A popular vitamin has proven to be an effective treatment for fatty liver disease

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (FLD) affects approximately 30% of the world's population and still lacks effective targeted therapy. An international team of scientists has discovered a key molecular mechanism of the disease — and proposed an unexpected solution: using the already well-known vitamin B3. The study was published in the journal Metabolism.

The scientists found that microRNA-93 levels are elevated in patients with fatty liver disease and in experimental models. This molecule suppresses the activity of the SIRT1 gene, which regulates fat metabolism in liver cells. As a result, fat accumulation, inflammation, and fibrosis are intensified.

Experiments showed that blocking microRNA-93 in mice reduces fatty infiltration of the liver, improves insulin sensitivity, and the overall condition of the organ. Conversely, an excess of this molecule exacerbates metabolic disorders.

In the next stage, the researchers screened more than 150 already approved drugs and found that niacin (vitamin B3) most effectively reduces microRNA-93 levels. In animals receiving niacin, SIRT1 activity was restored and fat metabolism in the liver was normalized.

The authors emphasize that niacin is already widely used to treat lipid metabolism disorders and has a well-studied safety profile. This makes it a promising candidate for a new FLD treatment strategy, including as part of combination approaches.

According to the researchers, the study paves the way for developing treatment methods targeting not the symptoms but the molecular mechanisms of the disease. However, clinical trials involving human participants are needed to confirm the effectiveness of this approach.