Genes in Alcoholic Liver Disease: A Complex Interplay

Abstract

Alcohol-related liver disease is a major public health problem, with a varying clinical course and often devastating consequences. Its spectrum can vary from alcohol-related fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Multiple environmental, genetic, socio-economic and epigenetic factors are intrinsically involved, affecting disease behavior and progression. Recent advances in genome-wide association studies have identified multiple genetic polymorphisms that may affect the pathophysiological process, and in turn, affect disease progression. Although the present understanding of this complex process remains nascent at best, there is an ardent need to incorporate available genetic markers into diagnostic and prognostic algorithms. This may pave the way for future research into targeted therapies.