ALQALAM UNIVERSITY KATSINA

COLLEGE OF NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY
A SEMINAR PRESENTATION ON

NON ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASES

BY
ABDULRAHMAN YUSUF
NAS/BCH/19/1037

JUNE, 2023
 CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
DEFINITION OF NAFLD
TYPES OF NAFLD
CAUSES OF NAFLD
SIGN AND SYMPTOMS
BIOCHEMICAL MECHANISM THROUGH WHICH HIGH FAT DIET
CAUSES NAFLD
ORGANS AFFECTED WITH NAFLD
TREATMENTS
CONCLUSION
 INTRODUCTION
The term non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was first introduced
by Schaffner in 1986.

 It is describe as the fat accumulation in liver cells associated with insulin

resistance.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) includes a broad spectrum of

alterations that go from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis and cirrhosis.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity are the principle factors associated to
NAFLD. (Wenhao, 2020).
 DEFINITION OF NAFLD
NAFLD is defined as excessive hepatic fat accumulation, associated with insulin
resistance (IR).

According to histological analysis, NAFLD is defined as the presence of steatosis

in greater than 5% of hepatocytes.

It includes two pathologically distinct conditions with different prognoses:

i. Non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL)
ii. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)

The latter covers a wide spectrum of disease severity, including fibrosis, cirrhosis
and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). (Han 2022).
 TYPES OF NAFLD
1. Simple Fatty Liver (Steatosis)
 Mildest form of NAFLD

Characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver cells without significant

inflammation or liver cell damage.

2. Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)

More serious form of NAFLD

Characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver cells along with

inflammation and liver cell damage.

Can lead fibrosis and in some cases cirrhosis. (Mendoza, 2013)

 CAUSES OF NAFLD
 Obesity and Insulin Resistance.

 Genetics affect the way the body processes fats and carbohydrates.

 Diet such as high-fat and high-sugar diets.

 Sedentary Lifestyle.

 Other Medical Conditions: These include type 2 diabetes mellitus, and high cholesterol levels.

 Medications: Such as corticosteroids and tamoxifen. (Luisa, 2016)

 SIGN AND SYMPTOMS OF NAFLD
 Fatigue: People with NAFLD often report feeling tired or fatigued, even with adequate rest.
 Abdominal pain and discomfort: Some people with NAFLD may experience pain or discomfort
in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, where the liver is located.
 Enlarged liver: In some cases, NAFLD can cause the liver to become enlarged, which may be
detected during a physical exam.
 Jaundice: In rare cases, NAFLD can cause jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes, which is a
sign of liver damage.
 Elevated liver enzymes: Blood tests may reveal elevated levels of liver enzymes, which can
indicate liver damage.
 Insulin resistance: NAFLD is often associated with insulin resistance, a condition in which the
body does not respond properly to insulin and can lead to type 2 diabetes.
 Obesity: Obesity is a major risk factor for NAFLD, and people with NAFLD are often overweight
or obese.
 High blood pressure: NAFLD is also associated with high blood pressure, which can further
damage the liver. (Wong, 2016).
 BIOCHEMICAL MECHANISM THROUGH WHICH HIGH FAT DIET CAUSES NAFLD

Lipid accumulation in hepatocytes

Insulin resistance

Increased oxidative stress

Inflammation

 Gut microbiota dysbiosis

(Brunt, 2015)
 DEVELOPMENT OF NAFLD

(William, 2020)
 ORGANS AFFECTED WITH NAFLD
1. Liver
NAFLD is characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver, which can lead to
inflammation and liver damage.

It progress to cirrhosis and liver failure if left untreated.

2. Pancreas
NAFLD has been associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer and
impaired pancreatic function.

The accumulation of fat in the liver can lead to insulin resistance and impaired
glucose metabolism, which can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and
pancreatic cancer. (William, 2020)
CONT.
5. Kidneys
 NAFLD has been associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease.
It may be related to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative
stress.
6. Brain
 NAFLD has been associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment and
dementia.
The accumulation of fat in the liver can lead to the release of pro-inflammatory
cytokines, which can contribute to neuroinflammation and neuronal damage.
4. Cardiovascular system
The accumulation of fat in the liver can lead to the release of pro-inflammatory
cytokines and oxidative stress.
These contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and other CVD risk factors
such as hypertension and dyslipidemia. (Veronica, 2013)
 TREATMENTS
1. Lifestyle modifications
 Weight loss.
 Healthy diet.
 Regular exercise.

2. Medications
 The use of drugs that target insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress, such as
pioglitazone, vitamin E, and pentoxifylline.
3. Bariatric surgery
 Considered in patients with severe obesity and NAFLD who have not responded to lifestyle
modifications.
 It has been shown to improve liver function, reduce liver fat accumulation, and decrease
inflammation in the liver.(Wong, 2016)
CONT…
4. Management of comorbidities
NAFLD is strongly associated with obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
Management of these comorbidities is an important part of NAFLD treatment.
This may include medications to control blood glucose and blood pressure levels.

5. Liver transplantation
 In rare cases, liver transplantation may be necessary for patients with advanced
NAFLD who have developed cirrhosis or liver failure.

(Mayo clinic, 2023).

 CONCLUSION
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) is a common chronic liver disease that
is characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver in individuals who consume
little or no alcohol.

NAFLD can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can lead to

fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

It is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and other
related conditions.

Management of NAFLD involves lifestyle modifications such as weight loss,

exercise, and a healthy diet, as well as treatment of underlying conditions and
early detection and progression of NAFLD and its complications.
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