Figure 1.

Synergistic interaction between genetic and environmental factors in promoting acute and chronic liver diseases. Additive or synergistic interactions between genetic and environmental factors such as alcohol, smoking, fat diet, and other potentially toxic substances result in increased production of RNS/ROS, which can modify cellular DNA, lipids, and proteins, promoting mitochondria dysfunction and interrupting many important signaling pathways. Continued presence of increased nitroxidative stress (through a vicious cycle shown in blue dotted arrows) contributes to acute and chronic liver diseases including alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).