Liver steatosis (NAFLD)

Hepatic steatosis, characterized by fat accumulation in more than 5% of hepatocytes, occurs due to an imbalance between fatty acids storage and their digestion in the liver. Triglycerides, also called triacylglycerols, are glycerol with the chains of three fatty acids in place of hydrogens from the hydroxyl groups [26]. Triglycerides are produced by the liver from the acyl-coenzyme A which, in turn, derives from free fatty acids (FFAs), thanks to the acyl-CoA synthetase and L-glycerol 3-phosphate from glycolysis [27].

FFAs reach the liver via three pathways [28]: (i) lipolysis of peripheral adipose tissue, (ii) fatty acids synthesis in the liver (de novo lipogenesis), and (iii) diet, grouped into chylomicrons and released by the tissue lipoprotein-lipase. Once in the hepatocytes, FFAs have two destinations. They can undergo a beta-oxidation in mitochondria, which brings either to ATP production, or to the synthesis of ketone bodies. Alternatively, they can be esterified to produce triglycerides, then either stored as droplets into the hepatocytes or packaged in apolipoproteins and secreted as very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) in the serum.

As during T2DM the deposit of triglycerides into the liver increases, causing steatosis, it requires further investigation, both from a biochemical and pathophysiological point of view. It should be noted that IR, in the course of the disease, is able to increase the content of fatty acids in the liver, thanks to which there is a greater synthesis and deposition of triglycerides.

IR

The strong association between IR, hyperinsulinemia, glucose intolerance, reduced high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and hypertension has been well-known since the end of 80s.

It was immediately clear that both glycemic compensation and maintaining plasma FFAs levels within normal ranges could be achieved with a state of hyperinsulinemia by increased its production by the pancreatic beta-cells, a condition known as IR [29]. Overall, abdominal obesity, IR, dyslipidemia, and a high blood pressure are enclosed in the definition of MS. This condition appears to be associated with other comorbidities, including a pro-thrombotic status, NAFLD and reproductive disorders [30, 31]. In this regard, it seems evident that overeating, usually associated with obesity and genetic predisposition, leads to IR which, in turn, is invariably coupled with NAFLD. MS attempts to worsen the condition of the liver to steatohepatitis (NASH), mainly due to lipotoxicity [32].

Hormone-like fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-21 appears to be deeply involved in the development of IR and NAFLD. FGF-21 is highly expressed in the liver and regulates liver glucose production and lipid metabolism, as well as the energy metabolism of cells. Hepatic expression of FGF-21 is controlled by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α pathway [33]. Lack of FGF-21 or resistance to its action can trigger glucose intolerance. High circulating levels of FGF-21 have been reported in patients with obesity, T2DM, IR and NAFLD and appear to be related to both hepatic and peripheral IR [34]. Many clinical and experimental studies have shown a correlation between circulating levels of FGF-21 and the fat content in the liver [35]. Furthermore, experimental studies have shown that an altered FGF-21 signal plays an important role in the development and progression of NAFLD. It has recently been reported that the administration of an FGF-21 analogue improves NAFLD [36]. Therefore, FGF-21 could be both a NAFLD biomarker and a possible new therapeutic approach [35].

T2DM

T2DM is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia as part of IR and relative insulin deficiency [37]. The failure of pancreatic beta-cells to attempt the hyperinsulinemia necessary to compensate IR represents a critical step in the pathogenesis of T2DM. Thus, the key role of IR in the onset of this condition is evident and the lack of compensation of the beta-cells of IR occurs in the pathogenesis of T2DM [38]. In the case of IR, beta-cells keeps a normal glucose tolerance by increasing insulin secretion. Only when they are not able to release an adequate amount of insulin in the presence of IR, glucose concentration increases [39]. Current evidence may help in establishing IR as leading cause of T2DM when pancreatic beta-cells exhaust their ability to keep a state of hyperinsulinemia [38].

