Association of Adipokines with Development and Progression of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Association of Adipokines with Development and Progression of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease affecting 30% of the general population and 40% to 70% ofobese individuals. Adipose tissue plays a crucial role in its pathogenesis, as it produces and secretes pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokinescalled adipokines. Adiponectin and leptin have well-determined actions in terms of NAFLD pathophysiology. Adiponectin deficiencyis associated with a pro-inflammatory condition, as it is observed in obesity and other metabolic disorders. On the otherhand, increased leptin levels, above the normal levels, act as a pro-inflammatory stimulus. Regarding other adipokines (resistin, visfatin,chemerin, retinol-binding protein 4, irisin), data about their contribution to NAFLD pathogenesis and progression are inconclusive. In addition, pharmacological agents like thiazolidinediones (pioglitazone and rosiglitazone), that are used in the management ofNAFLD exert favourable effects on adipokine levels, which in turn may contribute to the improvement of liver function. This reviewsummarizes the current knowledge and developments in the association between adipokines and NAFLD and discusses possibletherapeutic implications targeting the modulation of adipokine levels as a potential tool for the treatment of NAFLD.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease affecting 30% of the general population and 40% to 70% ofobese individuals. Adipose tissue plays a crucial role in its pathogenesis, as it produces and secretes pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokinescalled adipokines. Adiponectin and leptin have well-determined actions in terms of NAFLD pathophysiology. Adiponectin deficiencyis associated with a pro-inflammatory condition, as it is observed in obesity and other metabolic disorders. On the otherhand, increased leptin levels, above the normal levels, act as a pro-inflammatory stimulus. Regarding other adipokines (resistin, visfatin,chemerin, retinol-binding protein 4, irisin), data about their contribution to NAFLD pathogenesis and progression are inconclusive. In addition, pharmacological agents like thiazolidinediones (pioglitazone and rosiglitazone), that are used in the management ofNAFLD exert favourable effects on adipokine levels, which in turn may contribute to the improvement of liver function. This reviewsummarizes the current knowledge and developments in the association between adipokines and NAFLD and discusses possibletherapeutic implications targeting the modulation of adipokine levels as a potential tool for the treatment of NAFLD.