Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and the metabolic syndrome: An update

Abstract

Sedentary lifestyle and poor dietary choices are leading to a weight gain epidemic in westernized countries, subsequently increasing the risk for developing the metabolic syndrome and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is estimated to affect approximate 30% of the general US population and is considered the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome. Re c e n t f i n d i n g s l i n k i n g t h e c o m p o n e n t s o f t h e metabolic syndrome with NAFLD and the progression to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) will be reviewed; in particular, the role of visceral adipose tissue, insulin resistance, and adipocytokines in the exacerbation of these condi tions. While no therapy has been proven effective for treating NAFLD/NASH, common recommendations will be discussed.

Moderate to vigorous physical activity volume is an important factor for managing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A retrospective study

“…31 Therefore, it is noteworthy that MVPA for !250 minÁwk 21 led to a marked increase in the adiponectin levels in comparison with MVPA for <150 minÁwk 21 and MVPA for 150-250 minÁwk 21 (Table 4). Thus, MVPA for !250 minÁwk 21 is further beneficial as a lifestyle PA program in obese subjects.…”

Genome-scale metabolic modelling of hepatocytes reveals serine deficiency in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

“…NAFLD is progressively diagnosed worldwide 25 , is tightly associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, insulin-resistance and hypertension, and represents a severe risk for the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma 26 . Despite its severe drawbacks, liver biopsy is still the most common procedure for diagnosing NASH 18 .…”

Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Is Regulated by the IRE1α-XBP1 Branch of the Unfolded Protein Response and Counteracts Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-induced Hepatic Steatosis

“…ER stress represents an important mechanism that underlies metabolic disorders (13)(14)(15), including the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a hallmark of metabolic syndrome and a major health burden in both developed and developing countries (16,17). A number of clinical studies have shown increased ER stress markers in both liver and adipose tissues from human subjects with obesity and NAFLD (18 -21).…”