Key result
Genetic and epigenetic factors play a key role in NAFLD susceptibility and progression, with plasma miRNAs offering potential as novel, non-invasive diagnostic and monitoring tools.
Why the study?
Numerous investigations have explored genetic and epigenetic factors in NAFLD pathogenesis, motivating a report on the most studied genetic and epigenetic variants.
Molecular research into genetic and epigenetic factors of NAFLD could provide novel clinical tools for prognosis, disease severity assessment, and non-invasive diagnosis using plasma miRNAs.
Novel NAFLD insights from level 5 human data are hypothesis-generating; leaves open validation before any clinical consideration.
INTRODUCTION: nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) comprises a broad spectrum of diseases, which can progress from benign steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD is the most common chronic liver disease in developed countries, affecting approximately 25% of the general population. Insulin resistance, adipose tissue dysfunction, mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum stress, chronic inflammation, genetic and epigenetic factors are NAFLD triggers that control the disease susceptibility and progression. AREAS COVERED: In recent years a large number of investigations have been carried out to elucidate genetic and epigenetic factors in the disease pathogenesis, as well as the search for diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. This paper objective is to report the most studied genetic and epigenetic variants around NAFLD. EXPERT OPINION: NAFLD lead to various comorbidities, which have a considerable impact on the patient wellness and life quality, as well as on the costs they generate for the country's health services. It is essential to continue with molecular research, since it could be used as a clinical tool for prognosis and disease severity. Specifically, in the field of hepatology, plasma miRNAs could provide a novel tool in liver diseases diagnosis and monitoring, representing an alternative to invasive diagnostic procedures.
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Botello-Manilla et al. (2020) conducted a review in Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Genetic and epigenetic factors was evaluated. Genetic and epigenetic factors play a key role in NAFLD susceptibility and progression, with plasma miRNAs offering potential as novel, non-invasive diagnostic and monitoring tools.
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