Fatty liver disease: An updated overview of risk factors

https://doi.org/10.53730/ijhs.v7nS1.15308

Authors

  • Abdullatif Suliman Alsayegh KSA, National Guard Health Affairs
  • Mohammed Abdullah Alduaybi KSA, National Guard Health Affairs
  • Hamoud Ghayyadh Alanizi KSA, National Guard Health Affairs
  • Nada Abdulrahman Amer Alajmi KSA, National Guard Health Affairs
  • Shahad Mohammed Bin Saeed KSA, National Guard Health Affairs
  • Meshal Ibrahim Zaid Al Owias KSA, National Guard Health Affairs
  • Adel Awad Al Rashedi KSA, National Guard Health Affairs
  • Asma Saad Alqahtani KSA, National Guard Health Affairs
  • Bader Sayah Alanezi KSA, National Guard Health Affairs

Keywords:

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD, obesity, type 2 diabetes, genetics, obstructive sleep apnea, gut microbiome

Abstract

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents a growing global health concern, affecting approximately 25% of the population and serving as a precursor to severe liver conditions such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The complexity of NAFLD is compounded by various risk factors, including obesity, diet, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), genetic predispositions, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and alterations in gut microbiota. Aim: This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the risk factors associated with the development and progression of NAFLD, emphasizing their interrelated roles. Methods: The literature was reviewed, focusing on epidemiological studies, cohort analyses, and meta-analyses that elucidate the connection between these risk factors and NAFLD. Key databases were searched for relevant publications, and data were synthesized to present a cohesive understanding of the current landscape of NAFLD research. Results: The findings underscore obesity and central obesity as significant contributors to NAFLD, with increased body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference directly correlating with the disease's prevalence. Dietary factors, particularly high fructose consumption, were linked to enhanced lipogenesis and mitochondrial dysfunction. Additionally, T2DM was identified as a substantial independent risk factor for hepatic fibrosis. 

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Published

10-01-2023

How to Cite

Alsayegh, A. S., Alduaybi, M. A., Alanizi, H. G., Alajmi, N. A. A., Bin Saeed, S. M., Al Owias, M. I. Z., Al Rashedi, A. A., Alqahtani, A. S., & Alanezi, B. S. (2023). Fatty liver disease: An updated overview of risk factors. International Journal of Health Sciences, 7(S1), 3698–3710. https://doi.org/10.53730/ijhs.v7nS1.15308

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