Research progress on the correlation between metabolic associated fatty liver disease and psoriasis

In recent years, clinical and animal studies have confirmed that metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a multisystem disease. The extrahepatic complications of MAFLD, including cardiovascular disease, tumors, metabolic nephropathy, obstructive apnea syndrome, osteoporosis, psoriasis, iron overload, and various metabolic and endocrine diseases, are closely related. The incidence of these diseases is far higher than that of the liver disease itself. This article provides a comprehensive review of the correlation between MAFLD and psoriasis. Studies have shown that MAFLD is a common disease in adult patients with psoriasis. MAFLD is associated with a higher likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome and more severe skin disease in patients with psoriasis. In addition, patients with psoriasis are more likely to develop more severe MAFLD. However, further research is needed to clarify the biological mechanisms of MAFLD and psoriasis. Healthcare providers of patients with psoriasis should watch for the development of this liver disease. The coexistence of MAFLD should also be considered when planning treatment, because of the potential hepatotoxic effects of some conventional drugs for the treatment of psoriasis.