SFB 1774/1 CARDDIAB

Liver endothelial dysfunction and its role in MASLD progression and cardiovascular complications

01/10/2026 to 30/09/2030

MASLD is associated with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular (CV) complications. Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) are fundamental for liver homeostasis and MASLD, as they release angiokines and nitric oxide (NO). Here we hypothesize that alterations in angiokines and NO metabolites released by LSEC promote MASLD and CV complications. We therefore investigate these signals in mice and humans with and without MASLD. We also analyze the extent by which MASLD and its CV complications are rescued by LSEC-specific reconstitution of selected angiokines and NO.