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Review
. 2021 Jun;22(2):351-366.
doi: 10.1007/s11154-020-09621-1. Epub 2021 Jan 3.

Lean NAFLD: an underrecognized and challenging disorder in medicine

Sheila Maier  1 , Amanda Wieland  2 , Melanie Cree-Green  3 , Kristen Nadeau  3 , Shelby Sullivan  4 , Miguel A Lanaspa  5 , Richard J Johnson  5 , Thomas Jensen  6   7
Affiliations
Review

Lean NAFLD: an underrecognized and challenging disorder in medicine

Sheila Maier et al. Rev Endocr Metab Disord. 2021 Jun.

Abstract

Classically, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) has been thought to be driven by excessive weight gain and obesity. The overall greater awareness of this disorder has led to its recognition in patients with normal body mass index (BMI). Ongoing research has helped to better understand potential causes of Lean NAFLD, the risks for more advanced disease, and potential therapies. Here we review the recent literature on prevalence, risk factors, severity of disease, and potential therapeutic interventions.

Keywords: Lean; Metabolic syndrome; Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis; Nonobese; Nonoverweight.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest disclosure SM, AW, MCG, KN, SS, and TJ have no conflicts of interest to report. RJ and ML have equity with Colorado Research Partners LLC that is developing inhibitors of fructose metabolism. RJ also has equity with XORTX Therapeutics that is developing novel xanthine oxidase inhibitors. RJ also has consulted for Astra Zeneca and Horizon Pharma. RJ and ML are inventors on several patents and patent applications related to fructose metabolism.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Proposed mechanisms of NAFLD development and progression. Abbreviations DNL (De novo Lipogenesis)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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