Metabolic syndrome and NASH.
Clinical and epidemiologic studies have associated non-alcoholic fatty liver with the metabolic syndrome, with insulin resistance as the pivotal pathogenic factor. Obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and hypertension contribute to risk for liver disease and to disease progression. The presence of multiple metabolic abnormalities is associated with the severity of liver disease. Patients have a high risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, mediated by early atherosclerosis. This evidence has precise therapeutic implications: only a behavioral approach to lifestyle correction will address all alterations characterizing the metabolic syndrome, including metabolic liver disease.
Marchesini
Giulio
G
Unit of Metabolic Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola, Bologna, Italy. giulio.marchesini@unibo.it
Marzocchi
Rebecca
R
D005234:Fatty Liver / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006505:Hepatitis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D012307:Risk Factors