Advances in paediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Role of lipidomics

Abstract

Due its close relationship with obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a major worldwide health issue even in childhood. The most accepted pathophysiological hypothesis is represented by the “multiple hits” theory, in which both hepatic intracellular lipid accumulation and insulin resistance mainly contribute to liver injury through several factors. Among these, lipotoxicity has gained particular attention. In this view, the pathogenic role of different lipid classes in NAFLD (e.g., sphingolipids, fatty acids, ceramides, etc.) has been highlighted in recent lipidomics studies. Although there is some contrast between plasma and liver findings, lipidomic profile in the NAFLD context provides novel insights by expanding knowledge in the intricate field of NAFLD pathophysiology as well as by suggesting innovative therapeutic approaches in order to improve both NAFLD prevention and treatment strategies. Selective changes of distinct lipid species might be an attractive therapeutic target for treating NAFLD. Herein the most recent evidence in this attractive field has been summarized to provide a comprehensive overview of the lipidomic scenario in paediatric NAFLD.

Keywords: Fatty, Liver, Lipidomics, Children, Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Core Tip: Insightful data from lipidomics studies have recently expanded knowledge about nonalcoholic fatty liver disease pathophysiology. In fact, different lipids have been found to exert specific pathogenic roles in liver injury through several pathways (in particular by impairing insulin signalling). Given the cardiometabolic burden of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease even in childhood, lipidomics findings might improve strategies for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease treatment by providing novel therapeutic targets.