Clinical assessment of hepatic de novo lipogenesis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Issue 1 (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Paglialunga, Sabina; Dehn, Clayton
• Is Part Of: Lipids in health and disease. Volume 15:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 10
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Stable label isotope -- MIDA -- Fatty acid indexes -- Indirect calorimetry -- Fructose; Lipids -- Periodicals; Lipids in human nutrition -- Periodicals; Lipids -- Metabolism -- Disorders -- Periodicals; 616.3997
• DOI: 10.1186/s12944-016-0321-5
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1476-511X

Abstract

Abstract Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is heralded as the next big global epidemic. Hepaticde novo lipogenesis (DNL), the synthesis of new fatty acids from non-lipid sources, is thought to play a pivotal role in the development of NAFLD. While there is currently no NAFLD-specific therapeutic agent available, pharmaceutical drugs aimed at reducing hepatic fat accretion may prove to be a powerful ally in the treatment and management of this disease. With a focus on NAFLD, the present review summarizes current techniques examining DNL from a clinical perspective, and describes the merits and limitations of three commonly used assays; stable-label isotope tracer studies, fatty acid indexes and indirect calorimetry as non-invasive measures of hepatic DNL. Finally, the application of DNL assessments in the pharmacological and nutraceutical treatment of NAFLD/NASH is summarized. In a clinical research setting, measures of DNL are an important marker in the development of anti-NAFLD treatments.