Table 1.
Synthesis of possible targets of therapeutic strategies in use and in study for NAFLD. Focus on biochemical, ultrasonographic, and histological features of NAFLD: altered levels of transaminases, steatosis, necroinflammation, and fibrosis.
| Biochemical features | Steatosis | Inflammation | Fibrosis | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diet | + | + (>5% weight loss) | + (>7% weight loss) | |
| Exercise | + | |||
| Fibrates | + | |||
| Statins | + | + | ||
| PUFA | + | + | ||
| Metformin | + | ± | ± | ± |
| TZDs | + | + | ± | |
| Rimonabant | + | + | ||
| Orlistat* | ||||
| ARBs* | ||||
| Antioxidant agents | + | |||
| UDCA | + | |||
| Pentoxifylline | + | + | + | |
| Probiotics* | ||||
| GTE | + | + | ||
| Incretin anlogs/antagonists | + | |||
| Thyromimetics | + | |||
| PXR | + | + | ||
| FXR | + | + | ||
| Bariatric surgery | + | + | + |
*Target not clear.
PUFA: ω-3 polyunsaterated fatty acids; TZDs: thiazolidinediones; ARBs: angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers; UDCA: ursodeoxycholic acid; GTE: green tea extract; PXR: pregnane X receptor; FXR: farnesoid X receptor.