The role of immune cells in metabolism-related liver inflammation and development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

The low grade inflammatory state present in obesity promotes the progression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). In Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), augmented hepatic steatosis is accompanied by aberrant intrahepatic inflammation and exacerbated hepatocellular injury. NASH is an important disorder and can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis and even neoplasia. The pathology of NASH involves a complex network of mechanisms, including increased infiltration of different subsets of immune cells, such as monocytes, T-lymphocytes and neutrophils, to the liver, as well as activation and in situ expansion of liver resident cells such as Kupffer cells or stellate cells. In this review, we summarize recent advances regarding understanding the role of the various cells of the innate and adaptive immunity in NASH development and progression, and discuss possible future therapeutic options and tools to interfere with disease progression.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)29-39
Number of pages11
JournalReviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
Volume17
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2016
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 84957549519
PubMed 26847547

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

  • Hepatic stellate cells (HSC), Kupffer cells, Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), Obesity, Steatosis, T-regulatory cells (Tregs)