Thought Leader

Mission of the MASLD Community

Dedicated to fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and improving outcomes for patients living with Metabolic Associated Steatotic Liver Disease.

Icon1 Icon1

Engage with MASLD/MASH Experts in Your Region

Connect with regional specialists for personalized guidance, professional training, and continuous support in MASLD/MASH.

Icon2 Icon2

Expert Insights

Benefit from expert-driven resources, including podcasts, publications, and practical tools designed for clinicians and patients.

Icon3 Icon3

Tailored Education for Your Community

Join your regional community network, where education is tailored to meet local needs. Collaborate with peers from local and regional communities, share knowledge, and drive impactful changes together.

Featured MASLD/MASH Educators

play
doc_image

Elizabeth Alqueza

PA-C

Elizabeth Alqueza, PA-C is a board certified Physician Associate at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) in Boston, Massachusetts. She graduated from the University of Florida in 2004 with a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree and subsequently completed the AASLD NP/PA Clinical Hepatology Fellowship. Elizabeth has worked in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings with a strong commitment to patient care. Currently working at BIDMC Liver Center, Elizabeth has 5 years of dedicated experience in Hepatology. Her practice focuses primarily on steatotic liver disease, including Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH). Elizabeth is an active member of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Advanced Practice Providers.

play
doc_image

Michelle Barnett

PA-C, MPAS, DFAAPA

Michelle Barnett is a highly experienced physician assistant specializing in patient-focused and evidence-based hepatology at Peak Gastroenterology Associates in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The most rewarding part of her position includes educating patients and collaborating with other GI advanced practice providers to enhance care for the growing MASLD/MASH population. She is now a subinvestigtor for hepatology clinical trials with Peak in Colorado Springs. With over 30 years in the GI and liver communities, she has held leadership roles, including serving as President of the Colorado Academy of Physician Assistants (CAPA) and receiving CAPA's Physician Assistant of the Year award. She is a national speaker and has given lectures for the AAPA, GHAPP and AANP. A graduate of Wichita State University and the University of Nebraska, Michelle has been recognized with the DFAAPA distinction and honors such as the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation's IBD internship and the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders Ally Award. Passionate about holistic care, she incorporates lifestyle strategies like nutrition, yoga, and meditation into her practice. Outside of work, Michelle enjoys hiking, travel, musical theater, and supporting her favorite Colorado sports teams.

play
doc_image

Sherona Bau

NP

Sherona Bau graduated from University of California, Los Angeles in 2008, with Master of Science in Nursing dual program specialized in Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist. In 2010, she has joined UCLA Pfleger Liver Institute and Asian Liver Cancer Center working as an outpatient Nurse Practitioner specializing in liver diseases including viral hepatitis, hepatobiliary diseases, alcohol related liver diseases, Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease/Steatohepatitis, autoimmune liver diseases, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Since 2016, she has been a guest lecturer at UCLA School of Nursing for Master Entry Clinical Nurse (MECN) and MSN Adult/Gero Acute Care program. She is also a preceptor for Adult/Gero Acute Care Program. She participated in Hepatitis C Screening in the Community Churches to promote awareness of hepatitis C and the importance of treatment of hepatitis C. She also participates in Patient Symposium at UCLA to give a lecture to update care of the liver transplant patients. She is also a faculty of Gastroenterology Hepatology Advanced Practice Provider (GHAPP) since 2018 and a speaker for both GHAPP National meeting and Regional GHAPP in Los Angeles. Since 2013, she has published total 14 research papers and case report including the most recent three are Recommendations for the Management of MASH by Advanced Practice Providers in the US, Clinicians and Patients Confront Practical Issues in Wilson Disease, and Overview of chronic Hepatitis B management.

play
doc_image

Maribeth Capuno

DNP, RN, ANP-BC

Maribeth Capuno obtained her Master of Science in Nursing from Emory University in 1996. She was then certified as an Adult Nurse Practitioner. She worked as a Nurse Practitioner in Cardiology for over 20 years, specializing in Heart Failure. In 2019, she advanced her education by obtaining her Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Virginia. In 2021, she relocated to Richmond Virginia and took a position in the Hepatology department at the Richmond Veteran's Affairs Medical Center. In this position, her focus has been on patients with MASLD/MASH throughout the spectrum of their disease. She works with her patients to develop an individualized plan of care to assist them in controlling their metabolic conditions which are contributing to their liver disease. She also is a Sub-Investigator on multiple MASLD/MASH clinical trials.

play
doc_image

Summer Collier

MSN, FNP-BC

Summer Collier is a nurse practitioner with advanced expertise in hepatology and a strong commitment to evidence-based, multidisciplinary care. At UC San Diego Health, she provides comprehensive management for patients with chronic liver disease, including viral hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, alcohol-associated liver disease, and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Collier is actively engaged in clinical research and has participated in multidisciplinary studies on liver fibrosis, steatosis, and treatment protocols for hepatitis C and alcohol use disorder. Her scholarly work focuses on improving transitions of care for patients with cirrhosis and expanding access to pharmacologic treatments for patients with alcohol use disorder. A recognized leader in the field, Collier has presented at national conferences including The Liver Meeting (AASLD), Digestive Disease Week (DDW), and GHAPP, speaking on topics such as cirrhosis care, hepatology red flags, and advanced practice provider leadership. She previously served as Chair of the Advanced Practice Council at UC San Diego Health, driving initiatives that elevated APP visibility and impact within the organization. Before joining UC San Diego Health, she was a family nurse practitioner and HIV specialist with Family Health Centers of San Diego. She also has prior experience as a registered nurse. Collier completed a Master of Science in Nursing degree from University of San Diego and will complete the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from University of California, Los Angeles in June 2025. She is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

play
doc_image

Jessica Crimaldi

MSN, NP-C, CMSRN

Jessica Crimaldi, MSN, APRN,CNP, CMSRN was born and raised in the greater Cleveland area. She attended Cleveland State University for her BSN; during her time at CSU she had the opportunity to work at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation in a 3-year internship entitled the "Nursing Experiential Program." In this role she had the opportunity to learn many of the roles on a typical nursing unit while working 1 year as a Unit Secretary, 1 year as a Nurse Assistant and 1 year as a Nurse Intern. She started her nursing career on an inpatient Internal Medicine and Telemetry Teaching Unit where she worked as an RN while completing her MSN at the University of Akron. Since graduation in 2015 she has worked as a Nurse Practitioner in the Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition seeing inpatients with gastrointestinal and liver disorders at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. In addition, to her clinical role, she is also the Manager for over 50 Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition APPs. She is the Co-Director for the nation's first Inflammatory Bowel Disease APP Fellowship which is in its third year. She has presented nationally and published in The Journal for Nurse Practitioners (JNP). She is Faculty for Gastroenterology and Hepatology Advanced Practice Providers (GHAPP) National Organization and Milestone APP. When she is not busy with work Jessica is a wife, parent to 2 young children and dog mom. She is a foster parent and passionate about improving the foster care system. She enjoys being outdoors, hiking and spending time with family and friends.

play
doc_image

Jeremy Davis

ACNP-BC

Jeremy Davis ACNP is a board-certified acute care nurse practitioner who has been practicing in the focus of hepatology at GastroIntestinal Specialists A.M.C. since 2012. Jeremy’s areas of interest include MASLD, MASH, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, cholestatic liver disease, and autoimmune liver disease. Jeremy has been an active faculty ambassador of Gastroenterology & Hepatology Advanced Practice Providers (GHAPP) since 2019 and is a lecturer at both regional and national conferences. Jeremy is also an Associate member of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) since 2014. Jeremy received his Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science Degree in Nursing from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Jeremy’s hobbies include spending time with his family, cooking and traveling.

