Editorial
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World J Gastroenterol. Mar 14, 2010; 16(10): 1171-1176
Published online Mar 14, 2010. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v16.i10.1171
Steatosis as a co-factor in chronic liver diseases
Marcello Persico, Achille Iolascon
Marcello Persico, Department of Internal Medicine, Second University of Naples, 80145 Naples, Italy
Achille Iolascon, Department of Biochemistry and Medical Biochemistry, University Federico II, 80145 Naples, Italy
Author contributions: Persico M and Iolascon A both performed literature analysis and contributed equally to the manuscript.
Supported by Grants From MIUR (P35/126/IND), Regione Campania (DGRC 2362/07), Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro, AIRC
Correspondence to: Achille Iolascon, Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Medical Biochemistry, University Federico II, Via Comunale margherita 482, 80145 Naples, Italy. iolascon@ceinge.unina.it
Telephone: +39-81-3737897  Fax: +39-81-3737804
Received: November 21, 2009
Revised: January 22, 2010
Accepted: January 29, 2010
Published online: March 14, 2010
Abstract

The finding of lipid accumulation in the liver, so-called hepatic steatosis or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is a common condition frequently found in healthy subjects. Its prevalence, in fact, has been estimated by magnetic resonance studies to be about 35% in the general population and 75% in obese persons. Nevertheless, its presence generates liver damage only in a small percentage of subjects not affected by other liver diseases. It should be defined as a “co-factor” capable of affecting severity and progression, and also therapeutic perspectives, of liver diseases to which it is associated. Herein we will evaluate the impact of hepatic steatosis and obesity on the most common liver diseases: chronic viral hepatitis C and B, and alcoholic liver disease.

Keywords: Liver; Steatosis; Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease