Final answer:
NAFLD progresses from fatty liver steatosis to NASH, potentially leading to cirrhosis. Fatty liver occurs when lipid content rises substantially, often due to physiological demands or pathological issues inhibiting fat clearance. The stages of NAFLD can be managed with lifestyle changes and medical care.
Step-by-step explanation:
Progression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
The progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) includes several stages, starting from fatty liver steatosis to more advanced forms such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Initially, NAFLD presents as an accumulation of fats in the liver, known as fatty liver. This condition is characterized by the lipid content of the liver increasing from a normal 5% up to 25%-30%. The causes of this can be physiological, due to increased mobilization of fatty acids to the liver, or pathological, where normal amounts of fatty acids arrive at the liver but cannot be cleared due to various reasons including metabolic blocks or infections.
The second stage is NASH, where the accumulated fat in the liver causes inflammation and damage to liver cells. If not addressed, this can progress to fibrosis, where scar tissue begins to replace the damaged liver cells. The final and most severe stage is cirrhosis, characterized by extensive fibrosis and a significant loss of liver function. Factors like viral hepatitis, alcoholism, and exposure to liver-toxic chemicals can exacerbate this condition, leading to complications like acute liver failure or chronic liver failure.
It is important to note that NAFLD progression is not inevitable and can be managed or slowed down with lifestyle changes, proper diet, and medical intervention when necessary.