play
doc_image

Sarah Dawkins

FNP-C, MSN, RN

Sarah Dawkins, FNP-C, is a family nurse practitioner specializing in general and transplant hepatology at Duke University Medical Center, where she has practiced since 2017. She holds a BS in Biology and a BA in Romance Languages from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Sarah completed the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program at Duke University and worked in the Neuroscience ICU at Duke while earning her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). She became a certified family nurse practitioner in 2015 and initially worked in a private gastroenterology practice before joining Duke Gastroenterology. Her clinical interests include autoimmune liver disease, transplant hepatology and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Sarah currently serves as the Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Team Lead for the GI Division at Duke. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, attending fitness classes, cheering on the UNC Tar Heels, and spending time with her three young children and their orange cat, Zeus.

play
doc_image

Anthony Derencius

MPAS, PA-C

Anthony Derencius, PA-C is a former U.S. Army medic and a 2010 honor graduate of the military’s Interservice Physician Assistant Program. During his 11 years in the Army, he provided care to patients and soldiers around the world, including deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. After leaving the Army, PA-C Derencius focused his clinical career in the gastroenterology and hepatology field. He has worked in private practice GI in Hawaii and in both general and transplant hepatology in San Antonio, gaining extensive outpatient and inpatient experience. In 2024, he joined Pinnacle Clinical Research, bringing a wealth of clinical expertise to his role as an investigator in many clinical trials for MASLD and other liver diseases. In 2018, he completed a one-year American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD) Foundation NP/PA Clinical Hepatology Fellowship. He is also an active member of several medical societies, including the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) and the AASLD.

doc_image

Stacie Egan

DNP, FNP-C

Stacie Egan, DNP, FNP-C, is a Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in gastroenterology, practicing with the Ogden Clinic in Utah. Born and raised in the Ogden area, she completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Weber State University, graduating summa cum laude. She went on to earn her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati, and most recently her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, which she obtained in 2022. Stacie joined Ogden Clinic in 2017 and works primarily through the Layton Specialty location, where she focuses on digestive health, disease prevention, and helping patients improve quality of life through clinical care and education. Her passion for gastroenterology stems from her strong belief in the impact of preventative health and the importance of gut health in overall wellness. Beyond her clinical work, Stacie values a patient-centered approach—listening to patients, addressing their concerns, and applying her knowledge to support them in achieving better health outcomes. She resides locally, is married, and in her free time enjoys Utah’s outdoor lifestyle, including trail running, enjoying natural areas like Snowbasin, and participating in the Ogden Marathon.

play
doc_image

Melissa Franco

PA-C, MMS

Melissa Franco is a Physician Associate at the University of Miami- specializing in the management of patients with liver diseases, ranging from acute hepatitis to complex chronic conditions such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. With a strong focus on MASH, autoimmune hepatitis, PBC, viral hepatitides, and cirrhosis- Melissa is dedicated to delivering compassionate, comprehensive care tailored to each patient's unique needs. She is deeply committed to patient education, and strives to empower individuals to take an active role in their health journey, fostering collaboration, and confidence at every stage of care.

play
doc_image

Jennifer Geremia

PA-C

Jennifer Geremia, PA-C, is a practicing Physician Assistant in outpatient Gastroenterology at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. With GI experience for 15 years including community GI care in RI and currently tertiary care. In addition to clinical practice she enjoys educating both her peers and future PAs. Jennifer currently teaches at UNE, MCPHS and MGH PA programs. She is also on the Education committee and faculty for GHAPP and is actively working on the AGA APP task force as well as an APP contributor to ASGE .

play
doc_image

HoChong Gilles

DNP, FNP-BC, AF-AASLD

HoChong Gilles earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Nursing, followed by a Master of Science in Nursing from Virginia Commonwealth University. In 2018, she completed her Doctorate in Nursing Practice at the University of Virginia. With over 25 years of experience as a Nurse Practitioner specializing in hepatology, Dr. Gilles currently serves as the Clinical Program Director for the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division and Assistant Director of GI Research in Richmond, Virginia. Her clinical and research interests encompass metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD/MASH), portal hypertension, liver transplantation, and hepatocellular carcinoma. An active member of the liver disease community, she is proud to hold the designation of Associate Fellow with the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD).

