The spectrum – risk factors and their progression

NAFLD is defined as a condition in which there is excessive fat accumulation in the form of TAG (steatosis) in the liver (>5 % of hepatocytes histologically). It has been broadly classified into two types: primary (associated with IR or the MetS) and secondary (caused by the intake of some drugs, surgery or total parenteral nutrition)⁽ Reference Sanyal ^{6 )}. Irrespective of the type, 40 % of the patients progress to NASH⁽ Reference Dharel and Fuchs ^{15 )}, with the major manifestation being the increased number of apoptotic and necrotic hepatocytes in the liver⁽ Reference Jou, Choi and Diehl ^{16 )}. The exact cause of NASH is not yet been elucidated, and it may not be the same in every patient. However, in general, this transformation underlies increased lipid peroxidation, inflammation and increased production of oxidative radicals. This condition is virtually indistinguishable histologically from the condition of alcoholic steatohepatitis⁽ Reference Chiang, Pritchard and Nagy ^{17 )}. When left untreated, 74 % of the patients with NASH end up with fibrosis of the liver, ultimately leading to cirrhosis⁽ Reference Malaguarnera, Di Rosa and Nicoletti ^{18 )} (Fig. 1). The most prevalent risk factors associated with NAFLD are obesity, increased fasting glucose and IR. In addition, central obesity and high BMI, hypertension⁽ Reference Vos and McClain ^{8 )}, longer duration of diabetes, age above 40 years⁽ Reference Duseja ^{19 )}, high serum levels of liver enzymes, TAG, and decreased antioxidant vitamins, Ca and vitamin D⁽ Reference Zelber-Sagi, Ratziu and Oren ^{20 )} have also been implicated in the development and progression of NAFLD when left untreated.

Fig. 1

Spectrum of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Changes associated with each stage from NAFLD to cirrhosis of the liver are illustrated. JNK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase; ROS, reactive oxygen species; NASH, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

Pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Under normal metabolic conditions, lipolysis in the adipose tissue releases NEFA into the blood stream, which reach liver hepatocytes for oxidation. Fat molecules undergo oxidation in the mitochondria. Glucose and TAG from the diet also contribute to NEFA content in the liver by the process of de novo lipogenesis. Apart from being oxidised, NEFA is also stored as TAG in the liver, which is transported by VLDL, thus contributing to the export of FA (Fig. 2) . The controlled occurrence of these activities in consortium maintains the levels of NEFA in the liver and serum, thus preventing the formation of fatty liver. Any discrepancy in this complex balance of events could lead to a fatty liver, ultimately resulting in fibrosis (Fig. 3).

Fig. 2

Normal metabolism of the liver: TAG from adipose tissue enters into the circulation as NEFA, which is taken up by the liver. They are further metabolised by β-oxidation in the mitochondria. NEFA are converted to TAG in the liver, which are carried by VLDL back into the blood flow. Diet also contributes to the TAG load in the liver. Glucose from the diet is converted to NEFA in hepatocytes by the process of de novo lipogenesis (DNL).

Fig. 3

Disease progression, possible mechanisms and targets. Increased levels of serum fatty acids and hydrophobic bile acids impair the mitochondrial function of oxidation. The extra mitochondrial oxidation of fatty acids in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and peroxisomes results in oxidative stress. Increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) lead to the activation of inflammatory stellate cells and the deposition of collagen fibres, which collectively lead to fibrosis and cell death. Activation of NF-κB and translocation of Smad into the nucleus also activates the oxidative stress pathway. The methylation reaction in hepatocytes results in the prevention of TAG accumulation, synthesis of glutathione (GSH) which has antioxidant properties, and preservation of cell membrane integrity. A deficiency in methyl donors including folic acid, methionine and choline or a genetic condition in which methionine adenosyl transferase (MAT) is not synthesised in appropriate quantities results in the accumulation of TAG, increased oxidative stress and unstable cell membrane. Accumulation of TAG can result in insulin resistance. Methyl donors are obtained mainly from the diet. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) can act on PPARα, decrease glucose-6-phosphatase (G6P), increase NEFA oxidation, increase glucose uptake via the activation of liver X receptor (LXR)α or sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1) receptor and, in turn, increase insulin sensitivity. Leucine acts on the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/Akt pathway that activates downstream events favouring glucose uptake by hepatocytes. BCAA are also obtained by a balanced nutrition. The activation of oxidative stress pathways is prevented to a large extent by vitamin E. Under normal conditions, adipocytes release adiponectin, which binds to the adiponectin receptor (AdipoR)₂ and activates the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and PPAR pathways. Downstream effects include decreased levels of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), G6P, acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) activities and inducing carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT-1) activity, thereby decreasing gluconeogenesis, increasing NEFA oxidation and decreasing de novo lipogenesis. The influx of NEFA into the liver is decreased by down-regulating the expression of the hepatic protein CD36. Adiponectin also prevents the formation of fibrosis by down-regulating the expression of aldehyde oxidase (AOX)-1, transforming growth factor-β and connective tissue growth factor. It also prevents the translocation of Smad2 and NF-κB into the nucleus, thus preventing the oxidative stress cascade. Increased consumption of energy without their expenditure prevents the positive effects of adiponectin. Different targets of currently used pharmacological agents are also indicated. Since pharmacological agents are usually sought for after a confirmation of liver biopsy, it is indeed important to note that nutritional components also target similar pathways and can be administered at the very early stage of the disease with least risk involved. PE, phosphatidyl ethanolamine; SAMe, S-adenosylmethionine; SAHC, S-adenosylhomocysteine; PC, phosphatidyl choline; TZD, thiozolidinedione; UDCA, ursodeoxycholic acid; Vit E, vitamin E.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease as a fundamental component of the metabolic syndrome

IR is often considered as a key player in the pathogenesis of NAFLD, to an extent that NAFLD is even considered as a hepatic component of IR or the MetS⁽ Reference Kim and Younossi ^{21 ,} Reference Tarantino and Finelli ^{22 )}. Although the underlying mechanisms of NAFLD are in the early stages of being unravelled, it mostly appears as an interaction, more specifically an imbalance between adipokines and cytokines that alter insulin sensitivity in insulin-targeted organs, including the liver. Induction typically involves two consecutive steps: widely called as the ‘two-hit hypothesis’, whereby the first ‘hit’ – steatosis – sensitises the liver to a variety of second ‘hits’ that lead to necro-inflammation and fibrosis⁽ Reference Day and James ^{23 )}. The initial hit leading to the development of a fatty liver renders hepatocytes susceptible to the subsequent multiple hits including adipokine interactions, lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, endotoxinaemia, hepatic stellate cell activation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Inflammatory parameters such as TNFα can activate the translocation of NF-κB into the nucleus, resulting in the production of reactive oxygen molecules that could aggravate the inflammation of stellate cells and lead to fibrosis and cell death. Increased levels of serum fatty acids and hydrophobic bile acids lead to impaired mitochondrial function⁽ Reference Chang, Argo and Al-Osaimi ^{24 )}. Extra-mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation in the endoplasmic reticulum and peroxisomes results in the release of reactive oxygen species that further contribute to inflammation and collagen deposition, leading to fibrosis⁽ Reference Polyzos, Kountouras and Zavos ^{25 )} (Fig. 3).

Adiponectin, a polypeptide synthesised and released by adipocytes in relatively high quantities, is characterised by potent anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiatherogenic and insulin-sensitising properties. Conversely, low levels of serum adiponectin are observed in individuals with IR and the MetS⁽ Reference Polyzos, Kountouras and Zavos ^{25 )}. Adiponectin released by adipocytes activates 5′-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and PPAR through the adiponectin receptor 2 transmembrane receptor. The activation of AMPK and PPAR has a positive downstream effect on insulin sensitivity. Their activation, in turn, induces the expression of genes involved in increased fatty acid oxidation, increased NEFA influx, decreased gluconeogenesis and decreased de novo lipogenesis. Increased accumulation of fat mass due to increased energy consumption and decreased energy combustion leads to decreased levels of adiponectin and increased levels of inflammatory cytokines. This decreases insulin-sensitising actions in hepatocytes and renders the organ more prone to become a fatty liver⁽ Reference Finelli and Tarantino ^{26 )}.

Diagnosis

A detailed review of recommendations suggesting preferred approaches to the diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive aspects of care has been described elsewhere⁽ Reference Chalasani, Younossi and Lavine ^{27 ,} Reference Ratziu, Bellentani and Cortez-Pinto ^{28 )}. A brief clinical pathway is described here (which is not currently part of any standard algorithm). To date, there are no definite tests exclusively for the detection of NAFLD, and the symptom-free nature of the condition makes the diagnosis even more challenging. Another concerning aspect of the diagnosis is to decipher whether the patients are presenting simple steatosis or NASH, and more importantly, the stage of fibrosis. Recently, serum analysis and liver biopsy carried out in patients with NASH showed lower levels of circulating serum B-cell lymphoma 2, decreased IR and γ-glutamyl-transpeptidase, and significantly more apoptotic hepatocytes⁽ Reference Tarantino, Scopacasa and Colao ^{29 )}. Gene profiling of liver biopsies from patients with mild and severe NAFLD has identified specific gene patterns associated with severe NAFLD⁽ Reference Moylan, Pang and Dellinger ^{30 )}, and these could be exploited in future to improve the diagnosis and treatment. The most widely used non-invasive tests are ultrasonography and plasma aminotransferase levels (aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT)). Briefly, when an increased level of ALT is detected, causes related to alcohol use or viral infections are excluded. Patients are then tested for clinical signs of IR including obesity, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. If the results are positive, the patients are either tested for fat accumulation using the principles of ultrasonography and then advised for primary care management protocols such as body-weight reduction and physical exercise in the daily routine, or directly directed towards primary care management without using ultrasonography. Based on the degree of improvement of insulin sensitivity, patients are treated for the risk factors of NAFLD including diabetes, obesity and hypertension. Occasionally, patients are subjected to the NAFLD fibrosis score, and those with a low likelihood score are directed towards primary management care. In contrast, patients showing persistence of risk factors and at-risk patients who show very high levels of ALT are subjected to ultrasonography. Depending on NAFLD fibrosis scores or ALT levels, patients are further advised for transient elastography or for liver biopsy. Based on the histopathological profile of liver biopsy tissue, patients are enrolled in clinical trials for treatment or registered for a liver transplant (Fig. 4).

Fig. 4

Brief clinical pathway. Patients identified with increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels are examined for clinical signs of insulin resistance (IR). Patients in whom IR or presence of fat accumulation is detected using ultrasonography (US) are subjected to primary weight management and methods to improve insulin sensitivity. Patients are then treated for major risk factors including diabetes, obesity and hypertension. These patients are kept under observation and periodic testing of the risk factors is carried out. If they show persistent elevated levels of ALT, then they undergo treatment similar to at-risk patients with fibrosis/cirrhosis. Following US, based on the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score (NFS) and ALT levels, patients are subjected to transient elastography or liver biopsy. Depending on the histopathological score of the biopsy tissue, patients are either enrolled in clinical trials or registered for a liver transplant. CT, computer tomography; IR, insulin resistance; T2DM, type 2 diabetes mellitus (note: this is not a standard care algorithm).

Most of the diagnosis of NAFLD is largely based on ALT levels; however, there is a disadvantage that these levels are not likely to be sensitive enough. Burgert et al. ⁽ Reference Burgert, Taksali and Dziura ^{31 )} found that only 48 % of NAFLD patients had abnormal ALT levels, thus missing out approximately 50 % of the population with NAFLD, while Amarapurkar & Patel⁽ Reference Amarapurkar and Patel ^{32 )} found histological evidence of cirrhosis in 23 % of their patients with NASH and normal ALT levels. Also, it has been shown that the levels of liver enzymes can fluctuate over the course of the disease and may be normal in end-stage cirrhosis⁽ Reference Ipekci, Basaranoglu and Sonsuz ^{33 )}. Elderly patients ( ≥ 65 years) are more likely to have a higher prevalence of NASH and advanced fibrosis than the non-elderly (18–64 years); therefore, liver biopsy is advised in elderly patients⁽ Reference Noureddin, Yates and Vaughn ^{34 )}. Among the non-invasive serum markers, the NAFLD fibrosis score is currently the most validated marker, which is widely used to differentiate the progression of NAFLD to fibrosis. A recent review by Castera et al. ⁽ Reference Castera, Vilgrain and Angulo ^{35 )} has detailed the advantages and limitations of non-invasive methods for the management of NAFLD, including the diagnosis, quantification and staging of the disease. The most accurate diagnostic method is the histopathological analysis of the liver biopsy tissue. Unfortunately, this is an invasive method that is carried out only in dire conditions. The pros and cons of each of these techniques have been briefed in a review by Lomonaco et al. ⁽ Reference Lomonaco, Sunny and Bril ^{36 )}. Apart from these techniques, recent advances in imaging including magnetic resonance spectroscopy, liver fat measurements by proton microscopy (MRI-estimated proton density fat fraction)⁽ Reference Tang, Tan and Sun ^{37 ,} Reference Reeder, Hu and Sirlin ^{38 )}, magnetic resonance elastography⁽ Reference Mariappan, Glaser and Ehman ^{39 )}, transient elastography (FibroScan)⁽ Reference Foucher, Chanteloup and Vergniol ^{40 )} and estimation of plasma biomarkers such as TNFα and adiponectin are also being evaluated.

Lean v. obese non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Although NAFLD is strongly associated with obesity, IR and type 2 diabetes, reports have suggested that it can occur even in the absence of these factors. This new entity is referred to as ‘lean-NAFLD’, i.e. patients with NAFLD but without obesity (BMI < 30 kg/m²) and diabetes. Although the presence of the characteristics of multiple metabolic disorders is associated with a potentially progressive severe liver disease, 22 % of non-diabetic patients with NAFLD had a normal BMI⁽ Reference Marchesini, Bugianesi and Forlani ^{41 )}. Liver biopsy studies in patients with chronic liver disease showed that lean-NAFLD was not only present in 2·8 % of the patients, but also the most frequent cause for cryptogenic liver disease in 38 % of the patients⁽ Reference Vos, Moreno and Nagy ^{42 )}. Data from the DIONYSOS study showed that the prevalence of NAFLD in the lean, non-drinking population in Italy is about 16 %⁽ Reference Bellentani, Saccoccio and Masutti ^{43 )}. Such a trend is also observed in developing countries such as India. Among the subjects from a rural population with a low prevalence of NAFLD, 75 % of the patients with NAFLD had a BMI < 25 kg/m², and 54 % were neither overweight nor had abdominal obesity⁽ Reference Das, Mukherjee and Ghosh ^{44 )}. A study conducted by Margariti et al. ⁽ Reference Margariti, Deutsch and Manolakopoulos ^{45 )} focused on the characteristics of NAFLD in those with a normal BMI. Their study revealed that one in every eight patients with NAFLD coming to the tertiary care had a normal BMI. When compared with overweight or obese individuals, lean patients did not show any major metabolic disturbances but had higher levels of AST/ALT⁽ Reference Margariti, Deutsch and Manolakopoulos ^{45 )}. On liver biopsy, patients with a normal BMI often exhibited NASH and histological liver lesions of similar severity to their overweight or obese counterparts. Also, the prevalence of NASH and the severity of inflammation and fibrosis did not significantly differ between patients with a normal BMI and those with increased BMI⁽ Reference Margariti, Deutsch and Manolakopoulos ^{46 )}. One of the reasons for ectopic fat deposition could be a slow increase in body weight (2–10 kg) during the adult life due to increase in adiposity⁽ Reference Ruderman, Chisholm and Pi-Sunyer ^{47 )}. These metabolically healthy but obese individuals could be at increased risk of metabolic disturbances, IR/diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular events and liver disease progression⁽ Reference Messier, Karelis and Robillard ^{48 )}. A validation study found that lean Indian men with NAFLD carried two gain-of-function SNP within the gene encoding apo3 (APOC3)⁽ Reference Petersen, Dufour and Hariri ^{49 )}. However, they also had a marked IR.

