Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathophysiology in obese children and adolescents: update

OBJECTIVE Although the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was first identified in 1980, it presents multifactorial and unclear pathophysiology. In this review, we intend to update the pathophysiological mechanisms of a high morbidity and mortality associated disease that is affecting obese children worldwide. DATA SOURCES The PubMed and the Cochrane Library databases were used in the search strategy for articles related to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and published in the last three decades. DATA SUMMARY This review describes the current knowledge on the different mechanisms related to the pathophysiology of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease focused on histological, anatomical and biochemical aspects involved in triggering steatohepatitis and leading to cirrhosis. CONCLUSIONS The clinical research and advanced technological resources demonstrated several determinants pathophysiological mechanisms of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease trying to assist in their treatment and change its natural course.