Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 21, 2026

Novel In Vivo Micro-Computed Tomography Imaging Techniques for Assessing the Progression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Published on: March 24, 2023
Hyperferritinemia in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Iron Accumulation or Inflammation?
Wenke Moris1,2,3, Pauline Verhaegh2,3, Daisy Jonkers2,3
1Department of Internal Medicine Gastroenterology and Clinical Geriatrics, Zuyderland Medical Center, Heerlen, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Hyperferritinemia, observed in inflammation, iron overload as well as in combination of both, is found in ∼30% of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients. The authors summarized the evidence regarding the potential cause of hyperferritinemia in NAFLD, as this may affect the indicated therapy. A systematic literature search was conducted in EMBASE, PubMed, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane library. In the majority of NAFLD patients, hyperferritinemia is due to inflammation without hepatic iron overload. In a smaller group, a dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome (DIOS) is found, showing hyperferritinemia in combination with mild iron accumulation in the reticuloendothelial cells. The smallest group consists of NAFLD patients with hemochromatosis. Phlebotomy is only effective with hepatocellular iron overload and should not be the treatment when hyperferritinemia is related to inflammation, whether or not combined with DIOS. Treatment with lifestyle changes is to date probably the more effective way until new medication is becoming available.
More Related Videos
09:27Analysis of Liver Microenvironment During Early Progression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Zebrafish
Published on: April 1, 2021
08:45Quantitating Iron Transport Across the Mouse Placenta In Vivo Using Nonradioactive Iron Isotopes
Published on: May 10, 2022
Related Concept Videos
Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not...
Inflammation
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test
Overview of Fatty Acid Metabolism
Fatty acids are catabolized in a process called beta-oxidation, which takes place in the matrix of the mitochondria and converts their fatty acid chains into two-carbon units of acetyl groups. The acetyl...
Drug Accumulation During Multiple Dosing: Repetitive IV Injections
Drug Accumulation During Multiple Dosing: Intermittent IV Infusions