Breakthrough Discovery in MASLD: New Genetic Factor and Vitamin B3 Treatment

A significant advancement has been made in understanding metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD), a condition that affects approximately 30% of the global population. Researchers have identified a genetic factor that contributes to the worsening of this disease, and they have found that vitamin B3, an FDA-approved medication, is the most effective treatment for this newly discovered factor.

A research team from Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), in collaboration with Pusan National University and Ulsan University Hospital, has revealed the role of microRNA-93 (miR-93) as a crucial genetic regulator in the progression of MASLD. This groundbreaking study was published in the journal Metabolism.

MiR-93 is a specific RNA molecule found in liver cells that inhibits the expression of certain target genes. The researchers observed that patients with fatty liver disease and corresponding animal models exhibited elevated levels of miR-93. Through comprehensive molecular analysis, the team demonstrated that miR-93 plays a significant role in promoting lipid accumulation, inflammation, and fibrosis by suppressing the expression of SIRT1, a gene critical for lipid metabolism in liver cells.

In their experiments, the researchers utilized gene-editing techniques to eliminate miR-93 production in mice. The results were promising, showing a notable decrease in fat accumulation in the liver, along with significant improvements in insulin sensitivity and indicators of liver function. Conversely, mice engineered to overexpress miR-93 exhibited deteriorated metabolic function in the liver.

Moreover, a screening of 150 FDA-approved medications revealed that niacin, commonly known as vitamin B3, was the most effective in suppressing miR-93 levels. Mice treated with niacin not only showed a substantial reduction in hepatic miR-93 levels but also an increase in SIRT1 activity. This activation of SIRT1 restored disrupted lipid metabolism pathways, leading to normalized liver lipid homeostasis.

The research team emphasized the importance of their findings, stating that the study clarifies the molecular origins of MASLD and highlights the potential for repurposing a well-known vitamin as a treatment option. Given that niacin is a safe and established medication for treating high cholesterol levels, it offers promising prospects for combination therapies that target miRNA pathways in managing MASLD.

This new understanding of MASLD not only opens avenues for effective treatment but also underscores the need for further research into genetic factors influencing the disease's progression.