Role of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in alleviating hepatic steatosis: Targeting M1 macrophage polarization in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a critical global health concern, continues to challenge medical researchers with limited treatment options. This letter examines on the study by Luo et al, demonstrating that vitamin D 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ [1,25(OH)₂D₃] improves hepatic steatosis in NAFLD by inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization via the vitamin D receptor-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma signaling pathway. This letter critically appraises these findings, comparing them to similar studies, and discusses their potential implications for treating NAFLD. Furthermore, we highlight future directions, including dose optimization and mechanistic studies.

Hepatic steatosis; M1 macrophage polarization; Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; Vitamin D; Vitamin D receptor pathway.