Recent insights into the relationship between inflammatory liver diseases and atherosclerosis

J Investig Med. 2011 Aug;59(6):904-11. doi: 10.2310/JIM.0b013e318217f3a0.

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is a dynamic process in the human body. Many studies have evaluated atherosclerosis and its relationship with other systems in the body. Our perception of its pathogenesis is evolving with the introduction of new players in the game. It is no longer possible to consider the atherosclerosis as an independent process, unaffected by the liver and its function. Although several tasks performed by the liver, such as lipid metabolism, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, the role of other disorders of the liver (autoimmune diseases, viral hepatitis, and cirrhosis) are not fully understood. In this review, the most commonly encountered inflammatory liver diseases and their effects on atherosclerosis are discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Atherosclerosis / complications*
  • Atherosclerosis / diagnosis
  • Autoimmune Diseases / therapy
  • Cholestasis
  • Fatty Liver / metabolism
  • Female
  • Fibrosis / pathology
  • Hepacivirus / metabolism
  • Hepatitis / pathology
  • Hepatitis B virus / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / complications*
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver Diseases / complications*
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Research / trends
  • Risk