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Abstract Details
Genetic Contribution to Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Prognostic Implications
Curr Diab Rep. 2021 Feb 5;21(3):8. doi: 10.1007/s11892-021-01377-5.
Katherine Martin123, Anas Hatab45, Varinder S Athwal456, Elliot Jokl45, Karen Piper Hanley78
Author information
1Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Oxford Road M13 9PT, Manchester, UK. katherine.martin@manchester.ac.uk.
2Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK. katherine.martin@manchester.ac.uk.
3Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford Road M13 9PT, Manchester, UK. katherine.martin@manchester.ac.uk.
4Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Oxford Road M13 9PT, Manchester, UK.
5Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK.
6Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford Road M13 9PT, Manchester, UK.
7Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Oxford Road M13 9PT, Manchester, UK. karen.piperhanley@manchester.ac.uk.
8Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK. karen.piperhanley@manchester.ac.uk.
Abstract
Purpose of review: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major and increasing health burden, with the potential to overwhelm hepatology services. However, only a minority of patients develop advanced liver disease. The challenge is early identification of patients at risk of progression. This review aims to summarize current knowledge on the genetic predisposition to NAFLD, and its implications for prognostication and risk stratification.
Recent findings: PNPLA3-I148M is the most robustly associated genetic variant with NAFLD. Recently, variants in TM6SF2, MBOAT7, GCKR and HSD17B13 have also been implicated. NAFLD is a complex disease, and any one genetic variant alone is insufficient for risk stratification, but combining multiple genetic variants with other parameters is a promising strategy. It is anticipated that, in the near future, analysis of data from large-scale prospective cohorts will reveal NAFLD subtypes and enable the development of prognostic models. This will facilitate risk stratification of patients, enabling optimisation of resources to effectively manage the NAFLD epidemic.