Role of peiroxisome proliferators-activated receptors in the pathogenesis and treatment of nonaloholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly prevalent and can result in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and progressive liver disease including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. A growing body of literature implicates the peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors (PPARs) in the pathogenesis and treatment of NAFLD. These nuclear hormone receptors impact on hepatic triglyceride accumulation and insulin resistance. The aim of this review is to describe the data linking PPAR alpha and PPAR gamma to NAFLD/NASH and to discuss the use of PPAR ligands for the treatment of NASH.