Obesity-related diseases

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions worldwide. Excessive accumulation of white adipose tissue, especially in the abdominal cavity, is a major risk factor for several diseases including type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, dyslipidemias, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Abdominal obesity is also tightly linked to the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), awide spectrum of liver conditions, which ranges from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a disease characterized by hepatic inflammation and fibrosis that can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD is one of the most important causes of liver disease worldwide, and its prevalence is constantly rising.

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Key questions :    

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• Does the liver secrete specific factors (hepatokines) to control the function of distant tissues ?   

• Can we use hepatokines as biomarkers or as therapeutic targets to improve health in obese individuals?