Macrophages in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: Friend or Foe?
European Medical Journal. Hepatology, 2018
Joel Grunhut, Wei Wang, Berk Aykut, Inderdeep Gakhal, Alejandro Torres-Hernandez, George Miller
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In brief
A review of how Kupffer cells and other macrophages drive inflammation and progression in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and of the therapies being developed to target them.
Key findings
NASH is a subtype of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease defined by steatosis, chronic inflammation and hepatocellular injury, with or without fibrosis.
Kupffer cells and other macrophages play a complex role in driving NASH inflammation and progression.
Therapies that target macrophage activation are being studied as treatment options for NASH.
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a subtype of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease that is characterised by steatosis, chronic inflammation, and hepatocellular injury with or without fibrosis. The role and activation of macrophages in the pathogenesis of NASH is complex and is being studied for possible therapeutic options to help the millions of people diagnosed with the disease. The purpose of this review is to discuss the pathogenesis of NASH through the activation and role of Kupffer cells and other macrophages in causing inflammation and progression of NASH. Furthermore, this review aims to outline some of the current therapeutic options targeting the pathogenesis of NASH.
How to cite
Grunhut J, Wang W, Aykut B, Gakhal I, Torres-Hernandez A, Miller G. Macrophages in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: Friend or Foe? Eur Med J Hepatol. 2018;6(1):100-109.