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

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), recently re-named to 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 (HCC). 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. Abstract figure legend: Liver macrophages in metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease. Different liver macrophage subpopulations, including Kupffer cells (KC) and monocyte-derived macrophages (MoMf), play multiple roles in the pathogenesis and progression of metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.