Hepatocyte senescence in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has emerged as a major global health challenge, with particularly high morbidity and disease burden. Cellular senescence has been identified as one of the core mechanisms driving the onset and progression of MASLD. Hepatocytes, the primary functional cells of the liver, can undergo a senescent state under metabolic stress. These senescent hepatocytes secrete a series of pro-inflammatory and profibrotic factors, directly exacerbating hepatic inflammation and activating hepatic stellate cells, thereby leading to pathological fibrosis. The purpose of this review is to explore the key molecular pathways of hepatocyte senescence and their impact on MASLD progression. Finally, we discuss relevant intervention strategies that can be used for the prevention and treatment of MASLD.