Non-Alcoholic Hepatic Staeatosis: A Systematic Review

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a multifactorial pathology with a pathophysiology that has not yet been fully elucidated. It is associated with metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, obesity, systemic arterial hypertension and hyperlipidemia. The prevalence of this pathology is between 10 and 24% of world population. The evolution of this condition can be hepatic steatosis, with accumulation of lipids in hepatocytes, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Diagnosis is through abdominal ultrasound. Treatment consists of dietary changes and physical activity, the latter being considered one of the most effective modulating factors in preventing diseases such as hepatic steatosis, and promoting health. Pharmacological treatment is carried out when changing lifestyle habits is ineffective and includes several options, the most studied being vitamin E and pioglitazone, while most other drugs remain with low levels of evidence. Studies conclude that there is still a lack of studies to increase the level of therapeutic recommendations, but that increasing the level of physical activity can contribute to reducing fat in the liver and preventing the appearance of hepatic steatosis.