Honorary Special Issue Dedicated to Prof. Giovanni Targher–the Metabolic Fatty Liver Syndromes: MASLD/MAFLD/NAFLD

A special issue of Metabolites (ISSN 2218-1989). This special issue belongs to the section "Endocrinology and Clinical Metabolic Research".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 August 2024 | Viewed by 914

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
1. Formerly Director of the Simple Operating Unit "Metabolic Syndrome", Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, 41126 Modena, Italy
2. Formerly Professor of Internal Medicine, School of Specialization of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy
Interests: NAFLD-MAFLD; cirrhosis; hepatocellular carcinoma; metabolic syndrome; insulin resistance; sex differences
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This year marks the 21st anniversary of the publications of Professor Giovanni Targher (ORCID 0000-0002-4325-3900), a world-leading researcher on the role of metabolic fatty liver syndromes including MASLD/MAFLD/NAFLD in the development of extra-hepatic complications, especially nephro-cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. MASLD/MAFLD/NAFLD, collectively labelled metabolic fatty liver syndromes (MFLS), describe the spectrum of steatosis closely associated with metabolic dysfunction. They are currently the most common chronic liver diseases globally and a leading cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

With an H index of 99, Professor Targher is one of the most brilliant clinical Italian researchers. As a diabetologist with a solid background in general endocrinology and internal medicine, he has approached the MFLS arena from diabetes’ point of view, rapidly gaining insight into this very common liver disease as a systemic disorder. His scientific career, which flourished based on outstanding scientific intuitions and an exceptional attitude towards developing large amounts of work within highly intensive time schedules, includes numerous collaborations outside of Italy, a testament to Professor Targher’s international academic prestige and his frank, gentle, and friendly personality.

His research has shown that NAFLD, especially in its advanced forms, is a risk factor for the development and progression of cardiac alterations in patients with and without diabetes, often leading to their death. His papers have inspired many other scientists to explore the independent role of NAFLD in the development of cardiovascular disease, identifying it as a major clinical and public health issue globally.

As a leading figure in epidemiological sciences and in clinically relevant meta-analytic techniques, Professor Targher has also conducted high-standard investigations in the NAFLD arena regarding insulin resistance, vitamin D, genetics, ceramides, uric acid, adiponectin, PCSK9, N-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen, and SARS-CoV-2 infection. His studies have also expanded our understanding of secondary NAFLD forms, including those associated with dysthyroidism. His participation in guidelines and consensus conferences placed him at the forefront of the change in nomenclature from NAFLD to metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and, ultimately, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

In his honor, this Special Issue focuses on the role of the MFLS (MASLD/MAFLD/NAFLD) in the development of various extra-hepatic complications, such as cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, and cancer.

As both his colleagues and friends, we are honored to guest edit the introduction for the present Special Issue, which we hope will be a great success.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in Biomolecules.

Dr. Alessandro Mantovani
Dr. Amedeo Lonardo
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
  • metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD)
  • nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
  • metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)
  • fatty liver

Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

15 pages, 1020 KiB  
Review
Gut Microbiota and Sinusoidal Vasoregulation in MASLD: A Portal Perspective
by Gyorgy Baffy and Piero Portincasa
Metabolites 2024, 14(6), 324; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo14060324 - 7 Jun 2024
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Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a common condition with heterogeneous outcomes difficult to predict at the individual level. Feared complications of advanced MASLD are linked to clinically significant portal hypertension and are initiated by functional and mechanical changes in the unique [...] Read more.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a common condition with heterogeneous outcomes difficult to predict at the individual level. Feared complications of advanced MASLD are linked to clinically significant portal hypertension and are initiated by functional and mechanical changes in the unique sinusoidal capillary network of the liver. Early sinusoidal vasoregulatory changes in MASLD lead to increased intrahepatic vascular resistance and represent the beginning of portal hypertension. In addition, the composition and function of gut microbiota in MASLD are distinctly different from the healthy state, and multiple lines of evidence demonstrate the association of dysbiosis with these vasoregulatory changes. The gut microbiota is involved in the biotransformation of nutrients, production of de novo metabolites, release of microbial structural components, and impairment of the intestinal barrier with impact on innate immune responses, metabolism, inflammation, fibrosis, and vasoregulation in the liver and beyond. The gut–liver axis is a conceptual framework in which portal circulation is the primary connection between gut microbiota and the liver. Accordingly, biochemical and hemodynamic attributes of portal circulation may hold the key to better understanding and predicting disease progression in MASLD. However, many specific details remain hidden due to limited access to the portal circulation, indicating a major unmet need for the development of innovative diagnostic tools to analyze portal metabolites and explore their effect on health and disease. We also need to safely and reliably monitor portal hemodynamics with the goal of providing preventive and curative interventions in all stages of MASLD. Here, we review recent advances that link portal metabolomics to altered sinusoidal vasoregulation and may allow for new insights into the development of portal hypertension in MASLD. Full article
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