Fatty liver, medically known as steatosis, is defined by the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library as "an abnormal accumulation of certain fats...inside liver cells." It is thought to affect between 10 and 24 percent of the population. People with fatty liver disease may feel tired or experience mild abdominal discomfort, but typically there are no symptoms. Fatty deposits can lead to liver conditions such as inflammation, scarring and liver failure.
Alcoholism
The liver plays the important role of processing most substances and toxins that enter the body, including alcohol. When a person consumes excessive amounts of alcohol, liver cells are altered or destroyed, leading to fatty deposits. The condition may progress to liver inflammation or scarring, also known as alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis, respectively. To avoid liver damage, the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases recommends having no more than two drinks per day for men and one for women.
Toxins and Pharmaceuticals
All toxins and pharmaceutical drugs are processed by the liver. Many drugs are known to be especially harmful to the liver, and can lead to fatty deposits and associated complications. Examples include warfarin, methotrexate, amiodarone, glucocorticoids, synthetic estrogens, tamoxifen, certain antivirals and certain antibiotics. Other substances that are harmful to the liver include dry cleaning chemicals and industrial toxins.
Inherited Metabolic Disorders
Some people are born with genetic metabolic disorders in which the body is unable process fats properly. One example is lipodystrophy, where the body's fat tissue breaks down for unknown reasons. Another genetic disorder is dysbetalipoproteinemia, where high levels of fat molecules accumulate in the blood. Both of these diseases lead to fatty buildup in the liver. Fatty liver may also occur acutely in pregnancy, a rare but serious condition.
Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is characterized by excess body weight, insulin resistance and high triglyceride levels in the blood. Insulin resistance leads to the accumulation of fat in the liver cells. The problem is further compounded because the body becomes unable to properly break down fats. Metabolic syndrome poses a number of health risks beyond fatty liver and its complications, such as diabetes and heart disease.
References
- Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Fatty Liver
- "MD Consult"; Randolph L. Pearson, M.D., et al.; 2007
- American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases
