| Theme |
NASH -- Pathogenesis and Treatment |
| Title |
Role of Leptin in NASH Pathogenesis |
| Author |
Kento Imajo |
Department of Gastroenterology, Yokohama City University Hospital |
| Author |
Masato Yoneda |
Department of Gastroenterology, Yokohama City University Hospital |
| Author |
Takaomi Kessoku |
Department of Gastroenterology, Yokohama City University Hospital |
| Author |
Yuji Ogawa |
Department of Gastroenterology, Yokohama City University Hospital |
| Author |
Atsushi Nakajima |
Department of Gastroenterology, Yokohama City University Hospital |
| [ Summary ] |
Adipocytes secrete bioactive substances called adipocytokines. Adipocytokines act as messengers which transmit information about the status of energy metabolism in the body to various organs, such as the central nervous system, liver and skeletal muscles. It has been revealed that leptin, one of the adipocytokines, acts on the innate immune system to cause intrahepatic inflammation and fibrosis by inducing the production of proinflammatory cytokines and transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) through the elicitation of hyperresponsivity in Kupffer cells to endotoxins. It has been reported that in addition to inhibiting fatty metamorphosis and promoting fibrosis in the liver, leptin also acts on the autonomic nerve system. Thus, leptin appears to play an important role in the pathogenesis of steatohepatitis in association with various factors. |