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The Genetics of Pediatric Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Nidhi P Goyal1, Jeffrey B Schwimmer1

  • 1Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92993, USA; Department of Gastroenterology, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, Children's Way, San Diego, CA 92123, USA.

Clinics in Liver Disease
|November 13, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Genetics may influence the severity and progression of childhood nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Identifying genetic factors could help tailor treatments for at-risk pediatric populations.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Medical Genetics

Background:

  • Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the primary cause of chronic liver disease in children.
  • Pediatric NAFLD can rapidly progress to severe fibrosis and cirrhosis.
  • Genetic factors are suspected to significantly impact NAFLD presentation and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of genetic variations in pediatric NAFLD.
  • To identify genetic markers associated with NAFLD phenotype in children.
  • To pave the way for genetically tailored therapies in pediatric NAFLD.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on genetics and pediatric NAFLD.
  • Analysis of genotype-phenotype correlations in NAFLD cohorts.
  • Exploration of potential genetic screening strategies.

Main Results:

  • Emerging evidence suggests a strong genetic influence on NAFLD severity and natural history in children.
  • Specific genotypes may correlate with distinct NAFLD phenotypes, including fibrosis progression.
  • Further research is needed to validate these genetic associations.

Conclusions:

  • Genetics plays a crucial role in modifying the course of pediatric NAFLD.
  • Identifying at-risk populations through genetic profiling is a promising avenue.
  • Personalized therapeutic strategies based on genetic predispositions could reduce NAFLD morbidity in children.

Keywords:
Alanine aminotransferaseChildrenLiverNonalcoholic steatohepatitisObesityPNPLA3SteatosisTM6SF2

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