Increasing Risk Factors for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; an Insight into Chronic Periodontitis and Insulin Resistance

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is marked by the excessive intrusion of triglycerides into hepatocytes without any role of alcohol consumption. Various risk factors have been attributed to this disease pathogenesis, including metabolic disorders, immune response, and even an intricate relationship between the two. The role of insulin resistance (IR) in NAFLD has long been known; however, the molecular basis of disease progression under this metabolic backdrop is still being investigated. Similarly, the periodontitis-mediated immune response is another major factor involved in NAFLD manifestation, which has generated huge interest. The prevalence of pathogenic bacteria elicits a strong immune response, which according to the studies shows a strong correlation with NAFLD state. Such pre-existing conditions have a strong probability of explaining the disease onset. Additionally, increasing reports on inflammatory response and its links to insulin resistance have further increased the scope of understanding NAFLD. Through this review, we aim to elaborate on these factors explaining their role in the disease progression.

Keywords: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; cardio vascular disease; chronic periodontitis; hepatic steatosis; inflammatory response; insulin resistance.