Serum uric acid: a new therapeutic target for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Dan-Qin Sun1, Sheng-Jie Wu2, Wen-Yue Liu3
1a 1 Nanjing Medical University, Affiliated Wuxi Second Hospital, Department of Nephrology , Wuxi 214002, China.
Introduction:
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major, worldwide public health problem. NAFLD is recognized as a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. However, physicians are currently limited by available treatment options. Recently, numerous studies have reported a correlation between serum uric acid (SUA) and NAFLD with numerous clinical and experimental studies demonstrating a significant correlation. This review will focus on the role of SUA in the development of NAFLD and its potential role as a new target for therapeutic intervention.
Areas Covered:
This review discusses SUA as a significant independent factor in the development of NAFLD. Moreover, we introduce the causal relationship between SUA, metabolic syndrome, and NAFLD. We discuss two major theories of insulin resistance and inflammasomes as potential explanations of the mechanistic link between SUA and NAFLD. In addition, we review current and emerging therapeutic medications to control appropriate SUA levels.
Expert Opinion:
There is an urgent need to develop novel, safe and effective therapies for the growing NAFLD epidemic. Reduction of SUA may be a promising potential treatment for patients with NAFLD. Clinical studies are required to determine the therapeutic effect of attenuation of hyperuricemia in humans with NAFLD.
Related Concept Videos
Ultrasound II: Endoscopic Ultrasound and FibroScan
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test
Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents
Atherosclerosis III: Management
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets
![Quantitative SERS Detection of Uric Acid via Formation of Precise Plasmonic Nanojunctions within Aggregates of Gold Nanoparticles and Cucurbit[n]uril](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F61682.jpg&w=3840&q=50)

