# Advances in the pathogenesis of MASLD and its association with neutrophils

**Authors:** Li Lin, Shuangfeng Zi, Guangcong Zhang, Yanan Ma, Ru Mai, Xuemei Jiang

PMC · DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2026.1792366 · Frontiers in Medicine · 2026-03-11

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how MASLD develops and the role of neutrophils in the disease, while exploring new treatment approaches.

## Contribution

The paper highlights the role of neutrophils in MASLD pathogenesis and their potential as therapeutic targets.

## Key findings

- MASLD is linked to insulin resistance and impaired fat metabolism.
- Neutrophils are crucial in the progression of MASLD and may offer therapeutic potential.
- Current treatments for MASLD are limited and pose a significant healthcare burden.

## Abstract

Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), previously known as Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), is characterized by an abnormal accumulation of fat in the liver. The causes of MASLD are varied, and include an unhealthy lifestyle, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. They are considered to be susceptibility-inducing factors for MASLD, and are strongly associated with obesity. Many researchers have explored the pathogenesis of MASLD in recent years, and have concluded that its development is associated with insulin resistance and impaired fat metabolism, which manifests as a form of metabolic liver injury. Currently available treatments remain challenging to implement, and impose a significant burden on the healthcare system. Neutrophils play an important role in the development of MASLD, and are crucial immune cells that provide the first line of defense against infection and injury. This review examines the pathogenesis of MASLD and the role of neutrophils in the disease, and further explores current advances in MASLD treatment as well as the therapeutic potential of neutrophils.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MONDO:0013209), Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (MONDO:0013209), hyperlipidemia (MONDO:0021187), type 2 diabetes mellitus (MONDO:0005148), obesity (MONDO:0011122)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** NAFLD (MESH:D065626), type 2 diabetes mellitus (MESH:D003924), obesity (MESH:D009765), insulin resistance (MESH:D007333), infection (MESH:D007239), metabolic liver injury (MESH:D017093), hypertension (MESH:D006973), MASLD (MESH:D008107), impaired fat metabolism (MESH:D008659), hyperlipidemia (MESH:D006949)

## Full text

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## Figures

3 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13013338/full.md

## References

66 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13013338/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13013338