NAFLD and Cardiovascular Diseases: Epidemiological, Mechanistic and Therapeutic Considerations

Overwhelming evidence suggests an association of cardiovascular disease (CVD) with non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD); however, the underlying mechanisms remain largely speculative. It is, likely that common contribute to development CVD and NAFLD, lifestyle factors such as smoking, sedentary poor nutrition habits physical inactivity being major candidates. These behavioral factors, on a predisposing genetic background, trigger changes in gut microbiota, inflammation, dyslipidemia oxidative stress, leading metabolic syndrome, diabetes obesity well atherosclerosis. Treatment options counteract both progression NAFLD include interventions, optimal medical therapy comorbid conditions and, final possibility, bariatric surgery. As no causal pharmacotherapy is available, further research urgently needed address unmet need growing population CVD.