Importance of Iron and Iron Metabolism in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Iron homeostasis disturbances are associated with liver disease. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis is part of the spectrum of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which can progress to hepatic cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease. Increasing information supports that multiple factors underlie the development and progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. However, the relation between non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and iron metabolism/ overload is still controversial. We review the recent literature, both basic and clinical, regarding iron homeostasis as it pertains to the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.