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New drugs for NAFLD: lessons from basic models to the clinic
Katharina C Reimer1, Alexander Wree2, Christoph Roderburg2
1Department of Medicine II, Nephrology/Rheumatology/Clinical Immunology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
Hepatology International
|December 6, 2019
Summary
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing global pandemic. This review explores NAFLD pathophysiology and novel therapeutic strategies, highlighting progress from basic models to clinical treatments for NASH and liver fibrosis.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology and gastroenterology
- Metabolic and endocrine disorders
- Drug discovery and development
Background:
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disease globally, encompassing a spectrum from simple fatty liver to cirrhosis.
- Its prevalence is rising alongside metabolic syndrome, obesity, and diabetes, necessitating urgent development of effective counterstrategies.
- Understanding NAFLD pathogenesis is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of NAFLD pathophysiology.
- To explore novel therapeutic strategies targeting different mechanisms of NASH progression.
- To discuss the translational challenges and opportunities from preclinical models to clinical applications.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of NAFLD pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches.
- Analysis of various in vitro and in vivo models used in NAFLD research.
- Evaluation of proposed and evaluated novel therapies for advanced NAFLD.
Main Results:
- NAFLD represents a spectrum of liver conditions, with NASH and fibrosis being key targets for intervention.
- Diverse in vitro and in vivo models have advanced the understanding of NAFLD.
- Novel therapies are being developed to target specific pathogenic mechanisms of NASH.
Conclusions:
- Effective counterstrategies are essential due to the pandemic nature of NAFLD.
- Translating findings from basic research models to clinical practice remains a significant challenge.
- Continued research into NAFLD pathophysiology and therapeutic targets holds promise for improved patient outcomes.
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