| Theme |
NASH -- Pathogenesis and Treatment |
| Title |
Epidemiology of NAFLD/NASH |
| Author |
Keita Tokumitsu |
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kochi Medical School |
| Author |
Masafumi Ono |
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kochi Medical School |
| Author |
Toshiji Saibara |
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kochi Medical School |
| [ Summary ] |
In 2011, the frequency of chronic liver disease in the general population of Japan exceeded 30 %. Two thirds of these patients suffer from NAFLD, a common chronic liver disease worldwide. NAFLD is closely associated with lifestyle related diseases such as obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension and diabetes mellitus. The frequency of NAFLD is appropriately 40 % in males and about 20 % in females. NASH is the most progressive type of NAFLD associated with liver fibrosis. It is a risk factor for the development of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The frequency of NASH is about 2 % both in males and in females, while NASH is much less frequent in young female. Liver cirrhosis develops most often in NASH patients. It is also a wellknown risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatocellular carcinoma is primary observed in patients who are in the range of 70 years old though hepatocellular carcinoma without liver cirrhosis is frequently observed in males. |