[NAFLD pathogenesis in the light of recent research]

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Metabolic Diseases
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent global liver condition.
• Increasing rates of type II diabetes and hypertension contribute to metabolic syndrome, with NAFLD as its hepatic manifestation.
• NAFLD affects both obese and lean individuals, potentially progressing to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the multifactorial pathogenesis of NAFLD.
• To elucidate the role of key factors influencing NAFLD development and progression.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of factors contributing to NAFLD pathogenesis.
• Analysis of scientific literature on insulin resistance, epigenetics, adipokine dysfunction, gut microbiota, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

Main Results:

• Insulin resistance is a primary driver of NAFLD.
• Epigenetic modifications, adipokine imbalances, gut dysbiosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory mediators (fatty acid derivatives) significantly influence NAFLD.
• These factors collectively contribute to the spectrum of NAFLD from simple steatosis to advanced liver disease.

Conclusions:

• NAFLD pathogenesis is complex and influenced by a combination of metabolic, genetic, and environmental factors.
• Understanding these contributing factors is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies for NAFLD.
• Targeting insulin resistance, inflammation, and gut health may offer promising avenues for NAFLD management.