The link between “non-alcoholic fatty liver disease” and Alzheimer’s discovered

While the link between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease — also called “non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) — and neurological problems has already been established by the scientific world, one question remains: what is the origin of this relationship? It is the object of the study conducted by researchers from the University of South Carolina (United States). Published in the journal Journal of Neuroinflammationtheir work focuses on the protein Lipocalin 2, produced exclusively by the liver and circulating throughout the body of people who suffer from NAFLD.

Using a mouse model with the disease, scientists investigated the role of Lipocalin 2 as an important mediator of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in NAFLD, through the liver- brain. Conclusion: the brain pathology inherent in the disease could be caused by an increase in the release of the protein HMGB1, induced by Lipocalin 2.

“Designing new therapeutic approaches”

“Chronic neuroinflammation is a crucial element in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease”says Prakash Nagarkatti, vice president of research at the University of South Carolina, in a item published on the institution’s website.

“Our study may help design new therapeutic approaches to counter neuroinflammatory pathology in NAFLD, but also in other brain pathologies associated with chronic inflammatory diseases”, adds Associate Professor Saurabh Chatterjee, head of the Environmental Health Sciences Laboratory at the University of South Carolina. While the researchers point out that many people are unaware of suffering from NAFLD, they warn of its repercussions, since it can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver failure and other liver diseases.

“NAFLD patients develop Alzheimer-like symptoms”

“The research is extremely important as patients with NAFLD have been shown to develop Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s-like symptoms when they are older, explains Saurabh Chatterjee. Scientists can use these findings to advance our knowledge of neuroinflammatory complications in NAFLD and develop appropriate treatments..”