Current perspectives on the pathophysiology of metabolic associated fatty liver disease: are macrophages a viable target for therapy?

Current perspectives on the pathophysiology of metabolic associated fatty liver disease: are macrophages a viable target for therapy? Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2020 Sep 02;: Authors: Kjær MB, George J, Kazankov K, Grønbæk H Abstract INTRODUCTION: Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a new nomenclature for fatty liver replacing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). MAFLD has emerged as the leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality with increasing incidence due to its close association with the global epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Macrophages play a key role in MAFLD development and progression of steatohepatitis and fibrosis. Therefore, targeting macrophages may be a new therapeutic approach for MAFLD and MAFLD with steatohepatitis. AREAS COVERED: We provide a comprehensive review of the significant role of macrophages in MAFLD. Further, we evaluate the current status of lifestyle interventions and pharmacological treatments with a focus on effects mediated through direct or indirect targeting of macrophages. EXPERT OPINION: Targeting macrophages holds promise as a treatment option for the management of MAFLD and steatohepatitis. Improved stratification of patients according to MAFLD phenotype would contribute to more adequate design enhancing the yield of clinical trials ultimately leading to personalized medicine for patients with MAFLD. Furthermore, ref...
Source: Expert Review of Gastroenterology and Hepatology - Category: Gastroenterology Tags: Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol Source Type: research