Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: Factors associated with its presence and onset

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may progress to cirrhosis, liver failure, and complicated hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, NAFLD is a risk factor for the development of other serious diseases, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Therefore, the detection of early-stage NAFLD is important. Many studies have described the factors that predict the presence of NAFLD and its onset, and several markers have been identified. These markers have enabled the identification of high-risk patients and have improved routine medical practice. To prevent advanced disease, clinicians need to have simple markers that predict the onset of NAFLD so that interventions can be started at much earlier stages of disease. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding independent factors, as reported in large studies, that predict the presence of NAFLD and its onset, especially markers that can be used in daily medical practice, such as physical measurements and blood tests.

A multi-component classifier for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) based on genomic, proteomic, and phenomic data domains

“…Because the common liver function tests, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) lack sufficient sensitivity or specificity for NAFLD2021222324 other non-invasive biomarkers have been studied, including those associated with cell death, inflammation, and oxidative stress, as well as algorithms of multi-component panels25. Thus far, no biomarkers have proven to be clinically acceptable for diagnosis, prognosis, or risk stratification26. Imaging techniques have also been used to assess NAFLD, including liver ultrasound, a relatively inexpensive modality with relatively high sensitivity for moderate to severe steatosis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy, both relatively expensive with limited availability, as well as computed tomography (CT) and transient ultrasound elastography27.…”

The Rise in the Prevalence of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma

“…There is a reported 52% heritability rate of NAFLD, but evidence pertaining to specific genetic mutations is scant according to multivariable models used after adjusting for sex, age, and ethnicity [13]. Although the mechanism is not well understood, genetic mutations in hemochromatosis (HFE) gene, which is responsible for iron uptake and transferrin plasma concentration, may also be associated with NAFLD development [105,106]. Several other factors have been indicated in the development and outcomes of NAFLD including epigenetic alterations [107,108], maternal perinatal nutrition [109][110][111], and gut microbiota [107,[112][113][114].…”

A model to predict the onset of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease within 2 years in elderly adults

“…Until now, various attempts have been made for the diagnosis of NAFLD . The identification of high‐risk subjects of NAFLD is much more valuable than diagnosing NAFLD.…”

“…10 Until now, various attempts have been made for the diagnosis of NAFLD. 11 The identification of high-risk subjects of NAFLD is much more valuable than diagnosing NAFLD. Early indications of subjects at high risk for NAFLD onset help to prevent the development of NAFLD by primary intervention.…”