Liver Metabolism and Fatty Liver Disease

About 30% of the general population suffers from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and the incidence of more serious fatty liver disorders increases with obesity. This volume discusses the current understanding of the development of fatty liver disease and reviews its clinical aspects. Expert contributors discuss the absorption and metabolism of fat in the liver and summarize research findings regarding the impact of oxidative stress, inflammation, and nutrition on the disease development and progression.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is one of the most common liver diseases worldwide affecting patients from all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds. It comprises a spectrum of hepatic pathology ranging from simple steatosis, in which there is an increase of fat accumulation in hepatocytes, to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and cirrhosis. The significant prevalence of this disease—between 15 and 45 percent of the general population—means that it contributes to an increased burden of ill health both today and in the future.

Liver Metabolism and Fatty Liver Disease addresses the current understanding of the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease as well as the clinical aspects of the disease by examining the current knowledge surrounding metabolism in the liver. The book discusses various topics including the involvement of oxidative stress, metabolic effects, and inflammation as well as the effect of nutrition on the development and progression of the disease.