Cytokines and inflammatory markers in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A narrative review

Abstract

Increased liver fat content is a hallmark of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a group of histological abnormalities. It has been proposed that these alterations in hepatic and systemic inflammation may be connected and that the presence of fat deposition in the liver is crucial for the diagnosis of NAFLD. Uncertainty surrounds whether each histological category reflects an unlike disease or merely various stages of the same disease may alter the pathogenesis and prognosis of NAFLD. A considerable activation of inflammatory cells and an increase of a variety of soluble inflammatory mediators are characteristics of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. The most inflammatory NAFLD has a higher risk of developing into serious and chronic liver disease. Among other mediators, cytokines and chemokines may be important in NAFLD and are being researched as possible treatment targets. In this review, we will update our understanding of the potential impact that cytokines and chemokines may have in the emergence of NAFLD.