Steatosis and steatohepatitis: complex disorders.

Area of Science:

• Hepatology and Gastroenterology
• Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders
• Molecular and Genetic Pathology

Background:

• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), encompassing steatosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is a significant worldwide health concern.
• NAFLD is recognized as a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome (MetSy), closely associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
• The progression of NAFLD, from steatosis to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and potentially hepatocellular carcinoma, highlights its clinical importance and need for liver transplantation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of current knowledge and recent findings on the development and progression of NAFLD.
• To discuss the role of molecular key players and epigenetic factors (miRNAs, SNPs) in NAFLD pathogenesis.
• To explore the potential translation of these findings into human biology, diagnostics, and drug development.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and research findings.
• Analysis of data from murine models of liver disease.
• Examination of human patient studies investigating NAFLD.

Main Results:

• Identification of various molecular and epigenetic factors influencing NAFLD development and progression.
• Evidence suggesting a link between these factors and the pathogenesis of NAFLD/NASH.
• Ongoing debate regarding the direct translation of these findings into human biology and clinical applications.

Conclusions:

• NAFLD is a complex disease with significant global health implications, closely tied to metabolic disorders.
• Molecular and epigenetic factors play a role in NAFLD pathogenesis, warranting further investigation.
• Continued research is essential for advancing diagnostic parameters, developing effective treatments, and understanding the genetic impact on NAFLD.