Open Access

Protective effect of exercise on metabolic dysfunction‑associated fatty liver disease: Potential epigenetic mechanisms (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Yanhua Zhang
    • Yuqin Wei
    • Huan Liu
    • Yanju Guo
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: July 15, 2025     https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2025.5587
  • Article Number: 146
  • Copyright : © Zhang et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License [CC BY 4.0].

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Abstract

Metabolic dysfunction‑associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the most prevalent cause of chronic liver disease worldwide and poses a major health burden that is closely linked to obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. While extensive research has elucidated key molecular drivers, no pharmacological therapies have been approved. Emerging evidence highlights the transformative role of physical exercise as a potent nonpharmacological intervention capable of inducing durable metabolic improvements. Epigenetic remodeling, which encompasses DNA methylation, histone modifications and non‑coding RNA regulation, has been increasingly recognized as a key mechanism driving these long‑lasting effects. Aberrant epigenetic modifications disrupt hepatic lipid metabolism, mitochondrial function, autophagy, inflammation and fibrosis progression, thereby driving MAFLD pathogenesis. The present review comprehensively covers the current knowledge on epigenetic mechanisms implicated in MAFLD and systematically assesses how distinct exercise modalities reshape these epigenetic landscapes to restore hepatic metabolic homeostasis. Understanding the epigenetic underpinnings of exercise‑induced hepatic protection offers a promising avenue for advancing personalized interventions and novel therapeutics for MAFLD.
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October-2025
Volume 56 Issue 4

Print ISSN: 1107-3756
Online ISSN:1791-244X

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Copy and paste a formatted citation
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Spandidos Publications style
Zhang Y, Wei Y, Liu H and Guo Y: Protective effect of exercise on metabolic dysfunction‑associated fatty liver disease: Potential epigenetic mechanisms (Review). Int J Mol Med 56: 146, 2025.
APA
Zhang, Y., Wei, Y., Liu, H., & Guo, Y. (2025). Protective effect of exercise on metabolic dysfunction‑associated fatty liver disease: Potential epigenetic mechanisms (Review). International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 56, 146. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2025.5587
MLA
Zhang, Y., Wei, Y., Liu, H., Guo, Y."Protective effect of exercise on metabolic dysfunction‑associated fatty liver disease: Potential epigenetic mechanisms (Review)". International Journal of Molecular Medicine 56.4 (2025): 146.
Chicago
Zhang, Y., Wei, Y., Liu, H., Guo, Y."Protective effect of exercise on metabolic dysfunction‑associated fatty liver disease: Potential epigenetic mechanisms (Review)". International Journal of Molecular Medicine 56, no. 4 (2025): 146. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2025.5587