Editorial
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World J Hepatol. Dec 27, 2012; 4(12): 332-334
Published online Dec 27, 2012. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v4.i12.332
Is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease the hepatic expression of the metabolic syndrome?
Yusuf Yilmaz
Yusuf Yilmaz, Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Marmara University, 34840 Istanbul, Turkey
Yusuf Yilmaz, Institute of Gastroenterology, Marmara University, 34840 Istanbul, Turkey
Author contributions: Yilmaz Y conceived and wrote the paper.
Correspondence to: Yusuf Yilmaz, MD, Institute of Gastroenterology, Marmara University, Basibuyuk Yerleskesi, Maltepe, 34840 Istanbul, Turkey. dryusufyilmaz@gmail.com
Telephone: +90-533-4403995 Fax: +90-216-6886681
Received: November 8, 2011
Revised: October 6, 2012
Accepted: November 14, 2012
Published online: December 27, 2012
Abstract

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is generally considered as the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome (MS). Although there is no doubt that NAFLD is tightly linked to the MS, the diagnosis of NAFLD encompasses a broad range of histological entities and as a composite phenotype may be hindering attempts to understand the mechanistic basis of these variants. The awareness that NAFLD is not solely and invariably associated with the MS is a useful means to help direct future studies. We should be aware that mechanisms other than insulin resistance may contribute to the chronic inflammatory processes that underpin the development of liver fat accumulation and the subsequent architectural distortion of the liver. Further studies with special focus on hemoglobin as a risk factor for the development of NAFLD in the absence of MS should be performed.

Keywords: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; Metabolic syndrome; Insulin resistance; Fibrosis; Hemoglobin