New lean MASH mouse model could guide more targeted liver disease treatment in humans
Researchers have developed a new mouse model that mimics lean metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) by using a diet high in fructose and salt. This model provides a new tool to study the condition in non-obese patients, who face higher mortality risks despite having fewer metabolic comorbidities.
Why it matters
Understanding lean MASH is critical because these patients often go undiagnosed due to the common misconception that liver disease is exclusively linked to obesity.
Mice fed high levels of liquid fructose and salt developed symptoms associated with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), respectively, according to new research published in Molecular Metabolism.
MASLD, formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, is the most prevalent chronic liver disease in the world and can progress to MASH, cirrhosis and liver cancer, the authors noted.
Although MASLD is closely tied to obesity, prior studies cited in the paper estimate that approximately 19% of MASLD patients are lean and that 39% of lean MASLD patients have MASH. Lean patients have a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease than their obese counterparts but a higher risk of all-cause mortality and liver-related events.
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