Temporal reorganization of maternal care during early life stress in mice.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a chronic liver condition primarily driven by metabolic dysfunction. Previously referred to as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), its development and progression are closely linked to overnutrition, insulin resistance (IR) and dyslipidaemia. MAFLD may progress to metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), liver fibrosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma, and now represents the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Epidemiological data suggest that approximately 25% of the global population is affected by MAFLD. In China, the prevalence of MAFLD increased from 22.75% to 35.58% between 2011 and 2018. It is estimated that by 2030, the number of individuals with MAFLD in China will reach 314.58 million. The condition is becoming increasingly common, particularly among young and middle-aged adults. Global survey data indicate that the global adult obesity rate increased 3.5‑fold between 1990 and 2022. Overweight and obesity are key risk factors for the onset and progression of MAFLD, and can contribute to metabolic syndrome and related complications, including type 2 diabetes (T2DM), hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, and cardiovascular disease, all of which directly affect the health of young and middle‑aged adults. Studies have shown that the prevalence of MAFLD among overweight and obese individuals is as high as 50.7%, significantly higher than in the general population. MAFLD is not confined to the liver but also involves multiple organ systems. Hypothyroidism has been linked to NAFLD, possibly through mechanisms such as visceral fat accumulation, abnormal lipid metabolism, and direct effects of thyroid‑stimulating hormone (TSH) on hepatocytes. Helicobacter pylori infection is an independent risk factor for NAFLD and is associated with the degree of hepatic steatosis (controlled attenuation parameter, CAP). In patients with NAFLD who experience acute ischaemic stroke, both stroke severity and short‑term clinical outcomes appear to be worse. At present, no specific pharmacotherapy is approved for MAFLD; lifestyle intervention remains the first‑line treatment strategy. Besides traditional metabolic factors, psychosocial factors are receiving growing attention in the context of obesity and related metabolic abnormalities. Social support refers to emotional and practical resources provided by family, friends, and social networks, and is an important resource that influences mental health and health behaviours., Existing studies suggest that higher levels of social support are associated with better mental health and quality of life in patients with NAFLD, whereas lower support is linked to anxiety, depression, and negative coping strategies. These associations are more pronounced in patients with NASH (now MASH) and fibrosis. Neuroimaging evidence indicates that social support may reduce negative emotions and binge eating by enhancing synchrony in brain networks, including the executive control network, salience network, and anterior cingulate cortex. Because MAFLD management relies heavily on lifestyle interventions, long‑term maintenance of healthy behaviours is particularly important. Research has identified social support as a key factor in lifestyle changes among MAFLD patients, and a lack of social support may represent a major barrier to adopting healthy behaviours. Furthermore, family support has been shown to facilitate dietary changes. Among NAFLD patients following a Mediterranean diet, family support improved adherence, thereby enhancing weight management and metabolic parameters. According to the main‑effects model of social support, support can directly and positively influence mental health and behavioural outcomes, helping to reduce psychological distress and promote healthy behaviours.