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Role of vitamin E in the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

Authors :
Sumida Y
Yoneda M
Seko Y
Takahashi H
Hara N
Fujii H
Itoh Y
Yoneda M
Nakajima A
Okanoue T
Source :
Free radical biology & medicine [Free Radic Biol Med] 2021 Dec; Vol. 177, pp. 391-403. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Oct 29.
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a severe form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), can progress to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and hepatic failure/liver transplantation. Indeed, NASH will soon be the leading cause of HCC and liver transplantation. Lifestyle intervention represents the cornerstone of NASH treatment, but it is difficult to sustain. However, no pharmacotherapies for NASH have been approved. Oxidative stress has been implicated as one of the key factors in the pathogenesis of NASH. Systematic reviews with meta-analyses have confirmed that vitamin E reduces transaminase activities and may resolve NASH histopathology without improving hepatic fibrosis. However, vitamin E is not recommended for the treatment of NASH in diabetes, NAFLD without liver biopsy, NASH cirrhosis, or cryptogenic cirrhosis. Nevertheless, vitamin E supplementation may improve clinical outcomes in patients with NASH and bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis. Further studies are warranted to confirm such effects of vitamin E and that it would reduce overall mortality/morbidity without increasing the incidence of cardiovascular events. Future clinical trials of the use of vitamin E in combination with other anti-fibrotic agents may demonstrate an additive or synergistic therapeutic effect. Vitamin E is the first-line pharmacotherapy for NASH, according to the consensus of global academic societies.<br /> (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1873-4596
Volume :
177
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Free radical biology & medicine
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
34715296
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.10.017