Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a view formation on the problem and its significance for the clinical practice

The problem of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is of great interest to the medical community due to its high prevalence and its proven role in the development and progression of cardiometabolic disorders and cancer. Objective. To analyze data related to epidemiology, developing of views on etiology and modern approaches to diagnosing of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Materials and methods. The PubMed, RSCI, and eLibrary databases were searched for Russian and foreign publications using the keywords non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, cardiovascular risks, and insulin resistance. The data presented in reviews, articles, meta-analyses, and clinical guidelines were analyzed. Publication selection criteria were relevant articles in peer-reviewed periodicals with epidemiological data and a modern view of the problem of NAFLD with detailed descriptive statistics. The search period included 2014 to 2024. In addition, the review uses sources published earlier than 2000 with relevant data on the study topic. Results. The problem analysis demonstrated a high prevalence of NAFLD (averaging about 33% in the general population). Studies of non-alcoholic liver injury have been ongoing for a long time. According to modern views, this condition has a complex pathogenesis involving the hepatobiliary system and other organs and systems. New non-invasive diagnostic methods (elastometry, magnetic resonance imaging of the liver) are promising since they can detect the disease early. Conclusion. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is well understood. However, more evidence of its role in developing other diseases associated with metabolic dysfunction is being revealed. It is necessary to search for new methods of diagnosing and treating this condition to improve the prognosis and reduce cardiometabolic risk.