Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most frequent cause of liver damage and alteration of hepatic enzymes. NAFLD is strongly associated with metabolic syndrome and obesity. It is characterized by fat accumulation in the liver that may progress throughout hepatic steatosis and inflammation (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH]) toward cirrhosis and liver failure. In the last decade several studies suggested that NAFLD is an independent cardiovascular risk factor that increases cardiovascular mortality. At present, several studies investigating possible therapeutic approaches are ongoing. The present review is focused on the current and promising treatments of NAFLD.

Keywords: Metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cardiovascular risk