Racial and Ethnic Disparities in NAFLD: Harnessing Epigenetic and Gut Microbiota Pathways for Targeted Therapeutic...

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing global health concern, impacting approximately 32.4% of the worldwide population. As a disease linked to metabolic dysfunction, NAFLD continues to rise alongside global increases in obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and metabolic syndrome. There is considerable evidence indicating that NAFLD disproportionately affects racial, ethnic, and minority groups, although the exact reasons for these disparities remain elusive. Contributing factors to this disease may include socioeconomic status, cultural influences, stress, genetic factors, and lifestyle choices. Emerging evidence suggests that these causal factors could influence epigenetic mechanisms, particularly DNA methylation and histone modifications, as well as the composition and diversity of gut microbiota. Nevertheless, there is a scarcity of research that comprehensively examines the interplay between epigenetic changes and gut microbiome variations in relation to NAFLD disparities across different racial and ethnic populations globally. This paper intends to (i) explore the connections between NAFLD, ethnic disparities, gut microbiota composition, and epigenetic alterations, while reviewing pertinent studies that illustrate how these factors contribute to health inequities among various ethnic groups impacted by this disease; (ii) explore potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers to advance the management of NAFLD; and (iii) provide insights to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms associated with this disease, thereby promoting further research in this field. Advancements in this area are anticipated to enhance our understanding of disease susceptibilities in at-risk groups and to provide new therapeutic options for NAFLD and its associated complications.