Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease accelerates pancreatic cancer progression and metastasis via the macrophage migration inhibitory factor-CD44 axis.

ABSTRACT: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis, particularly in the presence of liver metastases. The mechanisms by which metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), influences PDAC progression and metastasis remain poorly understood. This study investigates the role of MASLD in fostering an immunosuppressive microenvironment conducive to PDAC liver metastases and identifies the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)-CD44 axis as a key mediator of this process. Utilizing data from the UK Biobank (450,754 participants, median follow-up 14.5 years), we observed an overall increased risk of PDAC in the MASLD population (HR: 3.48; 95% CI: 2.69-4.50; P < 0.000

SUBMITTER: Yu Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12811260 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature