Statins use may reduce risk of NAFLD and liver cirrhosis: AJG Study
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is among the most common causes of chronic liver disease worldwide, and a subset of patients with NAFLD develop a progressive form of the disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), that can result in advanced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. A recent study published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology suggests the use of statins reduces the risk of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver occurrence and the risk of liver fibrosis once NAFLD developed.
NAFLD is often associated with metabolic syndrome that comprises type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and dyslipidemia. The recommended management of NAFLD involves treating the liver disease itself and associated metabolic comorbidities. Several studies have shown that the patients with NAFLD are generally at high risk of cardiovascular morbidity, and a study reported that patients with NAFLD who received statins had significantly reduced cardiovascular morbidity without significant liver-related adverse events. However, studies investigating the effects of statins on NAFLD have shown inconsistent results. Whether correcting abnormal cholesterol levels by statins can prevent the development of NAFLD in those without evident liver disease has not been investigated, and the role of statins in preventing liver disease progression in individuals with NAFLD needs further validation. For this purpose, researchers of Yonsei University College of Medicine, South Korea conducted a study to investigate the role of statins on the development of de novo NAFLD and progression of significant liver fibrosis.
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