Korean J Gastroenterol.  2001 Jul;38(1):1-8.

Pathogenesis of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: Role of Lipid Peroxidation, Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Cytokines

• Park JW
• Yoo BC

Abstract

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NFLD) shows broad spectrum of disease entities such as steatosis (fatty liver), steatohepatitis and steatohepatitis with fibrosis. NFLD observed commonly in human liver biopsies, is mostly attributed to the obesity, diabetes or drugs. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), one entity of NFLD, is characterized by liver biopsy findings similar to those observed in alcoholic hepatitis without alcohol consumption. Although NASH is generally a benign disorder, it may be progressive, leading to cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease. There is no doubt that macrovesicular steatosis is associated with the development of necroinflammation, fibrosis and cirrhosis. However, the pathogenesis of progression to advanced disease in NFLD is obscure. Recently, it has emerged that oxidative stress-lipid peroxidation, endotoxin-mediated cytokine release, and mitochondrial dysfunction play a role in the progression of NASH. We will discuss how these mechanisms might be involved in the progression from steatosis to advanced NFLD.

MeSH Terms

Alcohol Drinking
Biopsy
Cytokines*
Fatty Liver*
Fibrosis
Hepatitis, Alcoholic
Humans
Lipid Peroxidation*
Liver
Liver Diseases
Obesity
Cytokines