Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
04:14
Incorporation of a Survivable Liver Biopsy Procedure in Mice to Assess Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) Resolution
Published on: April 16, 2019
Inflammation in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
R Christopher Harmon1, Dina G Tiniakos, Curtis K Argo
1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Virginia Health System, Box 800708, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA. rh5am@virginia.edu
Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology
|April 12, 2011
Summary
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) involves liver fat accumulation. Inflammation drives nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) progression to cirrhosis, with environmental and genetic factors playing key roles.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses conditions with excessive liver triglyceride accumulation.
- Simple steatosis may remain stable, but nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) can progress.
- Inflammation is considered a primary driver of NASH and subsequent fibrosis and cirrhosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and interpret current literature on NAFLD.
- To enhance understanding of the environmental and genetic causes of inflammation in NAFLD.
- To explore the effects of inflammation on NAFLD progression.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and interpretation.
- Analysis of existing research on NAFLD etiology.
- Synthesis of data on inflammatory pathways in liver disease.
Main Results:
- The review synthesizes current knowledge on NAFLD pathogenesis.
- Identifies key environmental and genetic factors contributing to liver inflammation.
- Highlights the role of inflammation in NASH progression to advanced liver disease.
Conclusions:
- Inflammation is central to NASH progression and adverse outcomes.
- Environmental and genetic factors significantly influence inflammatory processes in NAFLD.
- Further research into these factors is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:24Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology
Cirrhosis is a progressive chronic liver injury caused by prolonged inflammation, excessive fibrotic remodeling, and impaired regeneration. Over time, repeated hepatic insults disrupt the liver’s architecture and function, leading to reduced blood flow, impaired bile drainage, and diminished metabolic capacity.Pathophysiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis arises from three main responses to chronic liver damage: inflammation, immune activation, and hepatocyte death. These processes lead to structural...
01:21Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive and irreversible inflammation of the pancreas, most often caused by long-term alcohol abuse, but it can also be related to ductal obstruction, smoking, or genetic factors.Chronic pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas is repeatedly exposed to harmful agents like alcohol, smoking, ductal obstruction, or genetic predisposition. These factors lead to the release of toxic metabolites and inflammatory cytokines, sustaining chronic inflammation in the pancreatic...
01:28Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction
Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...
01:23Cirrhosis I: Introduction
Cirrhosis is a chronic, irreversible liver disease characterized by the widespread replacement of healthy liver tissue with fibrotic scar tissue and the formation of regenerative nodules.Etiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis results from sustained liver injury that triggers progressive fibrosis and structural remodeling. The underlying causes are diverse, encompassing common and less frequent clinical conditions. Regardless of the origin, all causes lead to chronic inflammation, hepatocyte loss, and...
01:25Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Chronic pancreatitis is a long-standing, relapsing inflammation of the pancreas, characterized by irreversible damage to the gland. It results in progressive destruction of the pancreatic parenchyma, fibrosis, and eventual loss of both exocrine and endocrine function. The disease may evolve gradually after multiple episodes of acute pancreatitis or develop independently.EtiologyChronic pancreatitis can arise from a variety of causes:Alcohol use is the leading cause, accounting for 70–80% of...
01:24Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
The pancreas, an elongated and flat gland situated behind the stomach, serves a vital function in digesting food and managing blood sugar levels.
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...