Mixed
Low-grade systemic inflammation, driven by hepatic cytokine production, visceral adipose tissue, and gut microbiota metabolites (like TMAO), is a key pathophysiological mechanism linking NAFLD to cardiovascular disease and arrhythmias.
Managing NAFLD involves reducing systemic inflammation through weight loss, dietary changes (reducing saturated fats and processed meats which affect gut microbiota), and exercise. This reduces the inflammatory burden on your blood vessels and heart.
The pathophysiology behind the association of NAFLD with CVD and other cardiac complications is incompletely understood and may involve other pathways besides insulin resistance, for example, low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress and the effects of perturbations in the gut microbiota.
Why this rating
Based on observational associations, preclinical models, and some RCTs (CANTOS), but causal pathways in humans are still being elucidated.
Source
NAFLD and increased risk of cardiovascular disease: clinical associations, pathophysiological mechanisms and pharmacological implications
Giovanni Targher et al. · Gut · 2020
DOI 10.1136/gutjnl-2020-320622
More from this paper
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is independently associated with a significantly increased risk of major cardiovascular disease (CVD) events, including fatal and non-fatal outcomes, with risk magnitude increasing with the severity of liver fibrosis.Good
- Treatment of NAFLD with specific pharmacological agents, particularly pioglitazone and GLP-1 receptor agonists, can improve liver histology and potentially reduce cardiovascular risk, although large RCTs focusing on CVD outcomes are still needed.Moderate
Related findings · Mixed
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