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The Spectrum of NAFLD: From the Organ to the System

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NAFLD and NASH

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a clinical-pathological condition that encompasses a wide range of liver damage not caused by chronic alcohol consumption, including steatosis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis, in the absence of other etiologies. It is associated with metabolic risk factors such as obesity, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus. The prevalence of NAFLD has increased considerably over the last years due to the current lifestyle (unhealthy diet and sedentarism). Despite NAFLD is considered the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome, there is an increasing number of studies that support a bidirectional model, in which NAFLD plays a crucial role in the development of metabolic disturbances. Also, there is strong evidence that supports the multisystemic affectation of NAFLD, including cardiovascular, bone and kidney disease, and promoting hepatic and extrahepatic malignancies.

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Correspondence to Javier Ampuero .

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Sanchez-Torrijos, Y., Ampuero, J. (2020). The Spectrum of NAFLD: From the Organ to the System. In: Romero-Gomez, M. (eds) NAFLD and NASH. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-37173-9_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-37173-9_1

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