| Theme |
NASH -- Pathogenesis and Treatment |
| Title |
Anti-fibrotic Therapy for Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis |
| Author |
Hitoshi Yoshiji |
Third Department of Internal Medicine, Nara Medical University |
| Author |
Hiroshi Fukui |
Third Department of Internal Medicine, Nara Medical University |
| [ Summary ] |
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is recognized as a potentially progressive condition, which causes liver cirrhosis and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It has been reported that the risk of HCC increases in parallel with the progression of liver fibrosis. The existence of fibrosis also accelerates hepatocarcinogenesis. Although enormous efforts are currently being directed at overcoming fibrosis related to the progression of NASH, an optimal treatment for NASH related fibrosis has not been established. It is likely that a considerable period of time will be required to develop effective treatments. Alternative approachs may be found for clinically available compounds. We review possible therapeutic agents which also exhibit anti-fibrotic activity to combat NASH in safe long-term administration regimens. |