Mechanisms Linking Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) to Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract

Purpose of review: Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a condition of fat accumulation in the liver that occurs in the majority of patients in combination with metabolic dysfunction in the form of overweight or obesity. In this review, we highlight the cardiovascular complications in MAFLD patients as well as some potential mechanisms linking MAFLD to the development of cardiovascular disease and highlight potential therapeutic approaches to treating cardiovascular diseases in patients with MAFLD.

Recent findings: MAFLD is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including hypertension, atherosclerosis, cardiomyopathies, and chronic kidney disease. While clinical data have demonstrated the link between MAFLD and the increased risk of CVD development, the mechanisms responsible for this increased risk remain unknown. MAFLD can contribute to CVD through several mechanisms including its association with obesity and diabetes, increased levels of inflammation, and oxidative stress, as well as alterations in hepatic metabolites and hepatokines. Therapies to potentially treat MAFLD-induced include statins and lipid-lowering drugs, glucose-lowering agents, antihypertensive drugs, and antioxidant therapy.

Keywords: Diastolic dysfunction; Heart failure; Hepatic steatosis; Hypertension; NAFLD; Systolic dysfunction; Vascular dysfunction.