with and without MASLD or obesity. B. eggerthii, a species significantly depleted in both groups, was selected for functional evaluation. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a WD or WD supplemented with B. eggerthii (WD+B) for 12 weeks. Liver histology, serum biochemistry, fecal microbiome and metabolome profiling, and hepatic and intestinal transcriptomic analyses were performed. Anti-steatotic effects of B. eggerthii–derived metabolites were validated in vitro.
Results Bacteroides eggerthii supplementation significantly improved liver weight, inflammation, fibrosis, and steatosis in WD+B group compared to WD alone. PICRUSt-based LEfSe analysis revealed choloylglycine hydrolase activity enrichment in gut microbiota, and strain-specific qPCR confirmed colonization in mouse colon. Integrated transcriptomic analyses revealed lipid and bile acid signaling pathway restoration, including CD36, FXR, and FGF15. Untargeted metabolomics identified elevated 2-hydroxyisocaproic acid (HICA) as a strain-derived metabolite in feces and B. eggerthii culture supernatants. In vitro, HICA significantly reduced lipid accumulation in free fatty acid-induced steatosis models.
Conclusions Bacteroides eggerthii ameliorates MASLD via gut-liver axis modulation, including bile acid metabolism and hepatic lipid signaling. These underscore its therapeutic potential and highlight HICA as a novel microbiome-derived metabolite with anti-steatotic activity.
Background/Aims Cholestatic liver disease (CLD) is a pathological condition characterized by impaired bile formation, secretion, and excretion. However, the key pathophysiological mechanisms of CLD remain elusive, and therapeutic efficacy is unsatisfactory.
Methods We administered berberine (BBR) or dihydroberberine (dhBBR) in bile duct ligation-, ANIT-, and mdr2-/- CLD mouse models to evaluate the anti-CLD effect. We conducted fecal microbiota transplantation to determine the role of gut microbiota in BBR’s effect. We conducted a randomized, controlled clinical trial to evaluate the effects of BBR in patients with CLD.
Results Oral BBR alleviates cholestatic liver injury in multiple mouse models. Gut microbes can transform BBR into dhBBR, which suppresses 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) production in gut enterochromaffin cells by antagonizing tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) activity and downregulating Tph1 transcription. This further ameliorates CLD by interrupting the 5-HT/5-HTR axis. A clinical study validated that BBR improved blood biochemical indicators in patients with CLD and decreased 5-HT levels.
Conclusions BBR is transformed by gut microbiota to ameliorate CLD via inhibiting 5-HT, suggesting potential novel strategies for further clinical use.
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Background/Aims Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in hepatocytes plays a causative role in alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). The incomplete inhibition of ER stress by targeting canonical ER stress sensor proteins suggests the existence of noncanonical ER stress pathways in ALD pathology. This study aimed to delineate the role of RAB25 in ALD and its regulatory mechanism in noncanonical ER stress pathways.
Methods RAB25 activation was examined in liver samples from ALD patients and ethanol-fed mice. The interaction between RAB25 and GCN1 was confirmed through mass spectrometry and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assays in vitro. The role of RAB25/GCN1 in promoting noncanonical ER stress in ALD was assessed both in vitro and in vivo.
Results RAB25 expression was upregulated and specifically accumulated on the ER in ALD. Mass spectrometry and Co-IP assays confirmed that RAB25 interacts with GCN1, thereby activating a noncanonical ER stress pathway that facilitates ALD progression. Further analysis revealed that RAB25 interaction with GCN1 inhibits K33-ubiquitination-mediated degradation of GCN1, promotes GCN2 phosphorylation, and subsequently activates ATF4-mediated ER stress. This activation modulates lipid metabolism, mitochondrial function, and inflammation, thereby facilitating ALD progression. Knockdown of RAB25 in hepatocytes inhibited ER stress activation and mitigated associated mitochondrial dysfunction, excessive lipid synthesis, and the exaggerated inflammatory response in an ALD model.
Conclusions Our findings demonstrate a causal role for RAB25-GCN1 signaling in activating the ER stress pathway, which contributes to ALD progression. This pathway may provide a proof-of-concept target for treating ALD and associated metabolic disorders.
Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, has become the most common form of chronic liver disease in children. The spectrum of pediatric MASLD ranges from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and in rare cases, hepatocellular carcinoma. Its pathogenesis involves a complex interplay among genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors, along with alterations in the gut microbiota and its associated metabolites. Given the staggering prevalence and the distinct etiopathogenesis of pediatric MASLD, characterization of the gut microbiota and microbial products could facilitate the development of diagnostic tools and inform targeted therapeutic strategies. Current research on the gut microbiome in the context of pediatric MASLD is limited by small sample size, inadequate use of liver biopsy, methodological inconsistencies in sequencing, and confounding effects from metabolic comorbidities. In this review, we summarize clinical studies on alterations in the gut microbiota and microbial products (short-chain fatty acids, bile acids, and ethanol) that impact the pathogenesis of pediatric MASLD. We discuss the therapeutic potential of dietary modification, pharmacological treatments, and probiotics in improving disease progression by summarizing current clinical studies. Enhancing our understanding of the gut-liver axis may aid in the development of effective therapeutic strategies for pediatric MASLD.
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Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome and MASLD in Children: Inflammation as the Missing Link—A Short Narrative Review Mihaela-Andreea Podeanu, Claudiu Marinel Ionele, Raluca Elena Sandu, Ion Rogoveanu, Mioara Desdemona Stepan, Carmen Elena Niculescu, Sergiu-Marian Cazacu, Ștefănița Bianca Vintilescu Life.2026; 16(2): 310. CrossRef
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Background/Aims Excessive lipid accumulation in hepatocytes is a critical cause of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) progression. Ankyrin repeat and SOCS box protein 3 (ASB3) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that mediates diverse disease processes; however, the direct substrates of ASB3 in lipid metabolism and its role in MASLD remain unexplored.
Methods We generated ASB3 knockout mice fed a high-fat diet to induce MASLD. Oxygen consumption and fatty acid oxidation (FAO) were used to assess lipid metabolism. LC-MS/MS and IP were used to verify the ASB3 target protein. Correlation analysis was conducted on the cohort of MASLD patients vs. the control group.
Results Loss of the ASB3 E3 ubiquitin ligase in hepatocytes strengthens mitochondrial FAO, thereby influencing energy consumption to decrease triglyceride storage and lipid accumulation. Quantitative lysine ubiquitination proteomics revealed that ASB3 directly mediated the ubiquitin levels at two sites (K180 and K639) in carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1A (CPT1A), a rate-limiting enzyme of FAO, to induce CPT1A degradation. Moreover, both constitutive and hepatocyte-specific ASB3 knockout enhance FAO and delay lipid accumulation, liver steatosis, and MASLD progression in a CPT1A-dependent manner. Hepatic ASB3 deficiency also delays fibrosis in MASLD. Analysis of public databases and liver tissue samples from MASLD patients revealed that ASB3 was highly expressed in MASLD patients and was negatively correlated with CPT1A.
Conclusions Our study reveals the key roles of ASB3 in the development of MASLD and suggests a novel therapeutic potential for MASLD.
Impact of Documented Social Vulnerability on Clinical Outcomes in Metabolic Dysfunction‐Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Pojsakorn Danpanichkul, Yanfang Pang, Maria Inggriani, Supapitch Sirimangklanurak, Matheus Souza, Ahmad Anouti, Andrew F. Ibrahim, Nikki Duong, Thomas G. Cotter, Thomas A. Kerr, Donghee Kim, Mazen Noureddin, Karn Wijarnpreecha Liver International.2026;[Epub] CrossRef
Improved survival and reduced alcohol‐associated hepatitis risk with renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system inhibitors in alcohol‐associated liver disease Pojsakorn Danpanichkul, Yanfang Pang, Donghee Kim, Andrew F. Ibrahim, Primrose Tothanarungroj, Omar Al Ta'ani, Narathorn Kulthamrongsri, Kwanjit Duangsonk, Robert J. Wong, Daniel Q. Huang, Karn Wijarnpreecha, Mazen Noureddin, Suthat Liangpunsakul Alcohol, Clinical and Experimental Research.2026;[Epub] CrossRef
Background/Aims The role of reactivation of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in determining outcomes of cirrhotic patients with acute decompensation (AD) is unknown. We aimed to investigate HCMV incidence and potential correlation with hepatic outcomes in AD patients.
Methods Two prospective multicentre cohorts with AD patients were investigated. Patients in cohort 1 were recruited from 4 centres, while patients in cohort 2 were randomly selected from a second multicentre cohort. HCMV reactivation was established with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay in seropositive patients.
