The Role of Nutrition in MASLD: Mechanisms, Evidence, and Therapeutic Strategies

Dear Colleagues,

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a highly prevalent chronic liver disease, and nutrition is central to both its pathogenesis and management. Responses to dietary exposures and interventions vary considerably, highlighting the need to integrate mechanistic insight with human evidence. This Special Issue will examine how energy balance, dietary patterns, food processing, macronutrient quality, micronutrients, and bioactive compounds influence hepatic lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, mitochondrial function, inflammation, fibrosis, and the gut-liver axis. We welcome basic and translational research using cellular and animal models, together with clinical trials, cohort studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses addressing dietary prevention and management across the MASLD spectrum. Particular interest will be given to studies linking molecular mechanisms to human nutrition and clinically relevant outcomes, including Mediterranean and other culturally adaptable dietary patterns, weight-loss strategies, meal timing, ultra-processed foods, fructose, dietary fats and proteins, supplements, and microbiome-targeted approaches. Studies investigating differences between males and females and the influence of hormonal status and reproductive stage, as well as age, adiposity, diabetes, genetic background, and disease stage, are especially encouraged. This collection aims to advance feasible, evidence-based, and personalized nutritional strategies for MASLD prevention and care. 

Dr. Sara Della Torre
Guest Editor

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