Circulating adipokine concentrations and risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A Mendelian randomization study

Background and Aims : Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common diseases of the liver. Elevated adipose tissue (AT) accumulation is an important risk factor for NAFLD. Adipocytes release cytokines called adipokines that stimulate anti and pro-inflammatory pathways which may influence liver steatosis and fibrosis. Adiponectin, leptin, resistin, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 [PAI-1] are well-known adipokines that may be involved in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Epidemiological evidence suggests that these adipokines may be associated with the development of NAFLD, but it is unclear if these associations are causal.