The outcomes and mechanisms of chronic hepatitis B complicated by metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

Abstract

Background: In recent years, the rising prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome has led to an increased number of individuals developing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Furthermore, given the substantial global prevalence of chronic hepatitis B (CHB), instances of MASLD coexisting with CHB are becoming increasingly commonplace in clinical scenarios. Both conditions can lead to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and potentially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the intricacies of the dual etiology, consequential outcomes, and associated risks of CHB concurrent with MASLD are still not fully understood.

Data sources: A literature search was conducted on PubMed for articles published up to March 2024. The search keywords included nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, chronic hepatitis B, liver fibrosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, and oxidative stress.

Results: This review examined recent studies on the interplay between MASLD and CHB. The coexistence of these conditions may facilitate the clearance of hepatitis B surface antigen from the serum and impede hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication. Conversely, individuals with coexisting CHB tend to exhibit a lower rate of hypertriglyceridemia and reduced serum triglyceride levels compared with those only having NAFLD. Nevertheless, these observations do not necessarily indicate universally positive outcomes. Indeed, MASLD and CHB may synergistically act as "co-conspirators" to exacerbate clinical manifestations, particularly liver fibrosis and HCC.

Conclusions: As our understanding of the interaction between steatosis and HBV infection becomes clearer, we can better assess the risk of advanced liver disease in patients with concurrent CHB and MASLD. These insights will support the exploration of potential underlying mechanisms and may provide recommendations for improving patient outcomes.

Keywords: Chronic hepatitis B; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Liver fibrosis; Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease; Toll-like receptor signaling pathway.