play
doc_image

Elizabeth Goacher

PA-C

Elizabeth Goacher is a Physician Assistant with Duke University Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology Division, Duke Liver Center, April 2001 to the present. Her pronouns are she/her. She is currently engaged in full time clinical practice in Hepatology. Her clinical work encompasses the full spectrum of liver disease patient population, from early stage disease to end of life, with a particular interest in portal hypertension. She served as Team Lead for the Duke Division of Gastroenterology Advanced Practice group of 25 Advanced Practice Providers 2014-2023. She is also lecturer and preceptor at Duke University School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program. Elizabeth graduated from the Duke University School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program in 1998 after earning her Bachelor of Arts from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1991. She is past Chair of the Hepatology Associates Committee of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and was a member of the inaugural class of Associate Fellows of AASLD in 2020. When she is not at work, she maintains a health boundary from technology (aka EPIC) and spends as much time outdoors as possible. When asked to design and implement her dream job, she would own and operate a cocktail and tapas venue while instructing fitness classes on a large piece of lakeside property in North Carolina alongside her canine rescue, foster and retraining agency.

play
doc_image

Tina Gregg

NP-C

Tina Marie Gregg, NP-C, is a board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in gastroenterology with a particular focus on liver disease. She serves as The Liver Clinic Specialist at GI Associates & Endoscopy Center in Flowood, Mississippi, where she provides comprehensive care for patients with conditions such as cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, hepatitis, and other chronic liver disorders. Tina earned her Master of Science in Nursing degree from University of Mississippi Medical Center and has been certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners since 2007. At GI Associates, she is actively involved in clinical care, coordinating diagnostic evaluations, treatment plans, and long-term disease management. She also serves as a Sub-investigator within the Research Department. Known for her compassionate and thorough approach, Tina is dedicated to helping patients understand their conditions and treatment options while ensuring close follow-up and ongoing support.

play
doc_image

Janet Gripshover

DNP, FNP-BC, MBA

Janet Gripshover, DNP, FNP-BC, MBA, AF-AASLD, is a highly experienced Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Manager for Cedars-Sinai’s Liver Transplant Program in Los Angeles. With over 15 years of clinical and leadership expertise in hepatology, Dr. Gripshover is recognized for her commitment to advancing the role of Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) in liver care. She has led numerous initiatives to foster APP education and collaboration, including founding the APP HCV Consortium in Baltimore, MD, and creating the GI APP Grand Rounds series at Geisinger Wyoming Valley in Wilkes-Barre, PA. In addition to speaking at national conferences, Dr. Gripshover has developed and delivered a wide range of educational and professional development seminars for non-physician providers across the country. An advocate for patient-centered innovation, she also founded and moderated the first hospital-sponsored Facebook support group for liver transplant recipients — a project that earned her the New Media Award for Healthcare from the Baltimore Business Journal and national recognition. Dr. Gripshover is an active member of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), where she has served on the Hepatology Associates Committee and the Women’s Initiatives Committee, helping launch the AASLD Women’s Leadership Program. She currently serves as Vice Chair of AASLD’s Hepatology Associates Special Interest Group and is also a member of the Hepatology Associates Committee for the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG).

play
doc_image

Christina Hanson

FNP-C

Christina Hanson is a nurse practitioner in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at South Denver GI, with nearly 20 years of clinical practice. She is a course director and board of trustee for GHAPP. An active researcher with extensive leadership and teaching experience, she is a champion of evidence-based practice, data-driven care delivery, interdisciplinary collaboration, and quality patient care. Christina is committed to amplifying professional development, growth, and contributions of advanced practice.