Results HCMV reactivation was found in 35 patients from cohort 1 (n=722) and 14 from cohort 2 (n=291), with an incidence of 4.8% in both cohorts. Bacterial infection and liver failure were independently correlated with HCMV reactivation. HCMV reactivation was an independent predictor of 90-day mortality. Among bacterial infection populations in these two cohorts, patients with HCMV reactivation had worse prognosis compared to those without. Incidence of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) was higher in patients with HCMV reactivation compared to those without and was also independently correlated with development of ACLF. In a total of 49 HCMV reactivation cases, 8 patients were treated with ganciclovir, in whom a significantly lower 90-day mortality compared with those not treated was observed. All 3 patients who underwent liver transplantation with reactivation of HCMV died.
Conclusions In AD patients, HCMV reactivation was common, especially in those with bacterial infection or liver failure, and they were more prone to having ACLF and 90‑day mortality. The data propose the need for active surveillance for HCMV infection in AD patients.
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Association of documented social deprivation with cardiovascular and liver outcomes in alcohol-associated liver disease Pojsakorn Danpanichkul, Yanfang Pang, Andrew F. Ibrahim, Supapitch Sirimangklanurak, Allan Bueso, Daniel M. Simadibrata, Shu-Yen Chan, Karn Wijarnpreecha, Mazen Noureddin, Donghee Kim, Suthat Liangpunsakul Alcohol.2026; 132: 24. CrossRef
Impact of Documented Social Vulnerability on Clinical Outcomes in Metabolic Dysfunction‐Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Pojsakorn Danpanichkul, Yanfang Pang, Maria Inggriani, Supapitch Sirimangklanurak, Matheus Souza, Ahmad Anouti, Andrew F. Ibrahim, Nikki Duong, Thomas G. Cotter, Thomas A. Kerr, Donghee Kim, Mazen Noureddin, Karn Wijarnpreecha Liver International.2026;[Epub] CrossRef
Improved survival and reduced alcohol‐associated hepatitis risk with renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system inhibitors in alcohol‐associated liver disease Pojsakorn Danpanichkul, Yanfang Pang, Donghee Kim, Andrew F. Ibrahim, Primrose Tothanarungroj, Omar Al Ta'ani, Narathorn Kulthamrongsri, Kwanjit Duangsonk, Robert J. Wong, Daniel Q. Huang, Karn Wijarnpreecha, Mazen Noureddin, Suthat Liangpunsakul Alcohol, Clinical and Experimental Research.2026;[Epub] CrossRef
Liver, Cardiovascular and Infectious Outcomes in Alcohol‐Associated Liver Disease With Cardiometabolic Risk Factors Pojsakorn Danpanichkul, Kwanjit Duangsonk, Yanfang Pang, Krittameth Rakwong, Peerapun Jit‐are‐roon, Phuuwadith Wattanachayakul, Thitiphan Srikulmontri, Benjamin Nah, Vincent L. Chen, Donghee Kim, Christos S. Mantzoros, Mazen Noureddin, Karn Wijarnpreecha Liver International.2026;[Epub] CrossRef
Effect of varenicline on major adverse liver outcomes in alcohol‐associated liver disease: An exploratory analysis Pojsakorn Danpanichkul, Yanfang Pang, Donghee Kim, Thanathip Suenghataiphorn, Donghyun Ko, Andrew F. Ibrahim, Vitchapong Prasitsumrit, Kwanjit Duangsonk, Mazen Noureddin, Karn Wijarnpreecha, Suthat Liangpunsakul Alcohol, Clinical and Experimental Research.2025; 49(11): 2451. CrossRef
Reply to correspondence 1 on “Sex disparities in alcohol-associated liver disease and subtype differences in alcohol-attributable cancers in the United States” Sung-Eun Kim Clinical and Molecular Hepatology.2026; 32(1): e125. CrossRef
Advancing policy and practice in alcohol-associated liver disease and alcohol-attributable cancer: Correspondence to the editorial on “Sex disparities in alcohol-associated liver disease and subtype differences in alcohol-attributable cancers in the Unite Pojsakorn Danpanichkul, Donghee Kim, Karn Wijarnpreecha, Amit G. Singal, Ju Dong Yang Clinical and Molecular Hepatology.2026; 32(1): e96. CrossRef
Reply to correspondence 1 on “Sex disparities in alcohol-associated liver disease and subtype differences in alcohol-attributable cancers in the United States” Sung-Eun Kim Clinical and Molecular Hepatology.2026; 32(1): e125. CrossRef
