A recent study has shown that daily low-dose aspirin may be an effective treatment for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), also known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This condition, characterized by fat buildup in the liver, affects up to a third of Americans and can lead to serious complications such as cirrhosis and liver failure.
The study, led by researchers at Harvard Medical School, involved 80 participants with MASLD who were randomly assigned to receive either daily aspirin or a placebo. After 6 months, those who received the aspirin showed a 6.6% reduction in liver fat on average, while those who received the placebo had a 3.6% increase. Additionally, tests of liver function showed improvement in the aspirin group.
According to lead author Andrew T. Chan, aspirin may provide a low-cost option to prevent progression to cirrhosis or liver cancer in patients with MASLD. The researchers believe that aspirin works by reducing inflammation and affecting fat metabolism in the liver.
While these results are promising, the researchers emphasize the need for further studies to confirm the benefits of aspirin use on liver fat in a larger population and determine the long-term effects. As MASLD is a common and serious condition with limited treatment options, the potential of aspirin as a therapeutic option is significant.
Overall, this study suggests that daily low-dose aspirin may be a promising treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, but more research is needed to fully understand its effects and ensure its safety and efficacy in the long term.