Fatty liver disease, now called metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD), is a growing health problem around the world. It affects about 30 percent of people globally.
This condition happens when too much fat builds up in the liver. Over time, this can lead to inflammation, liver damage, and even serious conditions such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.
MASLD is often linked to modern lifestyles. Factors such as obesity, poor diet, lack of exercise, and insulin resistance all increase the risk. Despite how common the disease is, doctors still do not have many effective treatments that directly target its causes. Most advice focuses on lifestyle changes like weight loss and healthy eating.
Now, a new international study has discovered an important genetic factor that may help explain how this disease develops. Even more interesting, the researchers found that a simple and widely available vitamin might help treat it.
The study was led by Professor Jang Hyun Choi at UNIST, together with researchers from Pusan National University and Ulsan University Hospital. The findings were published in the journal Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental.
The researchers focused on a small molecule in the body called microRNA-93, or miR-93. MicroRNAs are tiny pieces of genetic material that help control how genes work. They act like switches that can turn certain processes on or off inside cells.
The team found that miR-93 levels were much higher in people with fatty liver disease and in animal models of the disease. This suggested that miR-93 might play a key role in how the condition develops.
Further investigation showed that miR-93 interferes with a gene called SIRT1. This gene is very important because it helps the liver process fats properly. When SIRT1 is working well, the liver can break down fats and maintain a healthy balance. However, when miR-93 levels are too high, it suppresses SIRT1. As a result, fat starts to build up in the liver, leading to inflammation and scarring.
To test this idea, the researchers used gene-editing techniques in mice. When they blocked miR-93, the mice showed much healthier livers. They had less fat buildup, better insulin sensitivity, and improved liver function. On the other hand, mice with higher levels of miR-93 developed more severe liver problems.
After identifying this key pathway, the researchers looked for ways to control miR-93. They tested 150 drugs that are already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Surprisingly, one of the most effective options was niacin, also known as vitamin B3.
When mice were treated with niacin, their miR-93 levels dropped. At the same time, SIRT1 activity increased, allowing the liver to process fats more normally. This led to better overall liver health.
This finding is important because niacin is already widely used and considered safe. It has long been prescribed to help manage cholesterol levels. This means it could potentially be repurposed to treat fatty liver disease without the need to develop entirely new drugs.
However, it is important to note that this research is still in the early stages. The results are based on animal studies, and more research is needed to confirm whether the same effects occur in humans.
From an analytical perspective, this study provides strong evidence that miR-93 plays a central role in MASLD. It also offers a clear biological mechanism, which strengthens the findings. The use of existing drugs like niacin is a practical advantage.
However, the study is limited by its preclinical design, and human trials will be essential before any treatment recommendations can be made.
Overall, this research opens a promising new direction for treating fatty liver disease and highlights how understanding genetics can lead to simple and effective solutions.
If you care about liver health, please read studies about simple habit that could give you a healthy liver, and common diabetes drug that may reverse liver inflammation.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about simple blood test that could detect your risk of fatty liver disease, and results showing this green diet may strongly lower non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Source: UNIST.
