High Intensity Interval Training Exercise Improves Fatty Liver Disease
The prevalence of obesity worldwide is rapidly increasing due to physical inactivity, overconsumption, and diets high in carbohydrates. Obesity is one of the driving factors leading to the development of metabolic syndrome. The hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome, known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), has become the most prevalent chronic liver disease in the United States. NAFLD is a progressive disorder that begins with lipid accumulation in the liver and can advance to a condition known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH is characterized by increased inflammation, fibrosis, and hepatocellular injury. In some cases, NASH can progress to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.While there are no FDA-approved treatments for NAFLD, lifestyle modifications such as exercise and dietary interventions have been shown to improve NAFLD outcomes. Exercise has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce liver steatosis, and decrease body weight. However, the mechanisms by which exercise induces its beneficial effects remain unknown. We hypothesize that exercise ameliorates the progression of NAFLD, decreases body weight, liver triglycerides, and hepatic inflammation.
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