Medical Health Encyclopedia

Some research indicates that this autoimmune process may be triggered by a virus or an unknown intestinal microorganism. People with celiac sprue appear to have a higher risk. This is an intestinal disorder associated with an inability to metabolize gluten, which is found in wheat and other common grains. Genetic factors are involved, but the inheritance pattern is unclear. A 1999 English study suggested that the disease is on the rise, although it is unclear if this reflects an actual increase or simply a greater awareness of the disorder.

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Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

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Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, also called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), has features similar to alcohol-induced hepatitis, particularly a fatty liver, but it occurs in individuals who do not consume significant amounts of alcohol. Severe obesity and type 2 diabetes are the major risk factors for NASH, as well as for complications from NASH. NASH may occur in about half of people with diabetes and up to 75% of obese people, depending on how severe the obesity is. (It can occur in overweight children as well as adults.) Some evidence suggests that insulin resistance (the primary problem in type 2 diabetes) is a major factor in development of a fatty liver in the first place. Although NASH is generally considered to be a benign and slowly progressive disorder, the fatty liver is vulnerable to injury from oxidants (damaging particles produced by chemical processes in the body). Excessive oxidation can lead to progression to advanced liver disease. In one study of patients with NASH, about 20% had some liver damage over a period of 3.5 to 11 years, with only about 6% of all patients showing severe liver damage. Another study reported that eventually 15% to 20% of patients develop advanced liver disease.

Hemochromatosis and Iron Overload