Novel Approaches to Diagnosing and Treating Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Opportunities and Accomplishments.

Source: PubMed, NCBI / U.S. National Library of Medicine

The concept of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) provides a more precise understanding of the origins of the disease. This is crucial for identifying risk factors, monitoring patients, and developing novel pharmacological approaches for treating MAFLD. Single-nucleotide variations in genes related to fat and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as the state of gut microbiota, are becoming increasingly important. Currently, MAFLD management primarily relies on significant lifestyle modifications, including avoiding alcohol and smoking, and adopting a Mediterranean-style diet. For individuals with excess weight, bariatric surgery remains the only effective option. Among approved medications for MAFLD, only vitamin E and pioglitazone are currently available. However, the potential for fluid retention with pioglitazone limits its use. Therefore, it is important to explore existing treatments and identify new physiological pathways in MAFLD to develop innovative therapies that can effectively address this condition.