These lines of evidence suggest a new direction to deal with NAFLD in lean and obese patients, such as whether the disease manifests different risk factors and progression in the presence and absence of excess weight. It is also possible that ectopic fat in lean individuals could follow a different pathophysiology⁽ Reference Verdelho Machado and Cortez-Pinto ^{50 )}. One of the widely studied animal models for fatty liver is the methionine- and choline-deficient diet model, wherein the animals show decreased levels of β-oxidation and VLDL and, in turn, accumulation of fatty acids in the liver. However, these mouse models did not become obese or insulin resistant⁽ Reference Anstee ^{51 )}. The genetically modified acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 mice, which overexpress the enzyme that catalyses the final step in the biosynthesis of TAG, have been shown to develop hepatic steatosis without developing IR or impaired glucose metabolism⁽ Reference Monetti, Levin and Watt ^{52 )}. In human subjects, SNP within patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 have been associated with hepatic steatosis, inflammation⁽ Reference Rotman, Koh and Zmuda ^{53 )} and fibrosis⁽ Reference Valenti, Al-Serri and Daly ^{54 )}, but not with IR⁽ Reference Romeo, Huang-Doran and Baroni ^{55 )}. These lines of evidence and recent reports suggest a collateral investigation for unknown risk factors and secondary causes of NAFLD.

Unbalanced and overnutrition – watch what you eat!

An unbalanced nutrition has been strongly associated with NAFLD. A continued imbalance between energy expenditure and overnutrition is thought to increase adipose tissue and result in IR⁽ Reference Vos and McClain ^{8 )}. IR regarded as a key component of NAFLD along with increased adipose tissue favours high rates of free NEFA flux to the liver⁽ Reference Cusi ^{56 ,} Reference Fabbrini, Mohammed and Magkos ^{57 )}. This adds to the TAG content in the liver, which is converted to TAG metabolites. The lipotoxic environment created by TAG metabolites is a burden on the liver, as it cannot effectively dispose the lipids either through export or by β-oxidation. Adding to this load is the continuous supply of TAG by the daily intake of foods rich in TAG-producing fuels. The decreased levels of adiponectin and high circulating levels of NEFA from muscle add to the burden on the liver (Fig. 5).

Fig. 5

Accumulation of NEFA leading to cirrhosis. A sedentary lifestyle resulting in a chronic imbalance between overnutrition and under-expenditure of energy leads to increased accumulation of adipose tissue. This is associated with insulin resistance. The accumulation of high fat mass leads to increased circulating levels of NEFA from the adipose tissue to the liver. Decreased insulin sensitivity and lower adiponectin levels further enhance the accumulation of TAG in the liver. The cycle of the daily intake of excess TAG-producing food as well as high circulating levels of NEFA from muscle and adipose tissue hampers the ability of the liver to export TAG or use it up through β-oxidation. Accumulated TAG when metabolised produce lipotoxic substances and their accumulation results in steatosis.

