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Obesity and air pollution: global risk factors for pediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Roya Kelishadi1, Parinaz Poursafa
1Pediatrics Department, Child Health Promotion Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, IR Iran.
Insights
Pediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rising due to obesity and environmental factors like air pollution. Understanding NAFLD
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Environmental Health
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a significant and growing health concern in children.
- While obesity is a primary driver, environmental factors including smoking and air pollution are increasingly implicated in pediatric NAFLD.
- Systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance are key etiological factors linking obesity and environmental exposures to NAFLD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current epidemiological data on pediatric NAFLD.
- To discuss the diagnostic approaches for NAFLD in children.
- To explore the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms of pediatric NAFLD and emphasize prevention strategies.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of existing studies on pediatric NAFLD.
- Analysis of epidemiological trends, diagnostic criteria, and etiological factors.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on pathogenesis, focusing on obesity and environmental influences.
Main Results:
- Pediatric NAFLD incidence is escalating, driven by obesity and environmental exposures.
- Key etiological factors include inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance.
- The review consolidates current understanding of NAFLD epidemiology, diagnosis, and pathogenesis in children.
Conclusions:
- Further research into the mechanisms of pediatric NAFLD is crucial.
- Broadening prevention and control efforts for obesity and air pollution is essential.
- Addressing these risk factors can mitigate the serious health consequences of pediatric NAFLD.
Abstract:
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming as an important health problem in the pediatric age group. In addition to the well-documented role of obesity on the fatty changes in liver, there is a growing body of evidence about the role of environmental factors, such as smoking and air pollution, in NAFLD. Given that excess body fat and exposure to air pollutants is accompanied by systemic low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress, as well as alterations in insulin/insulin-like growth factor and insulin resistance, all of which are etiological factors related to NAFLD, an escalating trend in the incidence of pediatric NAFLD can be expected in the near future. This review focuses on the current knowledge regarding the epidemiology, diagnosis and pathogenesis of pediatric NAFLD. The review also highlights the importance of studying the underlying mechanisms of pediatric NAFLD and the need for broadening efforts in prevention and control of the main risk factors. The two main universal risk factors for N LD, obesity and air pollution, have broad adverse health effects, and reducing their prevalence will help abate the serious health problems associated with pediatric NAFLD.
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