Risk Factors Related to the Development of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Public Health
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) poses significant public health challenges due to high morbidity and mortality.
• NAFLD is closely associated with metabolic syndrome, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
• Understanding early risk factors is critical for effective NAFLD management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and summarize the scientific literature on early risk factors for NAFLD development.
• To identify clinical and lifestyle factors associated with NAFLD.
• To inform preventive and therapeutic strategies for NAFLD.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of population-based cohort studies.
• Screening of studies reporting risk factors for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and NAFLD.
• Quality assessment using Downs and Black criteria, followed by data synthesis.

Main Results:

• Thirty publications were included, identifying key clinical risk factors: obesity, weight change, psoriasis, polycystic ovary syndrome, diabetes, thyroid disorders, and elevated serum uric acid.
• Lifestyle factors associated with NAFLD include sedentary behavior, smoking (active/passive), poor sleep quality, and consumption of carbonated beverages.
• Significant associations were found between various clinical and lifestyle factors and the risk of developing NAFLD.

Conclusions:

• Clinical and lifestyle factors are demonstrably linked to NAFLD development.
• These findings underscore the necessity for targeted preventive measures.
• Improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are needed to enhance metabolic, hepatic, and oncological outcomes in NAFLD patients.