Several studies have shown that it is important to have a well-balanced combination of essential nutrients. The study of Musso et al. ⁽ Reference Musso, Gambino and De Michieli ^{58 )} analysing the dietary intake of patients with NASH found that the dietary content was rich in saturated fat and cholesterol but poor in polyunsaturated fat, fibre and antioxidant vitamins C and E. Postprandial ApoB48 and ApoB100 responses in patients with NASH were flat and strikingly dissociated from the TAG response, suggesting a defect in ApoB secretion⁽ Reference Musso, Gambino and De Michieli ^{58 )}. Also, changes in dietary fat content can change liver fat within 2 weeks, which was paralleled by changes in fasting serum insulin concentrations⁽ Reference Westerbacka, Lammi and Hakkinen ^{59 )}. Apart from an imbalance in fat, higher odds of inflammation⁽ Reference Solga, Alkhuraishe and Clark ^{60 )} were accompanied with higher carbohydrate intake⁽ Reference Toshimitsu, Matsuura and Ohkubo ^{61 )} in NASH patients. Patients with NAFLD have a higher intake of soft drinks and meat and a tendency towards a lower intake of fish rich in n-3 fatty acids. Moreover, a higher intake of soft drinks and meat is associated with an increased risk of NAFLD, independent of age, sex, BMI and total energy⁽ Reference Zelber-Sagi, Nitzan-Kaluski and Goldsmith ^{62 )}. Increased consumption of dietary fructose (consumed in the form of high-fructose maize syrup primarily through soft drinks) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of both the MetS and NAFLD. High consumption of fructose has been postulated as a proximate cause of hepatic damage in NAFLD, and this damage is similar to the effects of ethanol or alcohol consumption⁽ Reference Lim, Mietus-Snyder and Valente ^{63 )}. Mice with ad libitum access to fructose solution showed significantly higher levels of hepatic lipid accumulation, lipid peroxidation and endotoxin levels in the portal blood as well as TNFα compared with controls and those fed with glucose solution⁽ Reference Bergheim, Weber and Vos ^{64 )}. Furthermore, preclinical studies in Toll-like receptor 4-mutant (C3H/HeJ) mice showed that fructose-induced NAFLD is associated with intestinal bacterial overgrowth and increased intestinal permeability, subsequently leading to an endotoxin-dependent activation of hepatic Kupffer cells⁽ Reference Spruss, Kanuri and Wagnerberger ^{65 )}. Clinical studies have shown that increased fructose consumption leads to increased fibrosis in patients with NAFLD⁽ Reference Abdelmalek, Suzuki and Guy ^{66 )}. Chronic consumption of fructose leads to an increase in serum uric acid, which poses an increased risk of hepatic ATP depletion⁽ Reference Abdelmalek, Lazo and Horska ^{67 )}. A study conducted by Cortez-Pinto et al. ⁽ Reference Cortez-Pinto, Jesus and Barros ^{68 )} in forty-five patients with NASH suggested that a combination of carbohydrate and fat intake may be more relevant than their isolated intake; increased fat intake with an excessive amount of n-6 fatty acids can be implicated in promoting necro-inflammation, and provides further grounds for individualised dietary therapy. An overview of epidemiological evidence pertaining to nutrition and PA has been reviewed in detail by Zelber-Sagi et al. ⁽ Reference Zelber-Sagi, Ratziu and Oren ^{20 )}.

Treatment – non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis – lifestyle modification and pharmacotherapy⁽ Reference Centis, Marzocchi and Suppini ^{10 )}

So far, there has been no established therapy or evidence-based clinical guidelines for NAFLD. Development of drugs for the treatment of NAFLD is currently clouded by a few issues, foremost among them being the lack of well-defined and validated end points. This is followed by long and asymptomatic natural history of the disease. In addition to these features of the disease, undefined varying phenotypes, small population studies and the lack of data to support the ‘reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit’ standard of surrogate points⁽ Reference Dimick-Santos, Arun, Sanyal, Friedman and Dimick-Santos ^{69 )} make it more difficult to treat the disease. Pharmacological treatment of patients with NAFLD is still uncertain regarding its efficacy and safety. There is no approved drug treatment for NAFLD, and the standard universally accepted as a first step is lifestyle modification. The usual management of NAFLD includes gradual weight reduction and increase in PA. Weight reduction achieved through lifestyle intervention (using a combination of diet, exercise and behaviour modification with a goal of 7–10 % weight reduction) leads to improvements in liver histology in patients with NASH⁽ Reference Promrat, Kleiner and Niemeier ^{70 )}. Various types of diet and exercise regimen have been followed in different trials to achieve a slow but steady weight loss and improvement in liver enzymes.

Apart from these interventions, statins (lipid-lowering agents), thiozolidinediones (insulin sensitisers), antioxidants, metformin have also been used. Various trials involving these components and their effects have been reviewed in detail by Lomonaco et al. ⁽ Reference Lomonaco, Sunny and Bril ^{36 )} and Musso et al. ⁽ Reference Musso, Gambino and Cassader ^{71 )} (Fig. 6).

Fig. 6

Different therapeutic targets for patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and their broad outcomes. The data have been summarised from the studies detailed in the review by Lomonaco et al. ⁽ Reference Lomonaco, Sunny and Bril ^{36 )}. NASH, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis; AST, aspartate aminotransferase; ALT, alanine aminotransferase.

The most extensively used therapy is weight loss, thiozolidinediones and antioxidants. Weight loss is safe and improves the histology of the disease. However, a consistent challenge is faced in achieving the target weight loss. Thiozolidinediones improves steatosis and inflammation, while on the negative side, it leads to a significant weight gain. Although pioglitazone is recommended for patients with biopsy-proven NASH, the efficacy and safety of the drug in the long-term demands more studies⁽ Reference Chalasani, Younossi and Lavine ^{72 )}. Furthermore, the long-term safety of using thiozolidinediones is still unclear. Randomised controlled trials with antioxidants have not always shown the same results. The effects of antioxidants vary depending on many influential factors such as age, dosage and lifestyle modifications⁽ Reference Musso, Gambino and Cassader ^{71 )}.

