Genetic and Epigenetic Associations of NAFLD: Focus on Clinical Decision Making

AbstractNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) afflicts more than one third of the population in affluent societies, paralleling the dramatic escalation in global obesity prevalence. NAFLD is thus a leading cause for end-stage liver disease, cancer, and liver transplantation and an estimated 20 million patients worldwide will eventually die of their liver disease Rinella and Charlton (Hepatology2016;64:19 –22). Furthermore, NAFLD increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. NAFLD comprises a complex disease phenotype ranging from simple steatosis, through to steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and ultimately, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD is also characterized by conside rable inter-individual variability in disease spectrum and outcomes. Thus, NAFLD best resembles a complex disease trait resulting from the dynamic interaction of environmental factors (e.g., caloric intake and composition, energy expenditure, the microbiome) acting on a susceptible polygenic host ba ckground. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and candidate gene studies have enriched our understanding of genetic factors contributing to the known inter-individual variation in NAFLD phenotypes including hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. The role of other types of genetic variatio ns and epigenetics are also now being unraveled. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about genetic and epigenetic associations of NAFLD and its potential clinical implication...
Source: Current Hepatitis Reports - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research