The role of non-coding RNA in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatosis liver and cardiovascular disease

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), play critical roles in gene regulation without encoding proteins. miRNAs, typically 18–25 nucleotides long, bind to untranslated regions of target mRNAs, leading to degradation or translational repression.<br><br>Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a progressive condition beginning with steatosis and potentially advancing to inflammation (MASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Its progression is influenced by lipotoxicity, ER stress, insulin resistance, and epigenetic changes. miR-34a is a key regulator in liver diseases, affecting lipid metabolism, apoptosis, and inflammation, and is linked to MASLD and fibrosis. However, its role in insulin resistance-associated liver fibrosis remains unclear.<br><br>Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4 alpha (HNF4α) is a transcription factor essential for lipid and glucose metabolism.