Metabolic syndrome and the liver

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is characterized by metabolic disturbance, which leads to many types of organ disorders including the liver. MS is frequently associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD ranges from simple steatosis to cirrhosis. Nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) has been recognized as a benign and nonprogressive condition. However, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is now widely known as a potent liver disease, which may progress to liver cirrhosis and finally hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Several metabolic factors exert close relation to NAFLD. Almost half of patients with NAFLD possess type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Clinical approaches to NAFLD are mostly common to the principles of management of MS. Several clinical agents for type 2 DM, hypertension, and dyslipidemia have shown to be some clinical beneficial effects on NASH. In this chapter, the possible interactions between MS and the liver, especially in conjunction with NASH, will be reviewed.