Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis

Abstract

Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis

Chaleo Prasongsuksan MD, FRCP(T)

Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine, BMA Medical College and Vajira Hospital.

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is one form of hepatitis characterized by accumulation of fat in the liver parenchyma of non-alcoholic patient. Its pathologic feature is similar to that found in chronic alcoholic consumption. The etiology of NASH are heterogeneous, i.e. obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, or chemical intoxications. Oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation induce mitochondrial dysfunction and hepatocytes injury leading to NASH. Tumor necrotic factor will also induce stellate cells proliferation leading to liver fibrosis. Liver biopsy is mandatory in diagnosis. Nowadays, there is no proven effective treatment for NASH. This article will address clinical presentation, diagnostic means, pathogenesis, pathologic features, and the currently available treatments of NASH.

Vajira Med J 2009 ; 53 : 305-310