Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: emerging molecular targets and therapeutic strategies

Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2016 Apr;15(4):249-74. doi: 10.1038/nrd.2015.3. Epub 2016 Jan 22.

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease - the most common chronic liver disease - encompasses a histological spectrum ranging from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Over the next decade, NASH is projected to be the most common indication for liver transplantation. The absence of an effective pharmacological therapy for NASH is a major incentive for research into novel therapeutic approaches for this condition. The current focus areas for research include the modulation of nuclear transcription factors; agents that target lipotoxicity and oxidative stress; and the modulation of cellular energy homeostasis, metabolism and the inflammatory response. Strategies to enhance resolution of inflammation and fibrosis also show promise to reverse the advanced stages of liver disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autophagy / drug effects
  • Energy Metabolism / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Cellular / drug effects
  • Inflammation / drug therapy
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Lipotropic Agents / pharmacology
  • Liver / drug effects
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver Cirrhosis / drug therapy
  • Liver Cirrhosis / metabolism
  • Medication Therapy Management
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease* / drug therapy
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease* / immunology
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease* / metabolism
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease* / physiopathology
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*

Substances

  • Lipotropic Agents
  • Transcription Factors