Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2015 Jun;15(6):607.
doi: 10.1007/s11892-015-0607-4.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes: common pathophysiologic mechanisms

Chiara Saponaro  1 , Melania Gaggini, Amalia Gastaldelli
Affiliations
Review

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes: common pathophysiologic mechanisms

Chiara Saponaro et al. Curr Diab Rep. 2015 Jun.

Abstract

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an independent risk factor for advanced liver disease, type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and cardiovascular diseases. The prevalence of NAFLD in the general population is around 30 %, but it is up to three times higher in those with T2DM. Among people with obesity and T2DM, the NAFLD epidemic also is worsening. Therefore, it is important to identify early metabolic alterations and to prevent these diseases and their progression. In this review, we analyze the pathophysiologic mechanisms leading to NAFLD, particularly, those common to T2DM, such as liver and muscle insulin resistance. However, it is mainly adipose tissue insulin resistance that results in increased hepatic de novo lipogenesis, inflammation, and lipotoxicity. Although genetics predispose to NAFLD, an unhealthy lifestyle, including high-fat/high-sugar diets and low physical activity, increases the risk. In addition, alterations in gut microbiota and environmental chemical agents, acting as endocrine disruptors, may play a role.

PubMed Disclaimer

Similar articles

See all similar articles

Cited by

See all "Cited by" articles

References

    1. Gastroenterology. 2005 Nov;129(5):1663-74 - PubMed
    1. Clin Liver Dis. 2012 Aug;16(3):567-85 - PubMed
    1. FEBS Lett. 2007 Jul 31;581(19):3734-42 - PubMed
    1. Biomark Res. 2013 Feb 04;1(1):7 - PubMed
    1. Gut. 2008 Oct;57(10):1441-7 - PubMed

Publication types

MeSH terms

LinkOut - more resources