New research suggests that niacin may offer a promising treatment for metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD), which affects nearly one-third of the global population.
The study, published in Metabolism, found that administering niacin significantly improved liver function in subjects with MASLD.
MASLD, which impacts around 30% of people worldwide, currently lacks targeted treatment options. Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is one of eight essential B vitamins and has long been studied for its effects on metabolism.
Researchers identified microRNA-93 (miR-93)—a molecule expressed in liver cells—as a key genetic regulator in the development and progression of MASLD. Elevated levels of miR-93 were found in both human patients with fatty liver disease and animal models.
miR-93 promotes lipid buildup, inflammation, and fibrosis in the liver by suppressing the SIRT1 gene, which plays a vital role in lipid metabolism. When researchers inhibited miR-93 in mice, they observed a significant reduction in liver fat accumulation and marked improvement in liver function indicators.
Niacin was the most effective FDA-approved drug evaluated for its ability to inhibit miR-93. Mice treated with niacin showed a substantial decrease in liver miR-93 levels and a corresponding increase in SIRT1 activity, which helped restore normal liver function.
These findings point to niacin as a promising therapeutic candidate for MASLD, offering a novel approach targeting the miRNA pathway.
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