Abstract
The term “Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease” (NAFLD) covers a series of liver lesions
similar to those induced by alcohol, but not caused by alcohol use. The importance
of NAFLD lies in the high prevalence in Western societies and, from the point of view
of the liver, in its progression from steatosis to cirrhosis and liver cancer. More
recently, NAFLD has been found to be associated with lipid metabolism disorders, the
deposition of fat outside of the adipocytes, insulin resistance and Metabolic Syndrome.
Also attributed to NAFLD is a heightened systemic pro-inflammatory state, which accelerates
arteriosclerosis, thereby increasing cardiovascular risk and associated cardiovascular
events. Here we provide an update to the etiopathogenesis of NAFLD, its influence
on cardiovascular disease, and the treatment options.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 12, 2012
Accepted:
September 15,
2012
Received in revised form:
May 26,
2012
Received:
January 12,
2012
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
