Research Article Details
Article ID: | A28319 |
PMID: | 15696851 |
Source: | Scand J Gastroenterol Suppl |
Title: | Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a brief review. |
Abstract: | The term 'non-alcoholic fatty liver disease' (NAFLD) includes cases with steatosis alone and those with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Usually there are no signs or symptoms, sometimes fatigue or pain, and apart from hepatomegaly the condition is revealed by abnormal liver biochemistry or by abdominal ultrasound. Most cases are associated with overweight or diabetes. Liver enzymes are usually elevated, especially GGT, ASAT and ALAT. Other conditions, including alcohol abuse and autoimmune hepatitis, have to be excluded. The diagnosis of steatosis can be made with ultrasound or CT scan. A liver biopsy is often needed to exclude other disease and to assess inflammation and fibrosis. Cirrhosis can develop. NAFLD is usually caused by two 'hits': the 'first hit' is peripheral insulin resistance, causing steatosis. The 'second hit' is caused by reactive oxygen species, inducing vicious cycles leading to inflammation. Weight loss, metformin or thiazolidinediones can improve NAFLD by increasing insulin sensitivity. Radical scavengers such as vitamin E, betaine and perhaps also urodeoxycholic acid may improve the hepatitis component. Further studies on treatment are needed. |
DOI: | 10.1080/00855920410011013 |

Strategy ID | Therapy Strategy | Synonyms | Therapy Targets | Therapy Drugs | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
S08 | Lifestyle measures | Lifestyle intervention; weight loss; diet adaptation; dietary interventions; lifestyle modifications; Exercise | -- | -- | Details |
S01 | Improve insulin resistance | insulin sensitizer; insulin resistance; glucose tolerance | Biguanide: increases 5-AMP activated protein kinase signaling; SGLT-2 inhibitor; Thiazalidinedione: selective PPAR-γ agonists; GLP-1 agonist | Metformin; Empagliflozin; Canagliflozin; Rosiglitazone; Pioglitazone; Liraglutide | Details |
S03 | Anti-fibrosis | fibrosis | Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARB); CCR2/CCR5 antagonist; Thyroid receptor β agonist; PEGylated human FGF21 analogue; Monoclonal antibody to lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2); Galectin-3 inhibitor; FGF19 variant | Losartan; Cenicriviroc; VK-2809; MGL-3196; Pegbelfermin; Simtuzumab; GR-MD-02; NGM282 | Details |
Target ID | Target Name | GENE | Action | Class | UniProtKB ID | Entry Name |
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Diseases ID | DO ID | Disease Name | Definition | Class | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
I05 | 9352 | Type 2 diabetes mellitus | A diabetes that is characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia with disturbances of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. A diabetes mellitus that is characterized by high blood sugar, insulin resistance, and relative lack of insulin. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diabetes, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diabetes_mellitus_type_2 | disease of metabolism/inherited metabolic disorder/ carbohydrate metabolic disorder/glucose metabolism disease/diabetes/ diabetes mellitus | Details |
I14 | 9970 | Obesity | An overnutrition that is characterized by excess body fat, traditionally defined as an elevated ratio of weight to height (specifically 30 kilograms per meter squared), has_material_basis_in a multifactorial etiology related to excess nutrition intake, decreased caloric utilization, and genetic susceptibility, and possibly medications and certain disorders of metabolism, endocrine function, and mental illness. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obesity | disease of metabolism/acquired metabolic disease/ nutrition disease/overnutrition | Details |
Drug ID | Drug Name | Type | DrugBank ID | Targets | Category | Latest Progress | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
D032 | Betaine | Chemical drug | DB06756 | DNMTs stimulant | Improve insulin resistance | Under clinical trials | Details |
D225 | Metformin | Chemical drug | DB00331 | PRKAB1 inducer activator; ETEDH inhibitor; GPD1 inhibitor | Improve insulin resistance | Under clinical trials | Details |
D388 | Vitamin E | Supplement | DB00163 | NR1I2; ALOX5; DGKA | Anti-inflammatory | Under clinical trials | Details |
D366 | Thiazolidinediones | Chemical drug | DB11898 | -- | -- | Under clinical trials | Details |
D018 | Aspirin | Chemical drug | DB00945 | AKR1C1 inhibitor; PCNA downregulator | Enhance lipid metabolism | Under clinical trials | Details |
D182 | Insulin | Biological drug | DB00030 | INSR agonist; CPE modulator&product of | -- | Under clinical trials | Details |
D157 | Glucophage | Chemical drug | DB00331 | -- | -- | Under clinical trials | Details |