Similarities and differences in the pathogenesis of alcoholic and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Semin Liver Dis. 2009 May;29(2):200-10. doi: 10.1055/s-0029-1214375. Epub 2009 Apr 22.

Abstract

Subpopulations of individuals with alcohol-induced fatty livers and nonalcoholic steatosis develop steatohepatitis. Steatohepatitis is defined histologically: increased numbers of injured and dying hepatocytes distinguish this condition from simple steatosis. The increased hepatocyte death is generally accompanied by hepatic accumulation of inflammatory cells and sometimes increases in myofibroblastic cells, leading to hepatic fibrosis and eventually, cirrhosis. The purpose of this review is to summarize similarities and differences in the pathogenesis of steatohepatitis in alcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Death
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / metabolism
  • Ethanol / toxicity
  • Fatty Liver / etiology
  • Fatty Liver / metabolism
  • Fatty Liver / pathology*
  • Fatty Liver, Alcoholic / etiology
  • Fatty Liver, Alcoholic / metabolism
  • Fatty Liver, Alcoholic / pathology*
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / microbiology
  • Hepatocytes / drug effects
  • Hepatocytes / immunology
  • Hepatocytes / metabolism
  • Hepatocytes / microbiology
  • Hepatocytes / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Ethanol