| Theme |
Non-B, Non-C Hepatitis |
| Title |
Progressive Disease Risk Factors for Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) |
| Author |
Kenichi Ikejima |
Department of Gastroenterology, Juntendo University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Kyoko Okumura |
Department of Gastroenterology, Juntendo University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Kazuyoshi Kon |
Department of Gastroenterology, Juntendo University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Tomonori Aoyama |
Department of Gastroenterology, Juntendo University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Yoshiyuki Takei |
Department of Gastroenterology, Juntendo University School of Medicine |
| Author |
Nobuhiro Sato |
Department of Gastroenterology, Juntendo University School of Medicine / Osaka Police Hospital |
| [ Summary ] |
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) arises in part due to non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) associated with metabolic syndrome. Obesity and insulin resistance are therefore directly related to the development of NAFL. The pathogenesis of NASH involves oxidative stress caused by an imbalance in energy metabolism, activation of the innate immune system, and desregulation of the autonomic nervous system. A variety of adipokines play pivotal roles in the regulation of all of these factors. In addition, adipokines have been shown to affect hepatic inflammation and fibrogenesis through direct actions on hepatic parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells. Therefore, genetic backgrounds related to these factors, as well as environmental factors, most likely determine the disease susceptibility to NASH. |