The Role of Some Antioxidants in the Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Abstract

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most frequent cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, with a prevalence of 25-30%. It is defined by the presence of more than 5% steatosis in hepatocytes. Enhanced food intake and individual incomes, sedentary lifestyles, and increased BMI are among the leading reasons for the NAFLD. Medical experts recommend primarily comprehensive lifestyle changes for the treatment of NAFLD. There is no consensus on the pharmacological treatment. However, free radicals and oxidative stress have been observed to play a role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD, and it has been suggested that the use of antioxidant compounds in the treatment may be a potential therapeutic approach. The benefits of vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, silymarin, resveratrol and curcumin, which are indicated for use in the treatment of NAFLD, were discussed in this review article.