Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Review of Pathophysiology, Risk Factors and Therapeutic Strategies

NAFLD stands as a worldwide health issue which defines itself when liver cells contain greater than 5% of their weight in extra fat independent from alcoholic liver disease. The disease manifests as liver disorders starting from photosteatosis and gradually advancing to widespread nonalcoholic fatty hepatitis (NASH) until it develops into cirrhosis followed by hepatitis C-related fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The presence of NAFLD commonly arises from metabolic syndrome together with obesity and type-2 diabetes as well as dyslipidemia and insulin resistance conditions. More than 25% of the population on Earth develops this illness which leads to higher rates of obesity together with metabolic diseases. Insulin resistance along with free fatty acids function as key mechanisms of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease pathogenesis by causing inflammation and liver cell damage. The main strategy in NAFLD management starts with lifestyle changes because these methods boost metabolic activity and reduce liver fat composition. The main benefit of bariatric surgical procedures surpasses all other treatment options for highly obese patients. Additional studies are required before scientists can assess the potential of drug treatment for NAFLD. The present review investigates NAFLD's wide-ranging pathophysiology together with its associated risk elements as well as applicable treatment approaches. Treatment orders which are effective serve to prevent rising health expenses that accompany illness prevalence and health costs associated with the disease.