Multi-Omics Nutritional Approaches Targeting Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease

Abstract

Currently, metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a leading global cause of chronic liver disease, and is expected to become one of the most common indications of liver transplantation. MAFLD is associated with obesity, involving multiple mechanisms such as alterations in lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, hyperinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and extracellular matrix formation. However, the onset and progression of MAFLD is variable among individuals, being influenced by intrinsic (personal) and external environmental factors. In this context, sequence structural variants across the human genome, epigenetic phenomena (i.e., DNA methylation, histone modifications, and long non-coding RNAs) affecting gene expression, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and metabolomics/lipidomic fingerprints may account for differences in MAFLD outcomes through interactions with nutritional features. This knowledge may contribute to gaining a deeper understanding of the molecular and physiological processes underlying MAFLD pathogenesis and phenotype heterogeneity, as well as facilitating the identification of biomarkers of disease progression and therapeutic targets for the implementation of tailored nutritional strategies. This comprehensive literature review highlights the potential of nutrigenetic, nutriepigenetic, nutrimetagenomic, nutritranscriptomics, and nutrimetabolomic approaches for the prevention and management of MAFLD in humans through the lens of precision nutrition.

Dietary strategies in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease patients: From evidence to daily clinical practice, a systematic review

“…Considering that NAFLD is a heterogeneous disease, patient stratification is crucial for establishing a personalized and tailored dietary approach. Nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics could be a promising tool to decipher the effect of different dietary strategies on the modulation of different NAFLD variants 107 . Additionally, more robust data are needed in the assessment of dietary intake and in the characterization of the interventions associated with greater adherence.…”

“…Nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics could be a promising tool to decipher the effect of different dietary strategies on the modulation of different NAFLD variants. 107 Additionally, more robust data are needed in the assessment of dietary intake and in the characterization of the interventions associated with greater adherence. Long‐term longitudinal studies will likely help to fill these knowledge gaps.…”