Final answer:
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is caused by an impaired metabolism and accumulation of fatty acids in the liver, often associated with factors such as metabolic syndrome and obesity. VLDL secretion can also increase the amount of triglycerides in the liver, potentially progressing to cirrhosis if untreated.
Step-by-step explanation:
Central Process in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
The central process that causes non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the abnormal accumulation of fats in the liver, known as fatty liver. This condition arises when there is an imbalance in the metabolism of fatty acids within the liver, either due to excessive mobilization of fatty acids to the liver or because the liver cannot metabolize these fatty acids adequately. In NAFLD, the liver's normal ability to manufacture and export lipoproteins, which are necessary for transporting lipids out of the liver, is impaired.
The liver can become fatty if substances like proteins and fats are over-supplied or inadequately cleared from it. Factors such as metabolic syndrome, obesity, especially abdominal or central obesity, diabetes, and an increase in free fatty acids in the bloodstream, which elevates VLDL secretion by the liver, can all contribute to the development of NAFLD. Additionally, after a prolonged fast, the liver may not process glucose effectively and instead, convert excess glucose into triglycerides and fatty acids for long-term storage, further contributing to fatty liver development.
If the pathological state continues without intervention, it can lead to more sever conditions such as cirrhosis, which involves the replacement of healthy liver tissue with fibrous scar tissue, ultimately impairing liver function.