miRNA – molecular biomarkers in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: potential targets in nutritional interventions

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a cause of chronic liver disease and ranges from steatosis to steatohepatitis and cirrhosis. MicroRNAs play a crucial role in the dysregulation of metabolism and the progression of steatosis to more severe stages of the disease. NAFLD is associated with differential changes in miRNA expression patterns at early, intermediate and late stages, and specific types of miRNAs are involved in steatosis development and progression to cirrhosis. MicroRNAs oversee energy homeostasis and metabolic processes and are widely used as circulating biomarkers to identify metabolic status. They can be controlled by environmental and dietary factors, particularly by isolated nutrients or bioactive compounds, indicating that nutritional intervention may be considered a therapeutic approach in modulating chronic disease risk. Extensive research is needed to translate the contribution of miRNAs in NAFLD into innovative therapeutic strategies. Until then, nutritional interventions can be recommended.