Semin Liver Dis 2008; 28(4): 396-406
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1091984
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Current and Emerging Therapies in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Maryam R. Kashi1 , Dawn M. Torres2 , Stephen A. Harrison2
  • 1University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Texas
  • 2Brooke Army Medical Center, Ft. Sam Houston, Texas
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
27 October 2008 (online)

ABSTRACT

The prevalence of obesity and the metabolic syndrome (MS) is on the rise, and subsequently the hepatic manifestation of MS, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), has become a common entity in clinical practice. Most patients with NAFLD face medical complications related to their underlying MS in other organ systems; however, a small but significant group of patients with the more aggressive form of fatty liver, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), are at risk of developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. As patients are generally asymptomatic, often their disease goes unrecognized. This is particularly true for NASH, where liver biopsy is currently required to make the diagnosis. Once diagnosed, no one treatment has been shown to be universally efficacious and those that are of benefit are not without side effects. Effective treatment regimens directed at both decreasing insulin resistance as well as the processes leading to necroinflammation and hepatic fibrosis have been investigated and include lifestyle modification, surgical therapies, and pharmacotherapy. This review focuses on current and potential future therapies for NASH.

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Stephen A HarrisonM.D. 

Chief of Hepatology, Brooke Army Medical Center

3841 Roger Brooke Drive, Ft. Sam Houston, TX 78234

Email: Stephen.harrison@amedd.army.mil