However, an alternative gaining ground view is the potential role of IR in the protection of critical body tissues from a metabolic damage in case of nutrients oversupply. To say, the dogma that IR is harmful for the body should be countered by every means has been argued. Thus, the thought that IR may represent a defense mechanism of critical cardiovascular tissues against injury induced by chronic nutrients excess would be overturned [40–43]. In other words, IR during MS, although it represents a biomarker of metabolic poor health, could only represent an epiphenomenon rather than the root cause. Therefore, if IR plays an adaptive protective role, any attempt to circumvent it in treatment could potentially result in harm. Therefore, there should be a change in the interpretation of IR, T2DM etiology, the therapeutic management of patients with either MS, T2DM and related conditions.

Insulin PI3K/Akt/FOXO1

Insulin is a peptide hormone produced by pancreas beta-cells in the islets of Langerhans [44]. Insulin binds its receptor, a homodimer with an alpha and a beta subunit placed on the cell membrane. The consecutive activation of the receptor triggers a signaling chain through which the phosphorylation of tyrosine residues occurs which, in turn, results in the activation of AKT, called protein kinase B (PKB), a protein of the cytosol. PKB finally induces cell growth and resistance to apoptosis, by activating mTOR. AKT, once activated, is also able to inhibit FOXO1, a so-called “fork-head box” O1, which acts as a DNA transcription factor, suppressing the hepatic production of glucose and allowing metabolism in the post-prandial state [45]. FOXO1 once activated by phosphorylation, moves from the nucleus to the cytoplasm via the insulin dependent PI3K/AKT pathway. Consequently, the transcription of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6P) is reduced, and the amount of both gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis decreased [46]. FOXO1 is also able to negatively regulating de novo lipogenesis by binding PPAR-γ promoter and thus hindering its transcription. Indeed, lipogenesis initially requires elevated levels of PPAR-γ. During the active signaling of insulin, FOXO1 moves outside the nucleus, becoming unable to both prevent PPAR-γ transcription and inhibit lipogenesis [47].

Briefly, the consequences of insulin on glucose and lipid metabolism are: (1) increased glycogen synthesis, reduced gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, resulting in an increase in the amount of glycogen, and (2) increased lipogenesis and decreased lipolysis with an increase in the level of triglycerides [48]. In light of this, it seems paradoxical that during T2DM, usually characterized in its early stages by IR and hyperinsulinemia, glycogen levels are low and triglycerides levels high. Such a behavior can be explained by a passage of FOXO1-mediated metabolism towards lipogenesis. Indeed, FOXO1 increases transcription of the sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 1c (SREBP-1c), which is involved in lipogenesis. At the same time, once FOXO1 is translocated out of the nucleus, it hinders the transcription of G6P, triggering an increase in lipogenesis against glycogen production [49]. Insulin-mediated suppression of hepatic glucose production plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of T2DM. The production of hepatic glucose occurs mainly due to the reduction of hepatic Acetyl-CoA, suppressing lipolysis in the white adipose tissue, resulting in a reduction in the flow of pyruvate carboxylases.

Overall, these findings establish that hepatic Acetyl-CoA from white adipose tissue lipolysis is the main regulator of insulin-mediated hepatic glucose production. Thus, hepatic acetyl-CoA is associated with inflammation-induced hepatic IR which, in turn, is related to both obesity and T2DM.

Finally, IL-6 activates the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB)-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-ceramide pathways, which inhibit insulin signaling and, in turn, they increase the transcription of gluconeogenic protein [50]. Consequently, the hepatic concentration of Acetyl-CoA increases, due to the increased beta-oxidation of fatty acid, which triggers hepatic gluconeogenesis by activating the mitochondrial pyruvate carboxylases pathway [50]. The rapid reduction in insulin-mediated hepatic glucose production (i.e. few minutes), as well as the lack of any relationship between the hepatic expression of gluconeogenic proteins and fasting hyperglycemia in obese subjects, with or without T2DM, supports the clinical relevance of such a mechanism [51].

Consequences of IR and the link with chronic inflammation

Whatever the cause, either the leading one or a simple epiphenomenon, NAFLD and T2DM subjects have an established IR, which exacerbates the two comorbidities. First, IR worsens NAFLD by increasing deposition of FFAs inside the liver, through an increase in the influx of FFAs from peripheral adipose tissue trough activation of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) [52]. Second, there is an increased de novo lipogenesis, mediated by SREBP-1c, whose maturation inside endoplasmic reticulum (ER) depends on insulin. SREBP-1c activates the expression of several genes involved in the glycolysis pathway (e.g., glucokinase, L-pyruvate kinase, acetyl-CoA carboxylases). In this way, glucose metabolism and lipogenesis genes (e.g., FFA synthase, sterol-CoA-desaturase) are activated, together with the carbohydrate-response element-binding protein (ChREBP), which strongly promotes lipogenesis [53]. Finally, IR can also suppress beta-oxidation. There is an increase in the production of Malonyl-CoA, capable of inhibiting carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1, reducing the influx of fatty acids inflow into the mitochondria and inhibiting the subsequent oxidation of FFAs in hepatocytes [53].

The accumulation of lipids in the liver induces a chronic endoplasmic reticulum stress of the hepatocytes. These events trigger a harmful vicious circle by furtherly promoting the accumulation of self-destructive lipids in the hepatocytes [54]. Other elements, such as bile acids are involved in the relationship between steatosis and IR. Bile acids, in fact, by binding to the transcription factor farnesoid X receptor (FXR), act on different targets of lipid metabolism (i.e. SREBP-1c or PPAR-γ) and counteract hepatic steatosis. Treatment of patients with a FXR agonist like obeticholic acid is an effective therapeutic option for patients with advanced NAFLD.

Besides an increased in systemic IR, NAFLD and T2DM patients also have an elevated hepatic IR, most likely mediated by intrahepatic fats accumulation, as well as an increase in proinflammatory cytokines [27, 55, 56].

Inflammatory pathways are critically involved in the development of IR. IR is associated with a low degree of chronic inflammation and several mediators released by various types of cells, including immune system cells and adipocytes, are involved. The most frequent mediators are TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6 and numerous adipocytokines.

Currently, it is not yet clear which sites are affected by inflammatory processes. Beyond the adipose tissue, the gastrointestinal tract, due to its highly altered microbiota, could also be one of the first events in the development of both IR and NAFLD. Insulin binds to its specific receptor activating its intracellular signaling pathway. Once bound, the insulin receptor phosphorylates itself and several members of the insulin receptor substrate (IRS) family. In the liver, IRS1 and IRS2 are the main mediators of insulin signal by regulating insulin sensitivity. Some studies have reported that TNF-α is involved in the obesity-related systemic IR by inhibiting insulin receptor tyrosine-kinase in the two tissues primarily responsible of the insulin-induced glucose uptake: muscle and adipose tissue [57]. Therefore, IR is a complex metabolic disorder, most likely involving numerous pathways. There is substantial evidence that the activation of the transcription factor NF-kB, a protein complex that acts as a transcription factor, is involved in hepatic IR. In fact, I-kappa-B kinase β (IKK-β, either named inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase subunit beta), once activated, phosphorylates NF-kB inhibitor, thus hindering the normal transcription role of NF-kB. TNF-α is able to activate IKK-β, thus leading to a reduction in insulin signaling, which manifest itself in IR. These data corroborate the hypothesis of a role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of IR, T2DM and obesity. In this case, IKK-β could be a potential therapeutic target for insulin sensitization [58].

The accumulation of lipids in the liver causes activation of NF-kB and the production of downstream cytokines resulting in subacute hepatic inflammation, determining both hepatic and systemic IR [59].

The NF-kB ligand receptor activator (receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand, RANKL) contributes to this pathway. Its high serum concentration represent an independent risk factor for T2DM. RANKL binds its receptor in the liver and activates the NF-kB pathway, increasing local inflammation and causing IR. RANKL can be considered a potential valid therapeutic target, similar to what happen for osteoporosis [60]. This would suggest that bone have an endocrine regulatory function on glucose homeostasis and, therefore, IR [61].

Adipose tissue has emerged as the main site of inflammation in obesity-related disorders. Proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) are produced by the human adipose tissue, in relation to the degree of obesity. In particular, TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA expression is greater in adipose tissue than in the liver in patients with a severe obesity [62, 63].

The mechanisms of the progression of adipose tissue inflammation has not yet been understood. Local mechanic factors, as well as various adipokines, could be critically involved [64]. In obese individuals, adiponectin levels are reduced, contributing to the development of both IR and T2DM. Therefore, oral AdipoR agonists may represent a valid therapeutic approach [65]. The data seem to confirm the hypothesis of a crosstalk between adipose tissue and liver, as well as between IR and chronic inflammation [66].

Adipokines and NAFLD crosstalk

In recent years, adipose tissue has emerged as a real endocrine organ, capable to producing various biochemical compounds, called adipokines, which exert autocrine, paracrine and endocrine functions by acting on the body’s energetic metabolism [67]. Therefore, adipokines play a crucial role in the development of MS, as well as in the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) to NASH and cirrhosis [68]. In addition to adipokines, adipose tissue also contains many immune cells, such as macrophages, B and T cells, and neutrophils which, in case of obesity, may trigger a chronic low-grade inflammation, capable to triggering changes in the production of adipokines and, therefore, in the metabolic regulation of adipose tissue [69].

Adipokines produced by the adipose tissue can play a positive or a negative role towards NAFLD. For example, adiponectin reduces IR and has both anti-steatosic and anti-inflammatory effects, while conversely, TNF-α and IL-6 have pro-inflammatory effects [70]. However, the continuous crosstalk between positive and negative adipokines makes the situation extremely dynamic, as these are influenced by various factors (e.g., genetic susceptibility and lifestyle) [71]. In particular, the relationship between Adiponectin and TNF-α seems to be reciprocal, as one inhibits the synthesis, transcription and biochemical activity of the other, thus being able to act on IR and systemic energy metabolism [72]. Under normal conditions Adiponectin and TNF-α have a balanced ratio, while in obesity, an imbalance towards TNF-α develops leading to IR and NAFLD [70].

The reality is much more complex. In fact, the modification of adipokines during the expansion of the adipose tissue represent a homeostatic compensation mechanism to preserve insulin sensitivity. However, vice versa, when produced in largequantities they exert the counterproductive adverse effect of increasing IR and liver steatosis, this is the case of leptin, as well as adiponectin and resistin, thus becoming the negative trigger of NAFLD [73].

Leptin, the first adipokine described [74], is produced by the adipose tissue in proportion to its mass and, beyond the neuroendocrine functions, is responsible of energetic homeostasis and regulation of metabolism [75]. Leptin and insulin communicate within the liver with significant metabolic overlap, resulting in activation of JAK-2, STAT-3, MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways [76]. At low levels it exerts a protective role on hepatic steatosis, due to its insulin-sensitizing effects, suppression of gluconeogenesis, de novo lipogenesis, as well as by stimulating FFAs beta-oxidation [77]. However, when produced in larger quantities, leptin acts as a pro-inflammatory and fibrogenetic factor acting on metalloproteinases [TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 1 (TIMP-1) and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1)], stimulating TGF-β, and upregulating CD14 on liver Kupffer cells [78–81]. Furthermore, leptin increases hepatic fibrosis by reducing PPAR-γ expression in hepatic stellate cells [82]. Higher levels of circulating leptin were observed both in NAFL patients and even more so with NASH [83].

Adiponectin is the most widespread adipokine produced by the adipose tissue [84]. Once secreted, it is able to bind its two trans-membrane receptors, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2, mainly expressed at the level of skeletal muscle and liver [85]. Adiponectin also exerts anti-steatosic effects, increasing oxidation of FFAs and decreasing both gluconeogenesis and de novo lipogenesis. It also protects hepatocytes from apoptosis [86].

In addition to these metabolic effects, adiponectin also has anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects trough suppressing of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and inducing anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) [72], as well as reduction of both activation and proliferation of liver stellate cells by downregulating TGF-β, reducing both connective tissue expansion and promoting matrix degradation [87]. Unlike other adipokines, it decreases as the adipose tissue increases [71]. NAFLD patients have low circulating adiponectin levels. However, these levels paradoxically increasing when NASH progresses to cirrhosis [88, 89], possible due to decreased hepatic clearance or as compensatory effect against a massive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines occurring during liver cirrhosis.

Finally, resistin is a peptide produced during differentiation of adipocytes, most likely by macrophages that infiltrate the adipose tissue rather than by adipocytes themselves [90, 91]. Resistin appears to play a role in liver inflammation and fibrosis. It can trigger IR [90], mediated on the one hand by the activation of adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK), which acts on the expression of liver gluconeogenesis enzymes, and partially by the modulation of VLDL secretion and hepatic lipogenesis [92]. Furthermore, resistin acts as a true pro-inflammatory cytokine, stimulating both production and action of TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6 [93, 94]. It is also capable to influencing hepatic fibrosis, through the activation of hepatic stellate cells, as well as the increase in the production of TGF-β and type I collagen through Kuppfer cells [87]. In vivo resistin, IR, steatosis and liver fibrosis seem to be closely associated [95], although the data are controversial [96].

Patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3), TM6SF2 and apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3)

So far, it seems clear that IR plays a key role in worsening both T2DM and NAFLD. However, other factors independent of IR have emerged that can influence these conditions. Indeed, genome-wide association studies have established genetic variants associated with NAFLD severity, but not related to IR.

Alteration of patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3) contributes to the difference in both liver fats content and susceptibility to NAFLD. The missense mutation Ile148Met into PNPLA3 (either named adiponutrin) modifies the progression of NAFLD [97]. In particular, the substitution of methionine with isoleucine at the residual 148 would limit the access of the substrate to the catalytic serine in position 47, thus trigger an altered hydrolysis of hepatic triglycerides and a consequent increase in the content of cellular triglycerides. However, it does not associate with IR [98].

It thus evident how PNPLA3 (I148M) polymorphism is an important determinant for the accumulation of hepatic fat predisposing to NAFLD [99]. In addition to PNPLA3, the TM62F protein, and especially the Glu167Lys (E167K) variant, also appears to influence the hepatic fats content, as their activity is mandatory for a normal secretion of VLDL, while its reduced functioning can contribute to the pathogenesis of NAFLD.

The TM6SF2 variant encoding p.Glu167Lys causally contributes to NAFLD [100]. In particular, carriers of the variant Glu167Lys (E167K) of TM62F protein seem to be associated with a distinct NAFLD subtype, characterized by a preserved insulin sensitivity regarding lipolysis, hepatic glucose production and lack of hypertriglyceridemia, although there is an increased content of hepatic fatty acids [101].

A study on mice assessed the association between NAFLD and IR and increased plasmatic apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3) concentration, reporting that an increased concentration predisposes mice to both NAFLD and hepatic IR [102]. These results underline the still unclear role of IR as a risk factor or marker of NAFLD.

A study on subjects with familial hypobetalipoproteinemia (FHBL) also reported that hepatic steatosis in this subpopulation is decoupled from IR, suggesting that the increase in intrahepatic lipids content could be a marker rather than a cause of metabolic dysfunction [103].

NASH definition

NASH is defined as presence of steatosis along with hepatocellular injury, which is characterized by ballooning degeneration and lobular inflammation. Liver steatosis, either with or without lobular inflammation is not sufficient for the diagnosis of NASH, so these patients should be considered to have NAFL.

In the past, “two-hits hypothesis” was the most accepted theory about the progression from NAFLD to NASH [104]. The “first hit” is excessive accumulation of lipids in the hepatocytes, known as liver steatosis (NAFL), which promotes lipotoxicity, thus making the liver more sensitive to potential damage. The “second hit”, comes from immune responses caused by the excessive accumulation of toxic intermediate fatty acids in the liver that triggers the progression of NASH.

In reality, the pathophysiological pattern is much more complex, a “multiple parallel hits hypothesis” [12] has been proposed, which underlines the close relationship between liver, adipose tissue, intestinal tract and skeletal muscle [105] in the development of NASH [66].

A role in the onset and progression of NAFL towards NASH is also played by the end products of advanced glycation (AGE) which are formed by the non-enzymatic reaction between reducing sugars and proteins or lipids. The overproduction of intracellular and extracellular AGEs can be induced by various conditions including hyperglycemia and T2DM [106]. AGE induces the production of its RAGE receptor. The AGE-RAGE axis contributes to the accumulation of fat in the liver leading to inflammation, fibrosis, IR, and oxidative stress [107]. Inhibition of AGE formation and mitigation of AGE-mediated effects can be a good therapeutic target for improve both NAFLD and diabetic complications.

Lipotoxicity DAG and ceramides-mediated

During early stages of NAFLD, triglycerides accumulate in the hepatocytes. Diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2) catalyzes the final stage of hepatic triglycerides synthesis. In fact, triglycerides stored in the liver are inherently inert and non-toxic. However, other bioactive intermediates, such as ceramides and diacylglycerols (DAGs), can induce lipotoxicity, thus causing potentially inflammation and liver fibrosis [108].

Therefore, in the liver, there will observe an excessive accumulation of toxic lipids (e.g., DAGs and ceramids) during NASH. Similar, this also occurs within liver macrophages, i.e. Kupfer cells. These macrophages will attract T-CD4+ and B lymphocytes, in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, thus producing proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. In other words, there is a shift of the Kupfer cells phenotype towards a proinflammatory M1 state [109]. Activated Kupffer cells not only secrets excessive amounts of proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α and IL-6), but also promote the activation of hepatic stellate cells which, in turn, produce specialized collagen with tissue formation scarring.

NAFL progresses into NASH when the mechanisms that protect hepatocytes from fatty acids-mediated lipotoxicity are overwhelmed. In this case, dead hepatocytes trigger repair responses within the liver, establish the activation of hepatic stellate cells and myofibroblasts. The latter begin to create an excessive matrix and produce growth factors favoring collagen deposition and, therefore, fibrosis. Furthermore, the cytokines produced in this context attract numerous other inflammatory cells to the liver, thus exacerbating the fibrosis processes [110]. It is thus evident that lipotoxicity triggers a chronic inflammatory process promoting, over time, the evolution from NAFL to NASH.

Chronic inflammation obesity-mediated

In addition to intrahepatic lipotoxicity, during T2DM, NASH can be exacerbated by a series of vicious circles triggered by obesity-induced IR in adipose tissue, muscle and liver, and is a crucial risk factor for the development of T2DM.

At a molecular level, in NASH patients IR is promoted by the transition of macrophages from the M2 state (kept by STAT6 and PPARs) to an activated M1 state, driven by NF-kB, AP1 and other transcription factors that act in the innate immune system. In fact, during IR, the lipolysis induced by the white adipose tissue favors the release of FFAs, thus resulting in the enrolment and activation of macrophages in the adipose tissue. M1 activates macrophages which, in turn, secrete huge amounts of cytokines, including the chemoattractanting protein monocyte-1, TNF-α and IL-1-beta. These cytokines not only induce the vicious circle of local IR, but also enhance systemic inflammation, thus leading to a higher infiltration of proinflammatory cytokines in the liver [111].

Mitochondrial dysfunction

Mitochondrial dysfunction is an additional element that favor the progression of NAFL to NASH. In fact, as aforementioned, intrahepatic FFAs can undergo a beta-oxidation process in the mitochondria. The entry of FFAs in mitochondria, a crucial step in initiating beta-oxidation, is controlled by carnitine O-palmitoyl transferase 1 (CPT1). CPT1, which is inhibited by insulin, malonyl-CoA and acyl-CoA, activates PPAR-α, thus stimulating beta-oxidation of FFAs [112]. Reduced mitochondrial function could exacerbate IR. An association between NAFLD and a decreased muscle mitochondrial activity has been reported [113]. Therefore, the muscle mitochondrial adaptation could represent one of the mechanisms capable of modulating lipids deposition in the liver during T2DM development [114]. Impaired hepatic energy metabolism and IR could prevent NASH development [115]. Therefore, NAFLD is not only associated with IR, although it could rather be preemptive of T2DM and of its cardiovascular complications. In T2DM patients, IR is related to impaired hepatic energy metabolism, partially justified by lipids deposits [116].

NASH patients are characterized by a higher mitochondrial mass. During NASH, increased hepatic oxidative stress and oxidative DNA damage are accompanied by a reduced antioxidant defense ability and increased inflammatory response, suggesting “hepatic mitochondrial flexibility” during the early phases of IR, related to obesity and subsequently causing NASH [117].

Mitochondrial dysfunction could play a crucial role in NASH pathogenesis. Indeed, NASH patients present hepatic mitochondrial abnormalities, most likely related to liver fibrosis [118] These include a higher loss of protons by the electrons transport chain, due to an increased expression of mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 (MUCP-2), a depletion of mitochondrial DNA and an abnormal oxide-reductive mitochondrial homeostasis, with the subsequent production of ROS [119, 120].

Finally, excessive lipid overload will undermine the antioxidant ability and accelerate the oxidative stress, resulting in mitochondrial protons loss, NASH development and IR exacerbation. Again, the link between liver disease and T2DM appears to be reciprocal, as mitochondrial dysfunction exacerbates both NASH and T2DM. Indeed, ROS produced by mitochondria provide liver inflammation and beta-cells damage, thus establishing the progression of both pathological conditions.

Dysbiosis

Lifestyle plays a important role in the qualitative and quantitative change of the intestinal microbiota [121], which contributes, both, directly (through chemical mediators produced by bacteria) and indirectly (through interference with the biochemical metabolic pathways), to the development of T2DM and NAFLD [122–125].

In fact, the increase in intestinal ethanol production, due to microbial dysbiosis, leads to both liver toxicity and an increase in intestinal permeability, secondary to the loss of the tight junction. Thus, gut-derived pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), such as lipopolysaccharide, reach the liver through blood flow. As a result, proinflammatory pathways activate specific binding tool such as receptors and lead to liver inflammation and fibrosis. Furthermore, the gut microbiota increases the metabolism of choline, thereby leading to an increase triglycerides levels in the liver, due to the lack of VLDL excretion. Furthermore, dysbiosis has been associated with decreased secretion of fasting-induced adipocyte factors [FIAF and angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4)], which results in the inhibition of endothelial lipoprotein lipase and consequently the lack of hydrolyzation in the liver of triglycerides from VLDL particles. Gluconeogenesis and lipogenesis are upregulated due to an increased number of substrates, particularly short-chain fatty acids, thus promoting hepatic FFAs accumulation by inhibiting AMPK [126].

Lipotoxic mediators provoke IR

We have reported above that NASH is associated with the accumulation of lipotoxic mediators in the liver, such as DAGs and ceramides. These also appear to play a crucial role in the onset of hepatic IR. Both DAGs and ceramides stimulate the translation of protein kinase C (PKC) towards the cell membrane, hence its activation (PKC-ζ for ceramides; PKC-ε for DAG) [127, 128]. Activated PKCs will phosphorylate insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS2) on serine and threonine residues, thereby preventing thyroxine phosphorylation. This will inhibit insulin signaling resulting in an IR status [129].

NF-κB is among the major transcriptional regulators of inflammation. Deletion of NF-κB activator, IKK-β, either in the myeloid cells or in the hepatocytes, prevented mice on a lipid-rich diet from developing IR [130]. Conversely, constitutive overexpression of IKK-β in hepatocytes produced hyperglycemia and a deeper hepatic IR [59].

An up-regulation of hepatic NF-kB p65 expression has been reported during NASH [110]. Once activated, NF-κB in turn transactivates proinflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-6, reported to induce IR [131].

Microsomal lipid peroxidation

Toxic peroxidation of lipid appears to produce necroinflammation. NASH is also strongly associated with an increased peroxidation of hepatic microsomal lipids. Indeed, an experimental model of steatohepatitis, induced by a methionine- and choline-deficient diet (MCD), was associated with an increase in the expression and activity of CYP2E1, a microsomal enzyme that triggers oxidative stress [132, 133]. Hepatic expression of CYP2E1 and its activity have also been found to be up-regulated in NASH individuals [134].

Once activated, CYP2E1 contributes to the pathogenesis of NASH by producing ROS which, in turn, undermine the insulin signaling pathway by inhibiting IRS-1 and IRS-2, then downstream enzymes, including PKB, glycogen synthase 3 and FOXO1A [135].