doc_image

Anna Marie Hefner

PhD, RN, CPNP, FAASLD

Anna Marie Hefner PhD, RN, CPNP, FAASLD is a board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and expert nurse in the field of Hepatology, specializing in fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Anna Marie is an Associate Professor at Azusa Pacific University, School of Nursing, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate nursing students. Anna received her Masters of Science in Nursing from California State University in Long Beach, and her Masters of Arts, Education, and Special Education at Azusa Pacific University. Anna Marie completed her Doctorate in Nursing at the University of San Diego, with an emphasis in nutritional status of the patient with end-stage liver disease. Anna Marie is the Director of the NASH-ville clinics at Southern California Liver Centers. Anna Marie has received three consecutive mid-level professional awards for her work on facilitating lifestyle changes to manage progressive fatty liver disease from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Anna Marie is a member of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

play
doc_image

Patrick Horne

NP

Patrick M. Horne, MSN, APRN-BC, FNP, AF-AASLD is the Assistant Director of Clinical Hepatology Research and Clinical Programs Coordinator at the University of Florida’s Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Florida College of Nursing. His research focuses on hepatology clinical trials, including viral hepatitis, MASH, autoimmune hepatitis, cholestatic liver disease, and HCC. He has published extensively in clinical hepatology and has presented at major conferences such as AASLD, AGA NP/PA, and GHAPP.

play
doc_image

Lavinia Iordache

PA-C

Lavinia Iordache earned her Masters of Clinical Medical Science from Barry University in Miami and she has been practicing as a Physician Associate in the field of Hepatology for the past 10 years. She completed a one year AASLD fellowship under the guidance of her supervising physicians and she continues to provide care to a complex patient population in an academic environment. She previously attended Medical School in her home country of Romania and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Florida International University with a Bachelor Degree in Biochemistry. She holds a NCCPA certification and is a proud member of several professional associations as well as animal welfare organizations. Her dedication to helping people with liver disease extends to both inpatient and outpatient settings and she has been expanding her clinical practice to include Internal Medicine as well as General Gastroenterology. She values a holistic and patient-centered approach to care and is a big advocate for patient education, always striving to connect with her patients to promote understanding of diseases, build trust and improve outcomes through collaboration. Lavinia is fluent in Spanish and particularly enjoys communicating with her Latin patient population in South Florida as she has a lifelong interest in learning different dialects and connecting with people of various ethnic backgrounds. In her free time, Lavinia particularly enjoys exploring new destinations, she has taste for adventures, unique art galleries and museums, loves cooking and entertaining and she is intentional about pursuing a holistic lifestyle through conscientious choices for a mindful integration of mind, body and soul.

MASLD/MASH Learning Center

Latest News & Blogs

Association of the Platelet-to-Neutrophil Ratio With Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease and Liver Fibrosis in U.S. Adults: NHANES 2017-March 2020

calOctober 2026

CONCLUSION: Higher log2-PNR was inversely associated with the cross-sectional presence of MASLD and hepatic steatosis, and with advanced liver fibrosis, in U.S. adults. Log2-PNR, an easily obtained inflammatory marker, is independently associated with MASLD. These findings require validation in prospective cohort studies.

Read More arrow

From Pathophysiological Consensus to Integrative Potential: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Traditional Chinese Medicine Interventions for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) and Future Directions

calOctober 2026

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is the most prevalent chronic liver disease globally, with a worldwide prevalence over 30%. Its complex pathogenesis involves insulin resistance, lipid metabolism disorders, mitochondrial dysfunction, gut-liver axis imbalance, chronic inflammation and genetic susceptibility. Currently, no radical pharmacological treatment is clinically approved for MASLD, resulting in a huge...

