The Connection between MicroRNAs from Visceral Adipose Tissue and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Abstract

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is one of the most important causes of liver disease worldwide leading the foreground cause of liver transplantation. Recently miRNAs, small non-coding molecules were identified as an important player in the negative translational regulation of many protein-coding genes involved in hepatic metabolism. Visceral adipose tissue was found to take part in lipid and glucose metabolism and to release many inflammatory mediators that may contribute to progression of NAFLD from simple steatosis to Non-Alcoholic SteatoHepatitis. Since visceral adipose tissue enlargement and dysregulated levels of miRNAs were observed in patients with NAFLD, the aim of this paper is to reflect the current knowledge of the role of miRNAs released from visceral adipose tissue and NAFLD.

Keywords

• non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
• nafld
• nash
• microrna
• mirna
• adipose tissue
• inflammation
• lipid metabolism