Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a multi-faceted disorder, which ranges from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with/without fibrosis. The effects of specific risk factors, such as obesity and sedentary lifestyle, on predisposing genetic settings eventually lead to the development of NAFLD in children. The complex interplay between genes and environment in NAFLD pathogenesis is sustained by multiple mechanisms that involve liver cross-talk with other organs and tissues, especially gut and adipose tissue. Unfortunately, natural history of paediatric NAFLD is lacking, and the etiopathogenesis is still in the process of being defined. Potential early predictors and suitable non-invasive diagnostic tools can be discovered based on the pathogenetic mechanisms and histological patterns. This will also help in designing novel treatments and a comprehensive and successful management strategy for patients. In this review, we discuss the recent advances made in genetics, etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapeutic management of NAFLD, focusing especially on obesity-related steatotic liver condition.
A 360-Degree Overview Of Paediatric Nafld: Recent Insights
VAJRO, Pietro
2013-01-01
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a multi-faceted disorder, which ranges from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with/without fibrosis. The effects of specific risk factors, such as obesity and sedentary lifestyle, on predisposing genetic settings eventually lead to the development of NAFLD in children. The complex interplay between genes and environment in NAFLD pathogenesis is sustained by multiple mechanisms that involve liver cross-talk with other organs and tissues, especially gut and adipose tissue. Unfortunately, natural history of paediatric NAFLD is lacking, and the etiopathogenesis is still in the process of being defined. Potential early predictors and suitable non-invasive diagnostic tools can be discovered based on the pathogenetic mechanisms and histological patterns. This will also help in designing novel treatments and a comprehensive and successful management strategy for patients. In this review, we discuss the recent advances made in genetics, etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapeutic management of NAFLD, focusing especially on obesity-related steatotic liver condition.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
