Synergistic Effects of Fructose and Food Preservatives on Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD): From Gut Microbiome Alterations to Hepatic Gene Expression

: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a growing global health problem closely linked to dietary habits, particularly high fructose consumption. This study investigates the combined effects of fructose and common food preservatives (sodium benzoate, sodium nitrite, and potassium sorbate) on the development and progression of MASLD.