A study conducted in Lucknow, India with sixty-five patients showed that moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for 30 min daily helps in normalising ALT levels in patients with NASH⁽ Reference Sreenivasa Baba, Alexander and Kalyani ^{73 )}. An improved biochemical response was observed when lifestyle modifications (moderate sustained exercise such as brisk walking, jogging or swimming with a low-fat, low-energy diet) gave slow weight reduction, and ursodeoxycholic acid (300 mg twice per d for 6 months) was administered to patients with NAFLD showing increased levels of liver enzymes⁽ Reference Duseja, Das and Das ^{74 )}. A retrospective study by Madan et al. ⁽ Reference Madan, Batra and Gupta ^{75 )} found that a combination of lifestyle modifications, ursodeoxycholic acid and vitamin E provided better effects than when lifestyle modifications alone was used in normalising the ALT levels. A few studies have also used metformin, which, by and large, showed normalisation of ALT levels⁽ Reference Duseja, Das and Das ^{74 ,} Reference Duseja, Murlidharan and Bhansali ^{76 )} even when lifestyle modifications did not have much of an effect⁽ Reference Duseja, Das and Dhiman ^{77 )}. Improved IR and histology along with a better biochemical response has been reported in twenty patients with NASH following pentoxifylline treatment for 6 months⁽ Reference Satapathy, Garg and Chauhan ^{78 ,} Reference Satapathy, Sakhuja and Malhotra ^{79 )} (Fig. 7).

Fig. 7

Percentage of the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease found across a few documented studies in the Indian population⁽ Reference Das, Mukherjee and Ghosh ^{44 ,} Reference Mohan, Farooq and Deepa ^{125 –} Reference Amarapurkar, Hashimoto and Lesmana ^{127 )}.

Overall, current drug therapy includes insulin sensitiser therapy, lipid-lowering drugs (which decrease VLDL, thus reducing lipid mobilisation), ursodeoxycholic acid (which mobilises hepatotoxic bile acids from their pool), betaine (which increases hepatic S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)) and antioxidants (vitamin E and N-acetylcysteine). However, to date, no pharmacological treatment has been shown to be effective against NAFLD⁽ Reference Lam and Younossi ^{80 )}. Recent understanding of the molecular pathways underlying the development of NAFLD and its manifestations has led to the development of therapies targeting the mechanisms. Incretin mimetics (exenatide and liraglutide), novel insulin sensitisers (resveratrol and fenretinide), AMPK activators (oltipraz), appetite suppressants, probiotics and restoration of normal gut flora, and hepatoprotective agents such as silymarin (milk thistle) or PUFA⁽ Reference Lomonaco, Sunny and Bril ^{36 )} are currently being tested.

Nutrition: a promising route for prevention and management

On the one hand, the uncertainty prevailing around the pharmacological approach to treat NAFLD with regard to its safety and efficacy and, on the other hand, weight reduction and lifestyle modifications being the first line of therapy in most cases reiterate the important role played by nutrition. An imbalance in nutrition has been shown to underlie the progression of the disease both in animals⁽ Reference Poulsom ^{81 ,} Reference Bogin, Avidar and Merom ^{82 )} and in human subjects⁽ Reference Westerbacka, Lammi and Hakkinen ^{59 ,} Reference Zelber-Sagi, Nitzan-Kaluski and Goldsmith ^{62 ,} Reference Cortez-Pinto, Jesus and Barros ^{68 ,} Reference Assy, Nasser and Kamayse ^{83 )}. An unbalanced nutrition is not only strongly associated with NAFLD, but is also identified as a major risk factor that a large proportion of the population is exposed to.

The lipid content of hepatocytes is regulated by the integrated activities of cellular enzymes that catalyse lipid uptake, synthesis, oxidation and export. When ‘input’ of fats into these systems exceeds the capacity (either because of increased fatty acid delivery, hepatic fatty acid uptake or fatty acid synthesis) for fatty acid oxidation or export (i.e. ‘output’), hepatic steatosis occurs (Fig. 5)⁽ Reference Koteish and Diehl ^{84 )}. Research in the field of nutrition and its impact on NAFLD is emerging. The major culprits identified include overconsumption of fats and carbohydrates, imbalance in macronutrients and type of dietary fat consumed (e.g. MUFA, trans-fatty acids, PUFA, cholesterol), artificially sweetened drinks and the Western dietary pattern⁽ Reference Zelber-Sagi, Ratziu and Oren ^{20 )}.

Lifestyle changes and weight reduction have been the widely accepted first line of management for NAFLD. The see-saw of maintaining healthy metabolism that would help in preventing the progression of NAFLD has structured diet on the one end and PA on the other.

Over the years, the intensity of weight-reduction programmes has changed and the requirements have been pruned with better understanding of the role of different nutrients. The different regimens followed thus far has been broadly classified into three pockets⁽ Reference Zelber-Sagi, Ratziu and Oren ^{20 )}. Although the studies have documented improvements in biochemical parameters and serum levels of enzymes, the limited number of reports with liver biopsy has been a major hindrance to strongly demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of weight reduction. It is important to support the improvement in NAFLD condition with liver biopsy, since it is observed that certain diets may reduce liver enzymes but actually may be leading to liver damage, which is detected only through a biopsy.

