While the majority of those with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) will have simple hepatic steatosis, a minority will develop progressive steatohepatitis. Family studies and inter-ethnic variations in susceptibility suggest that genetic factors may be important in determining disease risk. Although no genetic associations with advanced NAFLD have been replicated in large studies, preliminary data suggest that polymorphisms in genes controlling lipid metabolism, pro-inflammatory cytokines, fibrotic mediators and oxidative stress may be associated with steatohepatitis and/or fibrosis. Recent whole genome-wide scans have identified genes contributing to inherited susceptibility to steatosis and it seems likely that similar approaches will identify genes associated with disease progression in the near future.

Keywords:
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, Free fatty acid
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel
2010
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.