Read More arrow

Etiology Dependent Differences in Immunotherapy Response and Prognosis Between MASH-HCC and HBV-HCC

calOctober 2026

CONCLUSION: MASH-HCC patients showed a trend toward poorer response to ICI therapy compared with HBV-HCC patients, particularly in those with CD4⁺ T cell counts

Read More arrow

Association of the nutritional metabolic risk index with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in a sub-plateau population

calOctober 2026

CONCLUSION: Higher NMRI was consistently associated with lower odds of prevalent MASLD and showed favorable within-sample discrimination in this sub-plateau population. These findings support further evaluation of NMRI as a parsimonious composite indicator integrating nutritional, metabolic, and anthropometric characteristics associated with MASLD.

Read More arrow

QHHP Ameliorates MASH Through Modulation of a Cyp4a32-PPARgamma-CD36-Associated Lipotoxic Axis

calOctober 2026

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a progressive stage of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease, for which effective pharmacological therapies remain limited. Qinggan Huatan Huoxue Prescription (QHHP) has been used clinically in the management of fatty liver disease and related metabolic disorders, but its overall efficacy and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, the therapeutic effects of QHHP on MASH were evaluated through clinical...

Read More arrow

Gliflozin-Derived SGLT2 Inhibitors: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes

calOctober 2026

Gliflozin derivatives, a class of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter (SGLT) inhibitors, have emerged as effective antidiabetic agents offering notable cardiovascular and renal protection. This class of compounds inhibits glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, thereby improving overall glycaemic control. This review provides a comprehensive overview of gliflozin derivatives, emphasizing their chemical characterization, safety, therapeutic efficacy, pharmacokinetic analysis, and potential future...

Read More arrow

Significance of Portal Tract Histological Changes in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis

calOctober 2026

CONCLUSION: Portal inflammation and related features are strongly associated with advanced fibrosis in MASH, thereby suggesting multifactorial role in disease progression and supporting their inclusion in histological scoring systems and routine reporting.

Read More arrow

Cardiometabolic comorbidity and health outcomes of persons with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in Ontario, Canada

calOctober 2026

CONCLUSIONS: PwMASLD in Ontario had more comorbidities and poorer health outcomes than controls. PwMASLD with cirrhosis showed the highest burden of disease versus those with MASH or MASLD alone. To ensure effective MASLD management, early identification of advanced disease and access to interventions to delay or prevent its progression must be improved.

Read More arrow

Mapping DEHP-induced metabolic dysregulation through multi-omics and systems biology: an adverse outcome pathway network approach

calOctober 2026

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a widespread endocrine-disrupting plasticizer associated with metabolic disorders. To elucidate their mechanistic basis, we developed an Adverse Outcome Pathway Network (AOPN) informed by DEHP-induced perturbations, by integrating multi-omics data, systems biology modeling, and targeted literature evidence. Multi-omics data were generated in 3D human hepatic cells, pancreatic β-cells, and zebrafish larvae exposed to DEHP across biologically relevant...

Read More arrow

Divergent Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 2-Alpha Signaling in Alcoholic Liver Disease and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

calOctober 2026

Fatty liver disease, including both metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and alcoholic liver disease (ALD) types, is an increasing global health issue, with escalating rates of illness and death. A key player in the progression of these liver diseases is the hypoxia-inducible factor 2-alpha (HIF-2α), a transcription factor that oversees lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation in liver cells. This review aims to summarize the intricate interactions between...

Read More arrow

Are there true and false classifications in noninvasive liver disease assessment for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease?

calOctober 2026

No abstract

Read More arrow

Differential functions of ROCK1 and ROCK2 in liver fibrosis and advances in targeted therapeutic strategies

calOctober 2026

Liver fibrosis, driven by metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and other chronic injuries, represents a global health crisis without approved pharmacological therapies. The Rho-associated coiled-coil kinases (ROCK1 and ROCK2), the principal effectors of Rho GTPases, have emerged as central nodes in fibrogenesis, yet the isoform-specific mechanisms and their translational potential remain incompletely defined. This review systematically dissects the divergent roles of ROCK1 and...