The beneficial effects of PA has been supported by a number of clinical trials showing significant improvement in weight, IR, liver enzymes, TAG levels, adipose tissue volumes and levels of NEFA in plasma⁽ Reference Zelber-Sagi, Ratziu and Oren ^{20 )}. Apart from decreasing the symptoms of NAFLD, PA also has an overall beneficial effect on body metabolism including insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis⁽ Reference Boule, Haddad and Kenny ^{85 )}, NEFA metabolism⁽ Reference Hannukainen, Nuutila and Borra ^{86 )} and hepatic TAG content⁽ Reference Tamura, Tanaka and Sato ^{87 )}, all of which are risk factors of NAFLD. The concept of resistance training over aerobic training has found significant effects in the recent past. These exercises are found to improve the lean mass and, in turn, improve insulin sensitivity⁽ Reference Ballor and Keesey ^{88 )}.

Although a large number of studies have strongly indicated the benefits of weight loss along with lifestyle modifications and PA, it has been a challenge in itself to implement these modifications in patients during the long run. Apart from PA being low in diabetic patients⁽ Reference Morrato, Hill and Wyatt ^{89 )}, it has been observed that they are less likely to meet the required recommendations⁽ Reference Zhao, Ford and Li ^{90 )}. The situation is no different for patients diagnosed with NAFLD. In addition to very few encouraging cues towards a physically active lifestyle, fatigue has been demonstrated to be markedly higher in patients with NAFLD, which add to inactivity and excessive daytime sleepiness⁽ Reference Newton, Jones and Henderson ^{91 )}. Although the benefits of PA and a healthy diet have been reiterated, there is still no specific regimen for PA, diet or lifestyle approach that can benefit patients with NAFLD. The need for more rigorous controlled studies for establishing evidence-based PA modifications and tailored dietary requirements has been highlighted⁽ Reference Finelli and Tarantino ^{92 ,} Reference Finelli and Tarantino ^{93 )}. In addition, weight loss is seldom maintained because low-energy diets are often discontinued; furthermore, energy restriction and weight loss are hardly feasible in non-obese subjects, who would require a different therapeutic approach⁽ Reference Angulo and Lindor ^{94 )}. Thus, there is an increased need to identify specific dietary patterns that could help to understand the pathogenesis of NAFLD/NASH, and would allow a more rationale dietary approach, before or in addition to pharmacological interventions⁽ Reference Fan and Cao ^{95 )}.

All these lines of evidence reiterate the difficulty in achieving success in a clinical setting and draw attention to the importance of alternative therapies for weight loss in NAFLD. The association between what you eat and NAFLD strongly conveys that balanced nutrition to prevent the progression of NAFLD is indissoluble. The identification of appropriate dietary patterns at regulated amounts can be achieved by focusing on the nutritional needs of the NAFLD condition⁽ Reference McCarthy and Rinella ^{96 )}. This can be achieved by the development of an appropriate nutrient composition delivered at measurable amounts. A slow but steady improvement in liver status along with PA and behavioural therapy in addition to rigorous follow-up would increase the chances of preventing the progression of the disease. A few of the nutrients that play an important role in maintaining liver metabolism are mentioned below (Fig. 3).

Nutritional ingredients in liver disease: silymarin, green tea and spirulina

Silybum marianum (milk thistle) has two predominant and most active components: silymarin, a mixture of flavanoliganans and silibinin. Both these components are found to exert hepato-protective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties⁽ Reference Pradhan and Girish ^{108 )}. Silymarin extract was found to ameliorate carbon tetrachloride-induced⁽ Reference Tsai, Liu and Wu ^{109 )} and methionine- and choline-deficient diet-induced⁽ Reference Kim, Yang and Kim ^{110 )} liver fibrosis, and reduced the activation of hepatic stellate cells. Silibinin treatment in a db/db methionine- and choline-deficient mouse model was found to counteract the progression of liver injury by modulating lipid homeostasis and suppressing oxidative stress-mediated lipotoxicity and NF-κB activation⁽ Reference Salamone, Galvano and Cappello ^{111 )}. End analysis of clinical and biochemical parameters in a randomised controlled pilot study of patients with NAFLD showed that most reduction in the average amount of AST and ALT occurred in the silymarin group⁽ Reference Hajiaghamohammadi, Ziaee and Oveisi ^{112 )} when compared with the pioglitazone and metformin groups. In another study, patients with NAFLD on a food supplement containing silymarin also showed improved AST and ALT levels in their serum after 6 months⁽ Reference Cacciapuoti, Scognamiglio and Palumbo ^{113 )}. Although the underlying mechanisms are not clearly understood, milk thistle seems to bring about its protective effects by acting as an antioxidant⁽ Reference Mourelle, Muriel and Favari ^{114 )}. Since mitochondrial dysfunction in β-oxidation leading to the generation of reactive oxygen species and the activation of stellate cells for inflammatory reactions are the consequences of NAFLD that lead to the progression of the disease, the prevention of such a chain of reaction could be beneficial in the treatment strategy for NAFLD. Milk thistle could address the generation of reactive oxygen species and, in turn, keep the condition from worsening.

