Navigating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): Exploring the roles of estrogens, pharmacological and medical interventions, and life style

Steroids. 2024 Mar:203:109330. doi: 10.1016/j.steroids.2023.109330. Epub 2023 Nov 3.

Abstract

The pursuit of studying this subject is driven by the urgency to address the increasing global prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and its profound health implications. NAFLD represents a significant public health concern due to its association with metabolic disorders, cardiovascular complications, and the potential progression to more severe conditions like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Liver estrogen signaling is important for maintaining liver function, and loss of estrogens increases the likelihood of NAFLD in postmenopausal women. Understanding the multifaceted mechanisms underlying NAFLD pathogenesis, its varied treatment strategies, and their effectiveness is crucial for devising comprehensive and targeted interventions. By unraveling the intricate interplay between genetics, lifestyle, hormonal regulation, and gut microbiota, we can unlock insights into risk stratification, early detection, and personalized therapeutic approaches. Furthermore, investigating the emerging pharmaceutical interventions and dietary modifications offers the potential to revolutionize disease management. This review reinforces the role of collaboration in refining NAFLD comprehension, unveiling novel therapeutic pathways, and ultimately improving patient outcomes for this intricate hepatic condition.

Keywords: Dietary intervention; Estrogen; NAFLD; NASH; Treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Estrogens / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease* / drug therapy
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease* / metabolism

Substances

  • Estrogens