Sex differences in the hepatic response to repeated metabolic challenges
Mukasa Maya, 2023
The prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is rapidly rising in several regions worldwide, fueled by sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy dietary habits, and escalating obesity rates. This condition, characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver, not only poses significant toll on individual health and well-being but also has economic implica6ons for healthcare systems. The management of MAFLD-related complications, including cirrhosis (liver scarring) and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer), further highlights the economic burden by necessita6ng costly medical interventions and long-term care. Addressing the increasing prevalence of MAFLD is important for safeguarding the sustainability of healthcare systems in Western societies. While the condition affects individuals of both sexes, men are disproportionately impacted by MAFLD, with higher rates of incidence and progression to more advanced stages of the disease. Despite this disparity, the underlying mechanisms driving sex differences in MAFLD remain poorly understood. Recent research has shed light on a fascinating phenomenon known as a hepatic metabolic memory, wherein the liver retains a memory of past unhealthy dietary habits, leading to heightened responses to future dietary insults. This study's findings contribute to our understanding of this memory effect, as the results seem to suggest the presence of this effect specifically in males. By unraveling these sex-specific responses, researchers and pharmaceutical companies can develop tailored prevention, diagnostic, and therapeutic interventions for MAFLD, offering the potential to improve health outcomes and enhance overall public health. This knowledge advancement underscores the importance of targeted efforts to combat MAFLD and its associated complications on both individual and societal levels.
Promotor | Vanessa Dubois |
Opleiding | Biomedische Wetenschappen |
Domein | Nutrition and Metabolism |