Metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a highly prevalent metabolic disorder characterized by hepatic steatosis in conjunction with at least one cardiometabolic risk factor, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia. As global rates of obesity and metabolic syndrome continue to rise, MASLD is becoming a major public health concern, with projections indicating a substantial increase in prevalence over the coming decades. The disease spectrum ranges from simple steatosis to metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, contributing to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. This review delves into the molecular mechanisms driving MASLD pathogenesis, including dysregulation of lipid metabolism, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and gut microbiota alterations. Recent advances in research have highlighted the role of genetic and epigenetic factors in disease progression, as well as novel therapeutic targets such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), fibroblast growth factors, and thyroid hormone receptor beta agonists. Given the multifaceted nature of MASLD, a multidisciplinary approach integrating early diagnosis, molecular insights, lifestyle interventions, and personalized therapies is critical. This review underscores the urgent need for continued research into innovative treatment strategies and precision medicine approaches to halt MASLD progression and improve patient outcomes.

This bibliometric review analyzed global research trends on the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) from 2010 to 2024. A total of 115 PubMed-indexed publications were identified using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)-based search strategies, with citation counts and journal impact factors obtained from Web of Science. The analysis considered multiple bibliometric indicators, including publication counts, citation frequencies, author productivity, journal impact, country contributions, and publication languages. Over the study period, research output increased at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1%, peaking in 2021 with 13 publications. The average number of citations per year was 421.3, with a peak in 2013 (910 citations) and a citation CAGR of −23.9%, a pattern likely influenced by the shorter citation window of recent studies. Research activity was dominated by China and the United States, while no publications originated from Spanish-speaking countries despite the high regional prevalence of both conditions. These findings reveal a pronounced geographical imbalance in the literature, emphasizing the urgent need to stimulate research in underrepresented regions. Furthermore, the recent nomenclature transition from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to MASLD is expected to influence future bibliometric trends, requiring hybrid search strategies to ensure continuity in literature tracking during the transitional period.