Role of vitamin E in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

IUBMB Life. 2019 Apr;71(4):516-522. doi: 10.1002/iub.1991. Epub 2018 Dec 27.

Abstract

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide. NAFLD manifests as hepatic lipid accumulation, insulin resistance, and inflammation, and can progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis. However, the underlying mechanisms of NAFLD, including those that drive its progression, are unclear. Both liver-resident (Kupffer cells) and recruited macrophages play a crucial role in the development of insulin resistance and NASH. Therefore, NALFD could potentially be ameliorated by modifying the polarization of macrophages/Kupffer cells. Reactive oxygen species induce oxidative stress, which is implicated in the progression of NASH. Micronutrients, including vitamins, are potent antioxidants that exert anti-inflammatory effects, and are used in the treatment of NAFLD. We review here the molecular mechanisms of the pathogenesis of NAFLD and the potential utility of vitamin E in its prevention and/or treatment. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 71(4):516-522, 2019.

Keywords: Kupffer cells; nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; nonalcoholic steatohepatitis; oxidative stress; reactive oxygen species; vitamin E.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Humans
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Liver / pathology
  • Macrophages / drug effects
  • Macrophages / metabolism
  • Macrophages / pathology
  • Micronutrients / therapeutic use
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / drug therapy*
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / etiology
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / prevention & control
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Vitamin E / pharmacology*
  • Vitamin E / physiology

Substances

  • Micronutrients
  • Vitamin E