From:  Diabetes mellitus and hepatosteatosis: a narrative review

 Main factors responsible for the pathogenesis of steatotic liver.

FactorDescription/Mechanism
Fat accumulation> 5% fat in hepatocytes; due to an imbalance between input (diet, lipolysis, DNL) and output (VLDL secretion, β-oxidation)
Insulin resistanceCentral to MASLD, it causes and worsens hepatic fat accumulation and glucose metabolism impairment
HyperinsulinemiaWorsens MASLD by impairing glucose regulation and promoting fat storage
Genetic factorsVariants like PNPLA3 and TM6SF2 influence susceptibility and disease progression
Diet & environmentExcess caloric intake and environmental contributors promote steatosis
MASLD & T2DM coexistenceLinked with systemic inflammation, ER stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cytokine-mediated insulin signaling disruption
Gut microbiotaAlterations increase intestinal permeability and inflammation, contributing to MASLD and T2DM
HepatokinesLow adiponectin and high fetuin-A levels contribute to insulin resistance

DNL: de novo lipogenesis; VLDL: very low-density lipoprotein; MASLD: metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease; ER: endoplasmic reticulum; T2DM: Type 2 diabetes mellitus.