Authors: Poonam Mishra,; Zobair M. Younossi,

Source: Current Drug Discovery Technologies, Volume 4, Number 2, August 2007 , pp. 133-140(8)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Abstract:

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is recognized as the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. NAFLD is a clinicopathologic syndrome ranging from simple steatosis, which is relatively benign, to the more severe form known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which may progress to cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD is associated with significant liver related morbidity and mortality, and its underlying pathophysiology is thought to result from a multiple hit process. The initial insult is the accumulation of hepatic fat secondary to insulin resistance. In the setting of hepatic steatosis, the second hit can be caused by reactive oxygen species, inflammatory cytokines, and adipokines. Several therapeutic modalities that target these mechanisms are under investigation, but no proven treatment has yet emerged. Insulin sensitizers such as thiazolidinediones and metformin show promise, and several studies have explored the role of lipid lowering agents, antioxidants, and cytoprotective agents. Novel agents such as antiobesity drugs, selective cannabinoid-1 receptor blockers, and dual PPAR alpha and gamma agonists are also under investigation. Unfortunately, data on the long-term safety and efficacy of these agents and their impact on liver related histologic outcomes are currently lacking. NAFLD treatment currently focuses on reducing metabolic risk factors, with the mainstay of therapy focusing on life-style modifications such as gradual weight loss through diet and regular exercise.

Keywords: TNF-alpha; Antioxidant; Bariatric Surgery; Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors; Hepatoprotective Agents

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157016307781483469

Publication date: 2007-08-01

More about this publication?

• Due to the plethora of new approaches being used in modern drug discovery by the pharmaceutical industry, Current Drug Discovery Technologies has been established to provide comprehensive overviews of all the major modern techniques and technologies used in drug design and discovery. The journal is the forum for publishing both original research papers and reviews describing novel approaches and cutting edge technologies used in all stages of drug discovery. The journal addresses the multidimensional challenges of drug discovery science including integration issues of the drug discovery process.
  
  Current Drug Discovery Technologies is an essential journal for all scientists and research managers involved in drug discovery who wish to keep abreast of all the modern techniques and technologies used in drug discovery.

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