The beneficial effects of green tea extract in protecting against NAFLD seem to be due to catechins⁽ Reference Sakata, Nakamura and Torimura ^{115 )} that regulate energy homeostasis (reducing dietary lipid and carbohydrate absorption, decreasing lipogenesis, increasing energy expenditure) and decrease oxidative stress, enzyme inhibition and inflammatory response. Green tea extract has been shown to protect against NAFLD by limiting hepatic lipid accumulation⁽ Reference Bruno, Dugan and Smyth ^{116 )} and adipose lipogenesis⁽ Reference Park, DiNatale and Chung ^{117 )} in an ob/ob mouse model and by increasing glutathione levels and decreasing NF-κB activity⁽ Reference Park, Lee and Chung ^{118 )} in a high-fat diet-fed rat model. Several animal models⁽ Reference Masterjohn and Bruno ^{119 )} and clinical trials have addressed the positive effects of green tea consumption on the prevention of liver diseases⁽ Reference Jin, Zheng and Li ^{120 )}. It is primarily thought to bring about its protective effects by the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of catechins.

Another ingredient that has been extensively studied in liver diseases is spirulina (Arthrospira), a filamentous unicellular blue green alga. Wistar rats receiving 5 % Arthrospira maxima in their diet significantly lowered serum AST and liver TAG levels in a carbon tetrachloride-induced steatohepatitis model. Their results suggested an antioxidant mechanism and a lower unsaturation of the liver fatty acids for the protection⁽ Reference Torres-Duran, Paredes-Carbajal and Mascher ^{121 )}. Spirulina feeding for 12 weeks in a monosodium glutamate-induced model of IR and NASH has shown beneficial effects on serum cholesterol and TAG levels, liver NEFA levels and lowered leptin levels. Histological analysis showed decreased NAS and lipid peroxidation in spirulina-fed mice. It has been speculated that spirulina prevents the progression of NAFLD by acting as an anti-inflammatory agent⁽ Reference Fujimoto, Tsuneyama and Fujimoto ^{122 )}. At least three Hispanic Mexican patients treated with 4·5 g/d of spirulina for 3 months showed improvement in their ultrasonography and aminotransferase data and also had hypolipidaemic effects when compared with before treatment⁽ Reference Ferreira-Hermosillo, Torres-Duran and Juarez-Oropeza ^{123 )}.

A study by Dunn et al. ⁽ Reference Dunn, Xu and Schwimmer ^{124 )} supports the safety of one glass of wine per d for cardioprotection in patients at risk for both CHD and NAFLD. Further detailed randomised controlled trials in individuals with NAFLD are required to examine the potentially beneficial effects of these ingredients. A thorough follow-up of patients and detailed in vivo animal experiments would further unravel the mechanisms underlying the positive effects of these ingredients in the long run. This knowledge can be safely used as a productive therapeutic strategy in conditions such as NAFLD, where the use of pharmacotherapy is still uncertain.

Conclusion

NAFLD is not a separate disease that affects the liver, but a preamble to more disorder in the metabolism when overlooked. The non-availability of proper diagnostic tools, the lack of awareness among the patients about future complications, and the condition being cloaked without symptoms in the beginning makes it more of a ‘put off’ problem. However, the increasing reports of fatty liver across the world have now added momentum in understanding the mechanisms of NAFLD and its progression. The lack of a targeted therapy demands a thorough understanding of the cause and effects of the disorder and development of new therapeutic strategies that can prevent its progression. With increasing reports of obesity and diabetes, the main risk factors for NAFLD, it is highly possible that a large population is affected by NAFLD. This in addition to the Western diet and sedentary lifestyle increases the probability of patients with NAFLD. Studies increasingly have suggested that dietary habits may promote steatohepatitis directly by modulating hepatic TAG accumulation and antioxidant activity, as well as indirectly by affecting insulin sensitivity and postprandial TAG metabolism⁽ Reference Musso, Gambino and De Michieli ^{58 )} (Fig. 8).

Fig. 8

Watch what you eat! With nutrition playing a vital role in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), certain balanced foods have found to be effective in preventing the development of NAFLD or its progression (top half of the figure). In contrast, consumption of certain kinds of diets (bottom half of the figure) in the long run invariably disturbs the metabolism and leads to the conditions such as NAFLD. PUFA, MUFA, EPA (devised from Zelber-Sagi et al. ⁽ Reference Zelber-Sagi, Nitzan-Kaluski and Goldsmith ^{62 )}). NASH, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

However, dietary patterns are not uniform across all patients, and it is increasingly challenging to reduce weight and maintain reduced weight in the long term. Thus, there is a need to develop more specific, alimentary interventions that can meet the requirements of not only the diabetics or obese but also the non-obese, non-diabetic, normolipidaemics who are also prone to NAFLD/NASH. Changing the dietary composition without necessarily reducing energy intake may offer a more realistic and feasible alternative to treat patients with NAFLD⁽ Reference Zelber-Sagi, Ratziu and Oren ^{20 )}. With no definite pharmacological treatment for NAFLD, and it being subject to the stage of the disease based on the results for biopsy, it is indeed a recommended step to suppress the progression of the disease at early stages using nutritional interventions. Nutritional therapy along with PA and pharmacological therapies might provide a better platform to impede the progression of the NAFLD spectrum. Such an approach can also have a control over the associated risk factors of NAFLD, which is growing at a disturbing rate across the world.