Recent advances in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis is a liver disease strongly associated with features of the metabolic syndrome. It is part of the disease spectrum of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which is now thought to be the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the US and other Western countries. Initially this condition was considered innocuous but it is now recognised as having the potential to progress to cirrhosis and its complications. The role of insulin resistance and oxidative stress in its pathogenesis is increasingly accepted. Current investigations are directed towards a better understanding of the natural history, pathogenesis and development of treatment strategies. Several therapeutic modalities, including antioxidants, insulin-sensitising agents and lipid-lowering agents, have been evaluated for the treatment of these patients, mostly in small clinical trials. Despite promising results, no therapy has demonstrated a proven benefit.
Mendes
Flavia D
FD
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 200 First Street, SW Rochester, MN, USA. mendes.flavia@mayo.edu
Lindor
Keith D
KD
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000639:trends*; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D015507:Drugs, Investigational / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005234:Fatty Liver / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans
D015507:Drugs, Investigational