Molecular Advances in MAFLD-A Link between Sphingolipids and Extracellular Matrix in Development and Progression to Fibrosis.

Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) is a major cause of liver diseases globally and its prevalence is expected to grow in the coming decades. The main cause of MAFLD development is changed in the composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Increased production of matrix molecules and inflammatory processes lead to progressive fibrosis, cirrhosis, and ultimately liver failure.