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World J Gastroenterol. Oct 14, 2010; 16(38): 4773-4783
Published online Oct 14, 2010. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v16.i38.4773
Hepatic steatosis, low-grade chronic inflammation and hormone/growth factor/adipokine imbalance
Giovanni Tarantino, Silvia Savastano, Annamaria Colao
Giovanni Tarantino, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Federico II University Medical School of Naples, Naples 80131, Italy
Silvia Savastano, Annamaria Colao, Department of Molecular and Clinical Endocrinology and Oncology, Section of Endocrinology, Federico II University Medical School of Naples, Naples 80131, Italy
Author contributions: Tarantino G wrote the paper. Savastano S and Colao A clarified the role of insulin-like growth factor 1.
Correspondence to: Giovanni Tarantino, Professor, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Federico II University Medical School of Naples, Italy. tarantin@unina.it
Telephone: +39-81-7462024 Fax: +39-81-5466152
Received: May 8, 2010
Revised: June 15, 2010
Accepted: June 22, 2010
Published online: October 14, 2010
Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a further expression of metabolic syndrome, strictly linked to obesity and diabetes mellitus, is characterized by insulin resistance (IR), elevated serum levels of free fatty acids and fatty infiltration of the liver, which is known as hepatic steatosis. Hepatocyte apoptosis is a key feature of this disease and correlates with its severity. Free-fatty-acid-induced toxicity represents one of mechanisms for the pathogenesis of NAFLD and hormones, growth factors and adipokines influence also play a key role. This review highlights the various pathways that contribute to the development of hepatic steatosis. Circulating concentrations of inflammatory cytokines are reckoned to be the most important factor in causing and maintaining IR. Low-grade chronic inflammation is fundamental in the progression of NAFLD toward higher risk cirrhotic states.

Keywords: Hepatic steatosis; Low-grade chronic inflammation; Adipokines; Hormones; Growth factors