Hidden Burden of Alcohol Use Disorder in MASLD and MetALD: Clinical and Nomenclatural Implications Yuri Cho Gut and Liver.2025; 19(5): 637. CrossRef
Advancing policy and practice in alcohol-associated liver disease and alcohol-attributable cancer: Correspondence to the editorial on “Sex disparities in alcohol-associated liver disease and subtype differences in alcohol-attributable cancers in the Unite Pojsakorn Danpanichkul, Donghee Kim, Karn Wijarnpreecha, Amit G. Singal, Ju Dong Yang Clinical and Molecular Hepatology.2026; 32(1): e96. CrossRef
Contemporary trends in extrahepatic mortality of chronic liver disease in the United States from 2014 to 2023 Donghee Kim, Pojsakorn Danpanichkul, Karn Wijarnpreecha, Aijaz Ahmed Clinical and Molecular Hepatology.2026; 32(1): e24. CrossRef
Liver, Cardiovascular and Infectious Outcomes in Alcohol‐Associated Liver Disease With Cardiometabolic Risk Factors Pojsakorn Danpanichkul, Kwanjit Duangsonk, Yanfang Pang, Krittameth Rakwong, Peerapun Jit‐are‐roon, Phuuwadith Wattanachayakul, Thitiphan Srikulmontri, Benjamin Nah, Vincent L. Chen, Donghee Kim, Christos S. Mantzoros, Mazen Noureddin, Karn Wijarnpreecha Liver International.2026;[Epub] CrossRef
Rising drug overdose deaths in chronic liver disease in the United States, 2015–2023 Donghee Kim, Brittany B Dennis, Pojsakorn Danpanichkul, Karn Wijarnpreecha, George Cholankeril, Aijaz Ahmed Clinical and Molecular Hepatology.2025; 31(3): e277. CrossRef
Extrahepatic manifestation of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease Anoushka Shenoy, Aijaz Ahmed, Donghee Kim Metabolism and Target Organ Damage.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
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Background/Aims Information about the association of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1RA) with liver and non-liver complications is insufficient in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). We conducted a target trial emulation study to evaluate whether GLP-1RA decreases the risk of liver and non-liver outcomes.
Methods Patients with T2D and MASLD initiating GLP-1RA or dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP-4i) were included from 2013 to 2022 in Merative™ Marketscan® Research Databases. Primary outcomes included incidences of (1) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cirrhosis, and (2) cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and non-liver cancer. Inverse probability of treatment weighting was applied to balance baseline characteristics and Cox regression models were conducted to estimate hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).
Results In the intention-to-treat design, GLP-1RA, compared with DPP-4i, had a significantly lower incidence (per 1,000 person-years) of HCC (0.8 vs. 1.7; HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.39–0.71), of cirrhosis (29.3 vs. 32.9; HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.86–0.96), of CVD (57.2 vs. 73.9; HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.86–0.95), of CKD (4.5 vs. 6.8; HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.64–0.84), and of non-liver cancer (16.9 vs. 22.9; HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.77–0.89). In the per-protocol design, significant inverse associations for these study outcomes still were observed, with HR 0.60–0.77.
Conclusions In this emulated target trial of nationwide patients with T2D and MASLD, GLP-1RA use, when compared with DPP-4i, was associated with a significantly lower risk of liver and non-liver complications.
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Clin Mol Hepatol 2025;31(3):1058-1070. Published online April 11, 2025
Background/Aims Harmful alcohol use is a substantial contributor to liver diseases, liver cancer, and extrahepatic neoplasms. Patterns of alcohol consumption have shifted over recent decades. This study evaluates trends in alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) and alcohol-attributable cancers in the United States (US) from 2000 to 2021.
Methods Using the methodological framework of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, we analyzed trends in incidence, prevalence, and mortality from ALD and alcohol-attributable cancers in the US.
