Figure 1.

The relationship between obesity‐induced adipose tissue inflammation and NAFLD. Obesity changes the composition of immune cells in adipose tissue, thereby disrupting energy storage or consumption. This in turn triggers inflammation of adipose tissue, and the death of adipocytes further aggravating obesity. Inflammation of adipose tissue, resulting in secretion of factors (known as adipokines), increases generation of FFA and infiltration of M1 macrophages in the liver, as well as insulin resistance. Together, they influence the progression of NAFLD, leading to steatosis, liver inflammation and fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Systemic insulin resistance due to cirrhosis can exacerbate the inflammatory state of adipose tissue by reducing its energy storage capacity. FFA, free fatty acid; NAFLD, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease