The Relationship Between Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease  and Hormonal Disorders in Children: A Literature Review
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Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Poland
 
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Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Silesia, Poland
 
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Private Dental Practice- Wojciech Liszka, Poland
 
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Private Dental Practice- Kinga Kosiń, Poland
 
 
Submission date: 2025-06-13
 
 
Acceptance date: 2025-08-28
 
 
Publication date: 2025-10-30
 
 
Corresponding author
Maria Malina   

Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
 
 
Wiadomości Lekarskie 2025;(10):2193-2199
 
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ABSTRACT
Objective: This narrative review summarizes current evidence regarding hormonal disturbances associated with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease in children. Focus was given to thyroid function, insulin sensitivity, gonadal hormones in boys, and vitamin D levels in relation to hepatic and metabolic abnormalities. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted for literature published between January 2015 and June 2025. Studies included children aged 0–18 years with confirmed metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease based on imaging, histological, or biochemical criteria. Eligible articles reported data on at least one hormonal axis and included original research, meta-analyses, or high-quality narrative reviews. Adult-only studies, case series with fewer than ten participants, and articles lacking full text or endocrine data were excluded. Results: Subclinical hypothyroidism occurred in 18–42% of affected children, insulin resistance in over 65%, reduced testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin in boys, and vitamin D deficiency in 55–70% of cases. These disturbances correlated with liver enzyme elevations and steatosis severity. Weight reduction of 7–10% improved insulin resistance, thyroid and sex hormone parameters, and vitamin D status. Preliminary findings support potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation and levothyroxine therapy, though large-scale trials remain limited. Conclusions: Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease in children is a multisystem condition where hormonal dysfunction contributes to disease progression. Comprehensive endocrine evaluation should be part of standard care. Further research is needed, particularly in younger children, girls, and diverse populations.
eISSN:2719-342X
ISSN:0043-5147
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