Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) – Agrawal Gastro Center Indore
The term Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) describes a group of medical conditions in which excess fat is deposited in the liver of people who do not drink alcohol.
NAFLD results in fat accumulating in the liver cells. Although this isn’t normal, it may not damage the liver by itself. A small subset of patients with NAFLD may develop a more serious condition called Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH).
NASH can cause severe scarring and cirrhosis of the liver. The liver is unable to function properly as symptoms of cirrhosis arise when extensive damage is sustained, and the replacement of liver cells is gradual.
Factors Contributing to NAFLD/ NASH
In addition to being overweight or obese, having diabetes, or pre-diabetes (insulin resistance), and having high blood lipid levels such as cholesterol and triglycerides, NAFLD is part of the metabolic syndrome.
Patients with metabolic syndrome do not always have all symptoms. It is less known what causes NASH to develop. Researchers are looking at possible contributing factors to NASH. These factors include:
- Apoptosis,or the death of liver cells
- Gut microbiota (intestinal bacteria) leading to liver inflammation
- Toxic inflammatory proteins (cytokines) released by inflammatory liver cells of the patient
- Deficiency of antioxidants (pro-oxidants) results in oxidative stress, which causes liver cell damage.
- Oxidative stress
A physical examination may reveal a slightly enlarged liver, and a patch of dark skin discoloration (Acanthosis Nigricans) may be present (usually on the neck and underarms) in children with abdominal pain and fatigue.
For personalized opinion consult your nearby hepatologist.
Agrawal Gastrocare Center (AGC) is the most prominent choice for Gastroenterology Clinic in Indore Madhya Pradesh, India. It has been founded by Dr. Amit Agrawal.
Dr. Amit Agrawal is the Best Gastroenterologist Doctor in Indore and has 12 years of experience. He offers the best treatment in the diagnosis of liver disorder, swallowing disorder, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach pain, and colon cancer treatment.
