**Liver Alterations in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MASLD) Directly Cause Cognitive and Neurological Impairments — and Can Be Reversed**
*Medical Xpress / University of Seville / Science Advances | Oct. 30, 2025 | By Teresa Cardoso Delgado et al.*
A multidisciplinary research team has discovered that liver alterations associated with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) can directly cause cognitive and neurological impairments. Remarkably, these effects can be reversed by a therapy exclusively targeting the liver.
The findings establish the existence of a clinically relevant and therapeutically actionable “liver-brain axis.”
### Key Findings
The study demonstrates that animal models of diet-induced metabolic liver disease exhibit notable impairments in social memory and sensory processing. These behavioral changes are accompanied by dysfunctions in the hippocampus, a critical brain region responsible for memory and learning.
Most promisingly, these cognitive and neurological alterations were reversed by treating the liver with an innovative siRNA-based therapy targeting **CNNM4**, a magnesium transporter altered in this hepatic condition. The therapy employs a highly specific GalNAc-siRNA delivery system for targeted liver intervention.
### Expert Insights
“Our work demonstrates that fatty liver and hepatic inflammation can directly affect the brain and behavior. This opens up an entirely new therapeutic avenue: treating the liver to improve cognitive function,” explains Martínez-Chantar.
“Moreover, we show how cutting-edge molecular biology technologies and targeted therapies can have a real impact on brain function, combining precision and efficacy,” adds Teresa Cardoso Delgado.
### Practical Implications
Cognitive and neurological functions may improve by addressing fatty liver disease. Approaches such as weight reduction and taking 300 mg of pantethine twice daily have been shown to help reduce fatty liver.
—
*Read more about this pioneering research at MedicalXpress.com.*
—
### About the Author
This article was posted by ConservativeMind on the “Take Charge Of Your Health” Ping List — a high-volume list dedicated to health articles and studies that offer actionable insights you or your doctor can implement immediately for your benefit.
To subscribe to the “Common/Top Issues” list (with 20-25% fewer emails) or the “Everything” list, please email ConservativeMind.
—
*Disclaimer: Opinions expressed herein are those of individual posters and do not necessarily reflect the views of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted are protected accordingly.*
https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4351220/posts
