Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2025
Author Spotlight: Establishing MASLD Cell Models for Investigating Disease Mechanisms and the Lipid-Lowering Effects of Koumiss
Published on: July 19, 2024
Effect of exercise-based interventions in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review with meta-analysis
Heechul Nam1, Jeong-Ju Yoo2, Yuri Cho3
1Department of Internal Medicine, Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Uijeongbu, 11765, Republic of Korea.
Background:
The global burden of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rapidly increasing.
Aims:
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of exercise on intrahepatic lipid (IHL), serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), body mass index (BMI), and insulin resistance in NAFLD patients.
Methods:
We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, KMbase, and the Korean Studies Information Service System through April 2022. The included studies were randomised control trials (RCTs) of exercise, in which IHL was measured using magnetic resonance imaging in adult NAFLD patients.
Results:
Eleven RCTs with 577 participants were included in this meta-analysis. Exercise was significantly associated with a reduction in IHL (mean difference (MD), -2.03; 95% CI, -3.26 to -0.79; P = 0.001) and a decrease in ALT (MD, -4.17; 95% CI, -6.60 to -1.73; P = 0.0008). Regarding the duration of exercise, maintaining exercise for more than 3 months significantly improved IHL (MD, -3.62; 95% CI, -5.76 to -1.48; P = 0.0009), while exercise for less than 3 months did not (MD, -1.23; 95% CI, -2.74 to 0.29; P = 0.11). BMI and insulin resistance did not improve significantly with exercise.
Conclusions:
We found that exercise improved IHL and ALT levels in NAFLD patients. The effect of exercise is particularly increased when one engages in exercises that last longer than 3 months.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Ultrasound II: Endoscopic Ultrasound and FibroScan
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):
01:26Atherosclerosis III: Management
01:28Overview 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...
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:30Liver Physiology
Metabolic Regulation:
The liver is the central organ involved in regulating blood composition. It stabilizes blood glucose levels, maintaining them within the range of 70–110 mg/dL. When these levels drop, the liver breaks down glycogen reserves and releases glucose into the bloodstream. It can...
01:24Overview of Lipid Metabolism
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...