Inevitable role of TGF-β1 in progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major health concern and the most commonly diagnosed chronic liver manifestation among 25% worldwide population. Obesity, insulin resistance, accumulation of toxic lipid free radicals, generation of oxidative stress, overconsumption of fat containing dietary meals and lack of exercise are the paramount factors accountable for the development of NAFLD. During NAFLD, increased oxidative stress and production of enormous number of toxic free radicals activates a number of pro-inflammatory and inflammatory pathways. TGF-β signaling mechanisms play a central role in maintaining the normal homeostasis of liver. TGF-β1, one of the three isoforms of TGF-β family has significant role in different stages of chronic liver conditions. TGF-β1 promotes HSC activation and extracellular matrix production (ECM), which further contributes in the progression of NAFLD. In this review, we outline the role of TGF-β1 in different phases of progressive NAFLD along with the signaling mechanism.