Pathophysiology guided treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a spectrum that ranges from benign steatosis to steatohepatitis. It has become the most common cause of chronic liver disease, and yet there continues to be a lack of effective therapeutic options. This article reviews current concepts underlying the pathophysiological basis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis from development of insulin resistance to the establishment of fibrosis. Then using a physiology-based approach, specific targeted therapeutics are reviewed along with their drawbacks. The evidence behind current therapies is based predominantly on small trials and, thus, no recommendations can be made until larger randomized trials are conducted.
Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia 23298-0341, USA.
Tuyet A T
TA
Nguyen
Arun J
AJ
Sanyal
D000818:Animals; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005234:Fatty Liver / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D065626:Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; D018579:Patient Selection; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome