Editorial
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World J Gastroenterol. Aug 28, 2011; 17(32): 3663-3664
Published online Aug 28, 2011. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i32.3663
Betaine and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: Back to the future?
Sandeep Mukherjee
Sandeep Mukherjee, Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, NE 68198-3285, United States
Author contributions: Mukherjee S wrote this paper.
Correspondence to: Sandeep Mukherjee, MBBCh, MPH, FRCPC, Associate Professor, Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, NE 68198-3285, United States. smukherj@unmc.edu
Telephone: +1-402-5598859 Fax: +1-402-5593434
Received: January 11, 2011
Revised: March 5, 2011
Accepted: March 12, 2011
Published online: August 28, 2011
Abstract

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an important indication for liver transplantation in many Western countries. Obesity and insulin resistance are the two most common risk factors for NASH, which can lead to recurrent NASH after liver transplantation. There is currently no approved therapy for NASH, and treatment is directed at risk factor modification and lifestyle changes. Betaine has been used for NASH, with mixed results, and may show promise in conjunction with other agents in clinical trials.

Keywords: Betaine; Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis; Cirrhosis; Obesity; Insulin resistance