Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Hypothyroidism: What You Need to Know

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease globally, perhaps because of the drastic increase in prevalence around the world during the last 20 years and continues growing. The disease starts from simple steatosis (NAFL) that can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and, in some patients, progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The pathogenesis and pathophysiology of NAFLD are complex and involve different factors (genetic, metabolic, endocrinopathies, and others). One of the concerns that appeared in recent years is hypothyroidisminduced NAFLD. The pathogenesis is compound and not well understood, and an association between hypothyroidism and NAFLD remains controversial because of insufficient studies that can confirm it. More research is needed to determine the association between hypothyroidism and NAFLD and the underlying mechanisms. In this review, we will discuss a more in-depth analysis of the physiology of thyroid hormones (TH) as well as the pathophysiology of hypothyroidism-induced NAFLD and, based on the recent metaanalyses, the association of thyroid hormones and NAFLD.

Identification of potential immunotherapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers in Graves' disease using weighted gene co-expression network analysis

“…Noteworthy findings encompass heightened DNA binding transcription factor processes, links to conditions like Microcephaly, primary autosomal recessive cataracts, spastic paraparesis, speech delay, and perturbations related to peroxisomal fatty Acyl-Coa reductase disorder [ 48 ]. These insights underscore the potential involvement of these processes in the mechanisms driving GD [ 48 , 49 ].…”

Low thyroid function is associated with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease

“…Thyroid hormones play a vital role in the thyroid-liver axis and lipid metabolism. 4 Hypothyroidism can lead to metabolic disorders and thus affect the clinical progress of liver disease. 5 MASLD was a new term introduced in 2023 to replace non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).…”

“…The thyroid hormone is an important hormone to maintain the normal metabolism of the body and has an important role in maintaining fat metabolism in the liver. Thyroid hormones play a vital role in the thyroid–liver axis and lipid metabolism 4 . Hypothyroidism can lead to metabolic disorders and thus affect the clinical progress of liver disease 5 .…”