Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, women's health and the role of the environment

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major cause of chronic liver disorders and is currently one of the leading indications for liver transplantation. To date, prevention is the only effective management, and this requires public awareness of this condition and its predisposing factors.

Aims of this commentary are: 1) to highlight the influence of environmental pollutants as one of the lesser known and investigated NAFLD risk factors and 2) to highlight the specific complications of NAFLD in women, especially in relation to pregnancy, polycystic ovary syndrome and menopause.

Keywords

• NAFLD
• non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• environment
• menopause
• pregnancy
• polycystic ovary syndrome