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Nonalcoholic Fatty liver disease/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in childhood: endocrine-metabolic "mal-programming"

Sara Manti1, Claudio Romano1, Valeria Chirico1

  • 1Department of Pediatric Sciences, Genetics and Pediatric Immunology Unit, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.

Hepatitis Monthly
|May 16, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing concern, often progressing to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Its exact causes remain unclear, necessitating further research into environmental, genetic, and metabolic factors.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Hepatology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the predominant chronic liver condition in children.
  • NAFLD encompasses a range of liver abnormalities, from simple fat accumulation (steatosis) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), with increasing prevalence in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and contributing factors of pediatric NAFLD/NASH.
  • To emphasize the need for further research into the disease's natural history and outcomes in children.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted using major electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Orphanet, Midline, Cochrane Library).
  • Key search terms included "non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, children, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and fatty liver" for studies published from 1998 to the present.

Main Results:

  • NAFLD/NASH development is likely multifactorial, involving environmental and genetic influences, immune system dysregulation (oxidative stress, inflammation), obesity, and metabolic issues like insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.
  • The precise etiology of pediatric NAFLD/NASH remains underdiagnosed and not fully understood.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric NAFLD/NASH represents a significant and increasing health challenge.
  • Insufficient longitudinal studies hinder a complete understanding of NAFLD's natural history and outcomes in children.
  • Further investigation into underlying mechanisms and a personalized management approach are crucial for pediatric NAFLD/NASH.
Abstract

Keywords:
Mallory BodiesNon-Alcoholic Fatty Liver DiseaseOxidative Stress

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