Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: pathogenesis, identification, progression, and management.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a spectrum of liver diseases in the absence of significant alcohol consumption, and its incidence is paralleling the increasing numbers of overweight and obese individuals worldwide. This review discusses the pathogenesis of NAFLD, including the roles potentially played by specific adipokines, such as TNF-alpha, leptin, and adiponectin. Clinical features, diagnosis, and potential methods of management are also addressed to assist practitioners with the management of this growing population of patients.