A safe, cheap vitamin shows promise in Fatty liver

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) affects nearly one-third of the global population, yet no targeted treatments currently exist. Now, researchers have identified a genetic driver of the disease and discovered that niacin (vitamin B3), an FDA-approved drug, may effectively counter it.

The study highlights the role of microRNA-93 (miR-93), a small RNA molecule highly expressed in liver cells. Elevated miR-93 levels were observed in both patients and animal models, where it promoted fat buildup, inflammation and fibrosis by blocking SIRT1, a gene critical for lipid metabolism. When researchers deleted miR-93 in mice, liver fat dropped and insulin sensitivity improved, while excess miR-93 worsened disease.

Screening 150 existing drugs revealed that niacin strongly suppressed miR-93, restored SIRT1 activity, and normalized lipid metabolism in mice. As niacin is already widely used and safe, it may represent a promising therapy for MASLD, either alone or in combination with other treatments.

27-09-2025