The interplay of Western diet and binge drinking on the onset, progression, and outlook of liver disease

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and alcoholic liver disease, the two most prevalent liver diseases worldwide, share a common pathology but have largely been considered disparate diseases. Liver diseases are widely underestimated, but their prevalence is increasing worldwide. The Western diet (high-fat, high-sugar) and binge drinking (rapid consumption of alcohol in a short period of time) are two highly prevalent features of standard life in the United States, and both are linked to the development and progression of liver disease. Yet, few studies have been conducted to elucidate their potential interactions. Data shows binge drinking is on the rise in several age groups, and poor dietary trends continue to be prevalent. This review serves to summarize the sparse findings on the hepatic consequences of the combination of binge drinking and consuming a Western diet, while also drawing conclusions on potential future impacts. The data suggest the potential for a looming liver disease epidemic, indicating that more research on its progression as well as its prevention is needed on this critical topic.

Association of five diet scores with severe NAFLD incidence: A prospective study from UK Biobank

“…Studies have shown that Western diets combined with alcohol are associated with a higher risk of NAFLD. 45 Yet, further research is needed to identify if a healthier diet may protect the liver against the effect of alcohol in people without liver damage. Regarding central obesity, obesity is a known metabolic risk factor associated with NAFLD.…”

“…Sugars, particularly fructose through sugar‐sweetened consumption, have been particularly important considering their effect on metabolic complications 46 . Excessive sugar intake stimulates de novo lipogenesis, which is later converted into fat, 45 stored as triglycerides and deposited in the liver, potentially resulting in steatosis 45 . Fructose is the monosaccharide that stimulates more hepatic de novo lipogenesis than other monosaccharides such as glucose 46,48 or polysaccharides such as starch 46,49 .…”

Once a week consumption of Western diet over twelve weeks promotes sustained insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fat liver disease in C57BL/6 J mice

“…This type of food characterizes the so-called Western diets, named after its origin in Western industrialized countries, although currently highly consumed globally, specially by low-income population due to its attractive price as compared to highly nutritive fresh nourishments 1 – 4 . Indeed, epidemiologic studies link the consumption of Western diets to augmented risk of developing different conditions, such as obesity 5 , 6 , T2DM 2 , 7 , CVD 8 , 9 , liver diseases 2 , cancers 1 , 3 , Alzheimer’s disease 10 among others 4 .…”

Citrate enrichment in a Western diet reduces weight gain via browning of adipose tissues without resolving diet-induced insulin resistance in mice

“…Ultra-processed foods (UPF) are widely available and consumed worldwide due to their "ready-to-cook" property known as "easy meals" in developed and less developed countries. [1][2][3][4] These foods, rich in fat and simple sugars, provide high caloric values within small portions. Diets based on UPF, containing a small (or no) amounts of vegetables, naturally occurring unsaturated fat and natural sources of vitamins, are referred as a Western diets due to their origin in Western developed countries, although currently these diets are highly consumed globally.…”

“…Consumption of a Western diet is commonly associated with the development of liver and cardio-vascular diseases, diabetes and cancers, among other diseases. [1][2][3][4] The major components of a Western diet, saturated fats, and sugars, have been extensively studied as the inducers of the undesired effects. However, other minor components, such as the food additives, while present in relatively small amounts, are disproportionately represented due to the high consumption of UPF.…”