Non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases: current challenges and future directions

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Gastroenterology
• Metabolic Diseases

Background:

• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease globally.
• NAFLD prevalence is rising in Western and Eastern countries, necessitating effective management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review NAFLD and NASH definitions, screening criteria, and diagnostic needs.
• To explore current and emerging treatment strategies for NAFLD.
• To identify key risk factors and management approaches for NAFLD patients.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of NAFLD and NASH.
• Analysis of diagnostic tools, screening mechanisms, and treatment options.
• Evaluation of risk factors and patient management strategies.

Main Results:

• There is a critical need for non-invasive biomarkers to diagnose NAFLD/NASH severity and monitor disease progression.
• Emerging treatments like obeticholic acid and cenicriviroc show promise, alongside lifestyle modifications and bariatric surgery.
• Metformin and GLP-1 agonists demonstrate benefits for NAFLD in type 2 diabetes patients.

Conclusions:

• Effective management of NAFLD requires improved non-invasive diagnostics and targeted therapies.
• Lifestyle interventions, including weight loss and exercise, remain crucial for prevention and management.
• Further research is needed to address open questions in NAFLD patient care and treatment optimization.