Read More arrow

Pharmacotherapy for MASLD/MASH: approved therapies, drug repurposing, and emerging mechanism-based candidates

calOctober 2026

INTRODUCTION: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASLD/MASH) pharmacotherapy is changing rapidly after the approval of resmetirom and semaglutide for selected adults with noncirrhotic MASH and F2-F3 fibrosis; management must also address obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular risk, and kidney disease.

Read More arrow

Zfp697/ZNF697 is an RNA-binding protein that modulates TGF-beta1 signaling and hepatic inflammation in liver disease

calOctober 2026

Liver diseases driven by metabolic dysfunction, inflammation, and fibrosis such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), and acute liver injury represent a growing global health burden. The zinc finger protein Zfp697 (ZNF697 in humans) is a newly identified regulator of inflammation and regeneration in skeletal muscle. Here, we characterize the role of liver Zfp697 and show that its expression is...

Read More arrow

Hepatic HSD17B6 promotes lipid accumulation and M1 macrophage polarization via the 9-cis-retinoic acid and RXRα axis

calOctober 2026

CONCLUSIONS: Using a PDCD4-deficient mouse model and complementary in vitro and human data, this study identifies HSD17B6 as an important contributor to hepatic lipid accumulation and inflammation in MASH. Mechanistically, HSD17B6 promotes these pathological processes through modulation of the 9cRA-RXRα signaling axis. These findings provide new insights into the metabolic-inflammatory crosstalk underlying MASH progression and suggest that the HSD17B6-RXRα pathway may represent a potential...

Read More arrow

Clinical and laboratory characteristics associated with ascites in patients with MASLD-related cirrhosis: a cross-sectional study

calOctober 2026

CONCLUSIONS: In this cross-sectional sample of Saudi patients with MASLD-related cirrhosis, lower serum albumin, lower ALT, and lower white cell count were associated with the presence of ascites; higher BMI showed a similar trend that did not reach significance. Given the cross-sectional design and small number of ascites cases, these findings should be interpreted as exploratory associations rather than predictors of decompensation, and do not by themselves support a claim that monitoring or...

Read More arrow

Long-term ambient benzene exposure increases incident NAFLD risk through accelerated biological aging

calOctober 2026

The contribution of ambient air pollutants to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains undefined. This study included 401,472 adults from the UK Biobank (UKB), with residential benzene estimated at 1-km resolution from the DEFRA model (2006-2020). After multivariable adjustment in the Cox models, each interquartile-range (0.151 μg/m³) increment in benzene was associated with a 26% higher risk of incident NAFLD (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21-1.30),...

Read More arrow

InBody bioelectrical impedance research in clinical nutrition: a bibliometric analysis of trends, applications, and evidence gaps, 2002-2025

calOctober 2026

CONCLUSION: InBody-related research is expanding rapidly and shifting from device validation toward clinical application, particularly in geriatric and clinical nutrition. Three priorities emerge: (i) device-model-specific and population-specific validation, particularly under-represented regions; (ii) population- and condition-specific phase-angle reference ranges; and (iii) longitudinal and intervention-responsive designs rather than additional cross-sectional DXA comparisons. Addressing these...

Read More arrow

The role of mitochondrial DNA and RNA in promoting liver disease pathogenesis

calOctober 2026

Mitochondria are a semi-autonomous organelle due to their unique structural organization and independent genetic system, and they play diverse roles in maintaining cellular homeostasis. The liver is the central metabolic organ and performs myriad functions, including energy production, metabolism, and detoxification. Liver diseases account for approximately two million mortalities per year. Mitochondrial dysfunction and damage are implicated in promoting the pathogenesis of different liver...

Read More arrow

Tirzepatide use in adolescents with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD): A case series

calOctober 2026

Pediatric obesity and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) prevalence has risen markedly over the past decade. Due to transition delays and workforce shortages, pediatric specialists often manage patients into young adulthood, and thus familiarity with adult pharmacotherapies for MASLD is essential. Currently, Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, is approved for adults with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and F2-F3...

Read More arrow