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Roles of Ceramides in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Eric Hajduch1,2, Floriane Lachkar1,2, Pascal Ferré1,2
1Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 75006 Paris, France.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|March 6, 2021
Summary
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rising globally. This review highlights ceramides, a type of lipid, and their harmful role in NAFLD progression and liver damage due to lipotoxicity.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Lipid Metabolism
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent chronic liver condition affecting approximately 25% of Western populations.
- NAFLD spectrum ranges from simple steatosis to advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis, driven largely by the obesity epidemic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence implicating ceramides in the pathogenesis of NAFLD.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which ceramides contribute to hepatic lipotoxicity and disease progression.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating ceramide metabolism and function in NAFLD.
- Analysis of research on the impact of ceramides on hepatic cellular processes and metabolic pathways.
Main Results:
- Liver fat accumulation promotes the synthesis of specific lipids, notably ceramides.
- Ceramides exert detrimental effects on hepatic metabolism, a process termed lipotoxicity.
- Evidence supports a significant role for ceramides in the development and progression of NAFLD.
Conclusions:
- Ceramides are key mediators of lipotoxicity in the context of NAFLD.
- Targeting ceramide synthesis or action may offer therapeutic strategies for NAFLD.
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