The Role of Epigenetic Control of Mitochondrial (Dys)Function in MASLD Onset and Progression

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic fatty liver disease (MASLD), a novel definition for NAFLD, represents one of the most common causes of liver disease, and its incidence is increasing worldwide. It is characterized by a complex etiopathogenesis in which mitochondrial dysfunction exerts a pivotal role together with alteration of lipid metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Nutrients and bioactive compounds can influence such mechanisms so that changes in diet and lifestyle are regarded as important treatment strategies. Notably, natural compounds can exert their influence through changes of the epigenetic landscape, overall resulting in rewiring of molecular networks involved in cell and tissue homeostasis. Considering such information, the present review aims at providing evidence of epigenetic modifications occurring at mitochondria in response to natural and bioactive compounds in the context of liver (dys)function. For this purpose, recent studies reporting effects of compounds on mitochondria in the context of NAFLD/MASLD, as well as research showing alteration of DNA methylation and non-coding RNAs-related circuits occurring at liver mitochondria, will be illustrated. Overall, the present review will highlight the importance of understanding the bioactive compounds-dependent epigenetic modulation of mitochondria for improving the knowledge of MASLD and identifying biomarkers to be employed for effective preventative strategies or treatment protocols.

[Musculoskeletal disorders and the change in work organization]

In the documentations of the risk assessments required by the Decree 626/94, the risk of muscle-skeletal diseases is totally absent. Therefore, the first of our worries is to rise this problem and to give it the right social relevance as until now it has been considered a pure scientific issue. What is the reason of all this? The real reason is that the main source of these diseases is work organisation! In the actual work organisation in factories, there are a series of correlated risk factors which cannot be corrected without a radical preventive action. What is the border-line between physical and pathological strain? The acknowledgment of damage is only the starting point. The right way to face the decision and to prevent the rise of these diseases is, according to us, a change in the work organisation; an ergonomic planning of workplaces; a vision of factory manufacturing as the result of a balance among cost factors, health as a necessary bound and a progress in the industrial system.