Statins and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a bright future?
Title | Statins and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a bright future? |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2013 |
Authors | Athyros, V. G., Katsiki N., Karagiannis A., & Mikhailidis D. P. |
Journal | Expert Opin Investig Drugs |
Volume | 22 |
Issue | 9 |
Pagination | 1089-93 |
Date Published | 2013 Sep |
ISSN | 1744-7658 |
Keywords | Adult, Animals, Cardiovascular Diseases, Disease-Free Survival, Fatty Liver, Humans, Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors, Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Risk Factors |
Abstract | Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease affecting up to 30% of adults in Western countries. NAFLD and mainly nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are independent cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors; more of these patients are expected to die from CVD rather than from liver disease. The effect of statins on newer risk factors that may influence the pathobiology of liver damage in NASH is considered. These include microparticles, inflammasomes, gut-liver axis abnormalities and dietary lipids. Evidence suggests that statins induce NAFLD/NASH resolution and substantially improve symptom-free survival from CVD to a greater extent than in patients without NAFLD. However, large randomized clinical trials are needed to verify these findings. |
DOI | 10.1517/13543784.2013.824423 |
Alternate Journal | Expert Opin Investig Drugs |
PubMed ID | 23889731 |