| Theme |
NASH -- Pathogenesis and Treatment |
| Title |
Therapeutic Efficacy of Antioxidants for Patients with NASH |
| Author |
Yukiomi Nakade |
Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University |
| Author |
Masashi Yoneda |
Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University |
| [ Summary ] |
The description of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease includes both simple steatosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). It has been shown that the prognose for NASH patients is different from that for simple steatosis patients. NASH is known to develop from chronic hepatitis to liver cirrhosis over a period of 20 years. These patients are at risk of developing hepatocelluar carcinoma. Since statistical data show that many NASH patients are also obese, diet and ergotherapy are the basis for NASH treatment. NASH patients whose liver functions are not improved by diet and ergotherapy should receive drug therapy. Although many therapeutic drug approaches have been tried for NASH, effective treatment models remain to be determined. In this review, we describe drug therapies for NASH, especially anti-oxidative agents, such as vitamin E. |