NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE AND EXTRA-HEPATIC CANCER: A NARRATIVE REVIEW
Achiles Queiroz Monteiro de Rezende1, Everton Cazzo1
1Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Departamento de Cirurgia, Campinas, SP, Brasil.
Arquivos De Gastroenterologia
|June 19, 2024
Summary
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is linked to an increased risk of developing various extra-hepatic cancers. This review confirms consistent evidence associating NAFLD with cancers of the colon, stomach, pancreas, breast, prostate, and bladder.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology and Oncology
- Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases
Background:
- Emerging research highlights significant associations between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the development of extra-hepatic cancers.
- Understanding this link is crucial for public health and clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature on the association between NAFLD and extra-hepatic cancer.
- To synthesize current evidence regarding NAFLD's role in various extra-hepatic malignancies.
Main Methods:
- A narrative literature review was performed using MEDLINE (PubMed) and LILACS (BVS databases).
- Search terms included "fatty liver" and "cancer".
- Original studies investigating NAFLD's impact on extra-hepatic cancers were selected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- The review included nine prospective cohort studies, one retrospective cohort study, three case-control studies, and three cross-sectional studies.
- Data synthesis focused on the relationship between NAFLD and different types of extra-hepatic cancers.
Conclusions:
- Consistent evidence supports a link between NAFLD and extra-hepatic carcinogenesis.
- NAFLD is particularly associated with increased risks of colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, breast, prostate, and bladder cancers.
Related Concept Videos
Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder
Liver and gallbladder diseases are a significant health concern, with prominent conditions including cirrhosis, hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and gallstones. Jaundice is a common manifestation of liver and biliary disease.
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 related to...
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 related to...
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
The pancreas, an elongated and flat gland situated behind the stomach, serves a vital function in digesting food and managing blood sugar levels.
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Ultrasound II: Endoscopic Ultrasound and FibroScan
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) and FibroScan are valuable diagnostic tools in gastroenterology and hepatology, each with specific applications and techniques.
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):
Cirrhosis I: Introduction
Cirrhosis is a chronic, irreversible liver disease characterized by the widespread replacement of healthy liver tissue with fibrotic scar tissue and the formation of regenerative nodules.Etiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis results from sustained liver injury that triggers progressive fibrosis and structural remodeling. The underlying causes are diverse, encompassing common and less frequent clinical conditions. Regardless of the origin, all causes lead to chronic inflammation, hepatocyte loss, and...
Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology
Cirrhosis is a progressive chronic liver injury caused by prolonged inflammation, excessive fibrotic remodeling, and impaired regeneration. Over time, repeated hepatic insults disrupt the liver’s architecture and function, leading to reduced blood flow, impaired bile drainage, and diminished metabolic capacity.Pathophysiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis arises from three main responses to chronic liver damage: inflammation, immune activation, and hepatocyte death. These processes lead to structural...
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive and irreversible inflammation of the pancreas, most often caused by long-term alcohol abuse, but it can also be related to ductal obstruction, smoking, or genetic factors.Chronic pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas is repeatedly exposed to harmful agents like alcohol, smoking, ductal obstruction, or genetic predisposition. These factors lead to the release of toxic metabolites and inflammatory cytokines, sustaining chronic inflammation in the pancreatic...


