Magnetic field exposure and liver disease: from current research to future directions

As both an environmental factor and a therapeutic modality, magnetic field (MF) exposure exerts a significant regulatory effect on liver physiology and pathology. This review systematically synthesizes the current body of evidence regarding the modulatory roles of MFs in liver diseases (LDs) and elaborates on the underlying potential mechanisms. Initially, the biological basis of the interaction between MFs and hepatic tissue is delineated. Subsequently, preclinical evidence is consolidated, which demonstrates that MFs with specific parameter settings exhibit protective or therapeutic potential in experimental models of acute liver injury (ALI), metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), hepatic fibrosis (HF), and hepatocellular carcinoma. Accumulating evidence indicates that MFs predominantly exert their regulatory effects by modulating interconnected biological pathways, including iron metabolism, oxidative stress, gut microbiota, as well as cellular autophagy and apoptosis. Collectively, these mechanisms constitute a complex regulatory network that underpins the hepatoprotective effects and potential therapeutic efficacy of MFs. Finally, future perspectives are proposed. While existing evidence remains predominantly preclinical, future research must prioritize the standardization of MF parameters, the further elucidation of underlying mechanisms, and the acceleration of clinical translation. These efforts are essential to definitively establish the therapeutic potential of MFs in the prevention and management of LDs.