About this Research Topic
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now often referred to as metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), is the most prevalent chronic liver condition, encompassing a spectrum from simple steatosis to more severe forms such as steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, and cirrhosis. This disease is intricately linked with various metabolic disorders, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular diseases. Recent research has highlighted the significant role of the nervous system in the pathogenesis and progression of NAFLD. Notable findings include increased sympathetic and decreased parasympathetic nerve activity, the influence of sympathetic nerves on hepatic lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, and the complex role of hepatic innervation in material metabolism and inflammation. Despite these insights, the precise mechanisms by which nervous system dysregulation contributes to NAFLD remain inadequately understood, necessitating further investigation into this complex interplay.
This Research Topic aims to elucidate the intrinsic interactions between metabolic disorders and nervous system alterations in the context of NAFLD. We seek to explore the cross-talk between metabolic and neural regulation networks and signaling pathways, the role of classical and novel neurotransmitters in metabolic remodeling, variations in gene expression patterns, and the epigenetic modulation of key modulators. Additionally, we aim to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers and unveil novel therapeutic approaches for NAFLD.
To gather further insights into the regulation of the nervous system in NAFLD pathogenesis and progression, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- The changes to the central and peripheral nervous system accompanied by metabolic disorders in NAFLD.
- Cross-talk between the nervous system and metabolic organs such as the liver, fat, pancreas, and gut.
- Cytokines secreted from metabolic organs that modulate nervous system activity and neuroregulators of hepatic glycolipid metabolism.
- Changes in gene expression patterns, signaling pathways, networks, and key nodes, derived from sequencing with experimental confirmation.
- Novel therapeutic possibilities for NAFLD targeting the nervous system, including small molecule compounds and traditional Chinese medicine.
This Research Topic aims to elucidate the intrinsic interactions between metabolic disorders and nervous system alterations in the context of NAFLD. We seek to explore the cross-talk between metabolic and neural regulation networks and signaling pathways, the role of classical and novel neurotransmitters in metabolic remodeling, variations in gene expression patterns, and the epigenetic modulation of key modulators. Additionally, we aim to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers and unveil novel therapeutic approaches for NAFLD.
To gather further insights into the regulation of the nervous system in NAFLD pathogenesis and progression, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- The changes to the central and peripheral nervous system accompanied by metabolic disorders in NAFLD.
- Cross-talk between the nervous system and metabolic organs such as the liver, fat, pancreas, and gut.
- Cytokines secreted from metabolic organs that modulate nervous system activity and neuroregulators of hepatic glycolipid metabolism.
- Changes in gene expression patterns, signaling pathways, networks, and key nodes, derived from sequencing with experimental confirmation.
- Novel therapeutic possibilities for NAFLD targeting the nervous system, including small molecule compounds and traditional Chinese medicine.
Keywords: NAFLD, metabolic dysregulation, nervous system, MAFLD
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
