Obesity is one of today’s most visible and growing public health problems. According to the World Health Organization in 2016 about 13% of the world’s adult population were obese¹. The consequences are serious health disorders on a large scale if no immediate action is taken. The obesity epidemic has resulted in an escalation in the number of individuals with steatosis (hepatic fat accumulation). The molecular mechanisms involved in the development and progression of fatty liver diseases remain deficiently understood.
The study to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is subject of research studies all over the world due to the large consequences as NAFLD can lead to cirrhosis and all of its complications. Eventually liver transplantation might be necessary which has a high impact on both the medical sector as the patient.
The progression of NAFLD is shown schematically in the picture below². The number of individuals with steatosis progressing to NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) is substantial. To understand the progression of NAFLD, and the mechanisms causing the transition to NASH, research efforts are increasing.
