Natural products targeting NLRP3 inflammasome for metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: the known unknowns.
10.1016/S1875-5364(25)60970-8
- Author:
Jiahui MENG
1
;
Qiqi WANG
1
;
Haopeng WANG
1
;
Xuange SHEN
1
;
Tingting QIN
2
;
Wen ZHAO
3
;
Haixia LI
4
,
5
;
Ziqiao YUAN
5
,
6
Author Information
1. Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Pingyuan Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
2. Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou 450008, China.
3. Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Pingyuan Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China. Electronic address: zhaowen@zzu.edu.cn.
4. Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Pingyuan Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China. Electronic address: lihx1024@
5. com.
6. Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Pingyuan Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China. Electronic address: figaroyzq@
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
MAFLD;
NLRP3 inflammasome;
Natural product
- MeSH:
Humans;
NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/immunology*;
Inflammasomes/metabolism*;
Biological Products/therapeutic use*;
Animals;
Fatty Liver/immunology*
- From:
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.)
2025;23(9):1036-1046
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), characterized by fatty acid overload, secondary chronic inflammation, and fibrosis, has become the most prevalent chronic liver disease globally. While no effective pharmacotherapy exists for MAFLD, mitigating inflammatory responses represents a promising approach to preventing the progression from steatosis to severe steatohepatitis. The NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, which detects endogenous danger and stress signals, has emerged as a significant target for inflammatory disease treatment, as transcriptional inactivation of its components demonstrates the therapeutic potential for MAFLD. Natural products targeting NLRP3 inflammasome activation have shown promising efficacy in MAFLD therapy. This review synthesizes the current understanding of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and therapeutic targets for NLRP3 homeostasis. Additionally, natural products reported to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome for MAFLD improvement are categorized according to their mechanisms of action. The review also addresses limitations and future directions regarding natural products targeting NLRP3 inflammasome in MAFLD treatment. Enhanced understanding of NLRP3 inflammasome activation mechanisms in MAFLD and the identification of novel natural products supported by mechanistic research will significantly advance MAFLD treatment.
