Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr.  2012 Jun;15(2):74-78.

The Role of Inflammatory Mediators in the Pathogenesis of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

• Kim JS

Abstract

With a markedly increased prevalence of obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) now becomes the most common cause of chronic liver disease in both adults and children. The etiology and pathogenesis of NAFLD are multifactorial and remain incompletely understood. According to the "two-hit" theory, inflammatory cytokines and adipokines are activated by oxidative stress and they are involved in insulin resistance, necroinflammatory steatohepatitis and fibrosis. This review discusses the latest updates on the role of some of important inflammatory adipokines and cytokines in the pathogenesis of NAFLD with an emphasis on their potential therapeutic implications.

Keyword

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; Obesity; Inflammation; Adipokine; Cytokine; Pathogenesis; Insulin resistance

MeSH Terms

Adipokines
Adult
Child
Cytokines
Fatty Liver
Fibrosis
Humans
Inflammation
Insulin Resistance
Liver Diseases
Obesity
Oxidative Stress
Prevalence
Adipokines
Cytokines
Fatty Liver