The AGE/RAGE pathway in NAFLD progression to liver fibrosis: targets for prevention and treatment

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent liver disease in Australia and around the world and affects up to 40% of the adult population. It is the leading cause for liver transplantation in the USA and expected to be the leading cause in the next 10 years in Australia. There is no proven medical treatment for NAFLD except for liver transplantation in patients with advanced liver disease. The management involves lifestyle modifications and dietary restrictions, which are difficult to achieve in most patients. NAFLD can progress to its severe form of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and liver fibrosis which eventually leads to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. I..