Insights into the pathogenesis of NAFLD: The role of metabolic and pro-inflammatory mediators.

E. Xirouchakis; Penelopi Manousou; Lemonia Tsartsali; S. Georgopoulos; A.K. Burroughs

Authors E. Xirouchakis, Penelopi Manousou, Lemonia Tsartsali, S. Georgopoulos, A.K. Burroughs.

Abstract

Non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a part of the metabolic syndrome which also comprises obesity, dyslipidaemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension. The importance of NAFLD is due to its high prevalence and its potential to evolve into cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In recent years several molecular pathways have been shown to be involved in this syndrome.Moreover the role of many cytokines has been elucidated. In the present review we discuss the recent evidence regarding the role of metabolic and proinflammatory mediators in the pathogenesis of NAFLD.