Epigenetic Mechanisms and Their Role in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Pathogenesis

Review Article

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a complex multifactorial disease influenced by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Recent research highlights the significance of epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, in NAFLD pathogenesis. This review discusses current evidence on the contribution of aberrant DNA methylation in regulating genes involved in lipid metabolism, inflammation, and fibrogenesis. It also examines alterations in histone modifications that impact gene transcription and chromatin remodeling in NAFLD. The regulatory roles of microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs in metabolic pathways, inflammatory signaling, and fibrotic processes relevant to NAFLD progression are also explored in this review work. Elucidating these epigenetic mechanisms provides insights into new biomarkers for early disease detection and opportunities for novel therapeutic interventions through epigenetic targeting. Further research on epigenetic changes specific to the stages of NAFLD will advance understanding of the complex gene-environment interactions in NAFLD pathogenesis