The complex function of macrophages and their subpopulations in metabolic injury associated fatty liver disease

Abstract

AbstractNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), recently also defined as metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), is a major health problem, as it affects ∼25% of the population globally and is a major cause of hepatic cirrhosis and thereby liver failure, as well as hepatocellular carcinoma. MALFD comprises a broad range of pathological conditions in the liver, including simple fat accumulation (steatosis) and the more progressive non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) that can lead to fibrosis development. Cells of innate immunity, and particularly macrophages, comprising the liver resident Kupffer cells and the recruited monocyte‐derived macrophages, play complex roles in NASH‐related inflammation and disease progression to fibrosis. Here, we discuss the recent developments with regards to the function of liver macrophage subpopulations during MAFLD development and progression. image