Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes and Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease – Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets

The prevalence of obesity, obesity-associated metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and type 2 diabetes has increased dramatically in recent few decades. Because of the consumption of energy-dense foods and increasingly sedentary lifestyles, obesity is a major worldwide health problem in the 21st century. The MAFLD is estimated to afflict 75% of type 2 diabetic patients and about 90% of the obese population. Type 2 diabetes also aggravates MAFLD to more severe forms of liver disorder. MAFLD increases the incidence of type 2 diabetes and accelerates the development of diabetic complications. These show the strong relationship of obesity with type 2 diabetes and MAFLD. In light of this, countless efforts have been conducted in recent years in order to elucidate their pathological process and explore novel prevention strategies.

This Research Topic aims to present scientific advances on the molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies of obesity, type 2 diabetes and MAFLD development, including novel data in relevant animals and humans.

Original and review articles that address obesity and obesity-related type 2 diabetes and MAFLD from basic and clinical perspectives are welcome:
- Cellular mechanisms involved in obesity/type 2 diabetes/MAFLD development: role of lipids accumulation.
- Cellular mechanisms involved in obesity/type 2 diabetes/MAFLD development: the importance of insulin resistance.
- Cellular mechanisms involved in obesity/type 2 diabetes/MAFLD development: role of oxidative damage process and inflammation.
- Cellular mechanisms involved in obesity/type 2 diabetes/MAFLD development: role of apoptosis and fibrosis.
- Epigenetic and microbiome aspects involved in obesity/type 2 diabetes/MAFLD development.
- Novel pharmacologic alternatives for obesity/type 2 diabetes/MAFLD treatment (basic and clinical studies).