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This article will give you details for fatty liver disease
In the NAFLD-Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease condition fat deposits in the liver increase even in those who do not drink alcohol. NAFLD cases are widespread, in both developing and developed countries. NAFLD leads to many liver diseases. In India, 9%-35% of NAFLD patients range. Its risk is higher in obese, diabetic, or prediabetic.
Considering the global surge in NAFLD cases, it becomes necessary to conduct new research in this field. The studies shall aim to yield better and less invasive treatment options. Scientists of Duke-NUS Medical School conducted one such study. The study gave very important conclusions.
The Study
Studies by scientists tell the severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease rises with increased homocysteine (Amino acid) levels increase. The scientists gave the significance of supplements like vitamin B12 and folic acid in delaying or preventing diseases.
NAFLD is a broad term that encompasses a range of liver diseases that basically affect people not consuming alcohol. NAFLD characteristically shows fat build-up in the liver that might require a liver transplant in certain severe cases. If NAFLD leads to scar tissue formation and inflammation, the condition is known as NASH- non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. According to a senior research fellow, the early stage of fat deposition in the liver can be reversible. If it has progressed to NASH, it can cause liver dysfunction, cirrhosis, or even cancer.
The understanding of the mechanics of NASH makes pharmacological treatment difficult. Till now, the increased levels of homocysteine is known to be associated with liver diseases. However, the exact disaese development role is still unknown. Certain recent studies have confirmed NASH progression. They have also shown the association with homocysteine using preclinical models and humans. Scientists have also noted that rise in homocysteine levels in blood can cause change in the structure and function of the amino acids attached to the liver proteins. The syntaxin 17 protein attachment to homocysteine blocks the protein, which inhibits its functioning property. Syntaxin 17 protein's main role is autophagy, which is fat transportation and digestion. Delayed autophagy leads to fat cell accumulation in your liver which leads to NAFLD development and progression.
Researchers tried supplementing the preclinical model’s diet with folic acid and vitamin B12. There was an increase in syntaxin 17 levels in the liver, thereby autophagy was restored. There was delayed progression of NASH seen along with liver fibrosis and inflammation reversal. Hence it was found that their findings were important and inexpensive therapy that helped in preventing and delaying NASH progression. Hepatic and serum homocysteine levels can behave like biomarkers that help detect NASH severity.
The scientists are aiming to find out homocysteine effects on other liver proteins as well in the future.
According to the senior author of the study, since folate and vitamin B12 are safe supplements to consume, and are recommended by the US FDA, they can be the first-line therapies for the prevention and treatment of NASH. folate and vitamin B12 can be effective cost-cutting treatment aids, they help reduce the NASH cases burden in developing and developed countries.
According to the researches, end stage liver disease treatment is liver transplant. The above findings can help reverse the liver damage and prevent its further damage through accessible, simple, and affordable intervention methods.
Takeaway
NAFLD is a common disease that can occur in both developing and developed countries. The medical and economic burden of this disease is increasing across the globe due to the lack of proper treatment. liver transplant is the last option for patients with NAFLD. The findings of this recent study have come out as a boon for the medical field. Vitamin B12 and folate have shown potential inexpensive and safe therapy options for patients having NAFLD. Along with treatments, these supplements can also help prevent liver-associated diseases. Although, more research are needed to calculate accuracy of these findings, but, there is definitely no harm in adding vitamin B12 and folate supplements to your diet.
