Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) - current treatment recommendations and future developments

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) includes nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL), nonalcoholic steato hepatitis (NASH) and NASH cirrhosis. NAFLD is the leading cause of liver diseases in the Western world (Central Europe, United States). The NAFLD incidence increases because of increasing type 2 diabetes and obesity. This article reviews the scientific findings of epidemiology, diagnostic, and therapeutic management of NAFLD. Lifestyle modifications (low-caloric Mediterranean diet and exercise training) to reduce weight are a major factor in the treatment of NAFLD. Pharmacological therapies may be useful in patients with NASH and fibrosis as well as nonresponders to lifestyle modifications. Currently, however, no pharmacological substances are approved for the indication NASH.