Hepatocyte Mitochondrial Dynamics and Bioenergetics in Obesity-Related Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

AbstractPurpose of the ReviewMitochondrial dysfunction has long been proposed to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of a considerable number of disorders, such as neurodegeneration, cancer, cardiovascular, and metabolic disorders, including obesity-related insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles that undergo functional and structural adaptations to meet the metabolic requirements of the cell. Alterations in nutrient availability or cellular energy needs can modify their formation through biogenesis and the opposite processes of fission and fusion, the fragmentation, and connection of mitochondrial network areas respectively. Herein, we review and discuss the current literature on the significance of mitochondrial adaptations in obesity and metabolic dysregulation, emphasizing on the role of hepatocyte mitochondrial flexibility in obesity and NAFLD.Recent FindingsAccumulating evidence suggests the involvement of mitochondrial morphology and bioenergetics dysregulations to the emergence of NAFLD and its progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).SummaryMost relevant data suggests that changes in liver mitochondrial dynamics and bioenergetics hold a key role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. During obesity and NAFLD, oxidative stress occurs due to the excessive production of ROS, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction. As a result, mitochondria become incompetent and uncoupled from respiratory chain activi...
Source: Current Obesity Reports - Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Source Type: research