Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17(7):1851-1863. doi:10.7150/ijbs.59588 This issue Cite

Review

MicroRNAs in the Pathogenesis of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Zhiqiang Fang1, Guorui Dou2✉, Lin Wang1✉

1. Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xi-Jing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
2. Department of Ophthalmology, Xi-Jing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.

Citation:
Fang Z, Dou G, Wang L. MicroRNAs in the Pathogenesis of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17(7):1851-1863. doi:10.7150/ijbs.59588. https://www.ijbs.com/v17p1851.htm
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Abstract

Graphic abstract

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), or, more accurately, metabolic associated fatty liver disease, accounts for a large proportion of chronic liver disorders worldwide and is closely associated with other conditions such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. NAFLD ranges from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and can progress to cirrhosis and, eventually, also hepatocellular carcinoma. The morbidity and mortality associated with NAFLD are increasing rapidly year on year. Consequently, there is an urgent need to understand the etiology and pathogenesis of NAFLD and identify effective therapeutic targets. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), important epigenetic factors, have recently been proposed to participate in NAFLD pathogenesis. Here, we review the roles of miRNAs in lipid metabolism, inflammation, apoptosis, fibrosis, hepatic stellate cell activation, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress, key factors that contribute to the occurrence and progression of NAFLD. Additionally, we summarize the role of miRNA-enriched extracellular vesicles in NAFLD. These miRNAs may comprise suitable therapeutic targets for the treatment of this condition.

Keywords: miRNAs, Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD, Pathogenesis


Citation styles

APA
Fang, Z., Dou, G., Wang, L. (2021). MicroRNAs in the Pathogenesis of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. International Journal of Biological Sciences, 17(7), 1851-1863. https://doi.org/10.7150/ijbs.59588.

ACS
Fang, Z.; Dou, G.; Wang, L. MicroRNAs in the Pathogenesis of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Int. J. Biol. Sci. 2021, 17 (7), 1851-1863. DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.59588.

NLM
Fang Z, Dou G, Wang L. MicroRNAs in the Pathogenesis of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17(7):1851-1863. doi:10.7150/ijbs.59588. https://www.ijbs.com/v17p1851.htm

CSE
Fang Z, Dou G, Wang L. 2021. MicroRNAs in the Pathogenesis of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Int J Biol Sci. 17(7):1851-1863.

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