Role of vascular endothelial growth factor B in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and its potential value

Figure 1 The “multiple-hit” theories are involved in the progress of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Lipids and lipoproteins represent the “first-hit”, while the inflammation reaction illustrates the “second-hit” in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Six aspects including lipids and lipoproteins, inflammation reaction, insulin resistance, gut microbiome, apoptosis, and adipose dysfunction have a common influence on the pathophysiological mechanism of NAFLD. NAFL: Non-alcoholic fatty liver; NASH: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.