Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Current therapeutic options

Curr Opin Pharmacol. 2021 Dec:61:98-105. doi: 10.1016/j.coph.2021.09.007. Epub 2021 Oct 21.

Abstract

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease and has an estimated global prevalence of 25%. NAFLD is found in up to 80% of people with obesity and over 60% of patients with diabetes. Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of mortality, followed by extra-hepatic cancers and then liver-specific complications of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Lifestyle modification remains the primary intervention in NAFLD. Weight loss achieved through dietary modification and exercise can lead to histologic improvement and reversal of metabolic complications. Current drug therapy is limited to pioglitazone and vitamin E; however, several agents are currently under phase III development. This review summarises the current treatment options in NAFLD.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Exercise
  • Humans
  • Liver Cirrhosis
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease* / diagnosis
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease* / drug therapy
  • Obesity
  • Pioglitazone / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Pioglitazone