Results In 2021, there were 28,340 new cases of ALD, 227,730 prevalent cases, and 21,860 deaths attributed to ALD in the US. From 2000 to 2021, ALD incidence, prevalence, and mortality increased by 43%, 36%, and 79%, respectively. The age-standardized incidence and death rate of ALD rose disproportionately among females compared to males. For alcohol-attributable cancers, primary liver cancer, colorectal cancer, and esophageal cancer accounted for the largest share of deaths in 2021. Age-standardized death rates increased significantly for primary liver cancer (annual percent change [APC] 2.21%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.70–2.73%) and other pharyngeal cancer (APC 1.35%, 95% CI 1.08–1.62%).
Conclusions The burden of ALD is substantial and continues to rise in the US, with a particularly notable increase among females. Mortality from alcohol-attributable cancers is also increasing, mainly driven by primary liver cancer and pharyngeal cancer. However, system-wise, gastrointestinal cancer had the highest death attributable to alcohol. These findings highlight the urgent need for public health strategies to tackle ALD, primary liver cancer, and alcoholattributable extrahepatic malignancies.
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Background/Aims Recently, the Korean Association for the Study of the Liver (KASL) introduced a noninvasive test-based approach that uses the fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index followed by vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) to identify high-risk patients with metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). In this study, the KASL two-step approach was validated by assessing the risk of liver-related event (LRE) development.
Methods We retrospectively analyzed 8,131 patients with MASLD who underwent VCTE between 2012 and 2020. The index date was defined as the date of the VCTE measurement. Using the KASL two-step approach (FIB-4 index and subsequent VCTE), patients were stratified into four groups (low-, intermediate-low-, intermediate-high-, and high-risk groups). Outcomes, including LREs such as decompensation (DCC) or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were evaluated.
Results During the follow-up (median 46.6 months), 86 (1.1%) patients developed LREs (39 [0.5%] with DCC and 47 [0.6%] with HCC). The KASL two-step approach classified 67.6%, 17.7%, 5.7% and 9.0% of patients in the low-, intermediate-low-, intermediate-high-, and high-risk groups, respectively. The cumulative incidences of LREs increased proportionally according to risk stratification (0.07%, 0.10%, 0.29%, and 1.51% at 3 years and 0.35%, 0.26%, 1.94% and 5.46% at 5 years). The overall accuracy in predicting LREs ranged from 67.7–99.8%. The FIB-4 index and subsequent Agile3+, Agile 4, or FibroScan aspartate aminotransferase scores showed similar predictive abilities compared to the KASL approach.
Conclusions The KASL two-step approach is an effective and practical method for risk stratification in patients with MASLD, optimizing patient care through early identification of high-risk individuals.
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Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, formerly referred to as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is the most common liver disease in Western countries and has emerged as the leading indication for liver transplantation. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a more advanced stage, carries a high risk of progression to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Until recently, lifestyle intervention remained the mainstay of MASH management, with no pharmacological treatments specifically approved. However, advances in understanding its pathophysiological mechanisms have fueled numerous clinical trials, culminating in the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of resmetirom as the first treatment for MASH in 2024. Additionally, many investigational drugs are nearing FDA approval or progressing through late-stage clinical trials. This review examines the current therapeutic landscape, highlights strategies for identifying patients suitable for liver-directed therapies in real-world settings, and discusses the challenges that remain.
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Liver disease has emerged as a critical and escalating public health concern worldwide, with the Asia-Pacific region at the forefront of this challenge due to its vast population and diverse socioeconomic landscape. Over the coming five decades, this region will experience profound changes in liver disease patterns, shaped by rapid urbanization, lifestyle modifications, advancements in medical technologies, and evolving public health strategies. This article offers an in-depth analysis of six transformative areas defining the trajectory of liver disease in the region. First, it highlights the alarming rise of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, diseases driven by modern lifestyle factors and inherent metabolic susceptibilities. Concurrently, it celebrates the declining burden of viral hepatitis, underscoring the success of sustained public health interventions. However, new challenges are emerging, such as the growing impact of environmental and occupational exposures on liver health. Breakthroughs in genomic and epigenetic research promise to advance precision medicine, offering targeted therapeutic solutions. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence, big data, and telemedicine is poised to revolutionize liver disease management, improving accessibility and personalized care. Finally, the article emphasizes the critical role of robust health policies, preventive strategies, and cross-border collaboration in shaping a healthier future. By synthesizing these insights, the study aims to guide innovative and effective responses to the evolving liver disease landscape in the Asia-Pacific region.
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