The Triad of Risk: Linking MASLD, Cardiovascular Disease and Type 2 Diabetes; From Pathophysiology to Treatment

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is an emerging global health concern, and it is not only the keystone precursor of eventual liver-related morbidity, but it also places patients at considerably higher cardiovascular risk, which is still a leading cause of death in these patients. The most important common underlying pathophysiological mechanisms in these diseases are primarily related to insulin resistance, chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. The presence of MASLD with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) elevates the risk for poor outcomes, thus this review highlights a method to the therapeutic approaches. Given the intertwined nature of MASLD, T2DM, and CVD, there is an urgent need for therapeutic strategies that address all three conditions. Although lifestyle changes are important as treatment, medication plays a crucial role in managing hyperglycemia, enhancing liver function and lowering cardiovascular risk. The onset and progression of MASLD should be addressed through a multifaceted therapeutic approach, targeting inflammatory, immune, metabolic, oxidative stress, hormonal and gutaxis pathways, alongside the treatment strategies for T2DM. In this review, we discuss the effects of antidiabetic drugs with an impact on both liver outcomes and cardiovascular risk in patients affected by MASLD, T2DM and CDV.