Research
Macro partitioning
M1 macrophage/Kupffer cell polarization drives insulin resistance and NASH progression, while M2 polarization protects against it.
Liver inflammation in NAFLD is driven by immune cells (Kupffer cells) shifting into a pro-inflammatory 'M1' state. Shifting these cells to an 'M2' state is protective. While lifestyle changes help, specific micronutrients like carotenoids are being studied for their ability to force this M2 shift.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
Alternative M2 macrophages sustain insulin sensitivity via the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-13, while classical M1 macrophages secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, which, in turn, leads to insulin resistance and NASH.
Why this rating
Supported by multiple references to established immunological mechanisms and animal models.
Source
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Insulin Resistance: New Insights and Potential New Treatments
Hironori Kitade et al. · Nutrients · 2017
narrative_reviewCited 496×
Read the paper This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →