Interrelationship between Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis and Vitamin D: A Mini Review

Abstract

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive liver disease characterized by inflammation and accumulation of fat in the liver, often associated with obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome leading to fibrosis and ultimately cirrhosis of the liver. The literature search included original articles, randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control studies and review articles from the year 2004 onwards. The electronic databases Cochrane, MEDLINE, ScienceDirect and PubMed were used for the literature search. The current state of evidence shows a positive correlation between non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and vitamin D deficiency. The association between vitamin D and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a complex one and further studies are needed for understanding this relationship.  This review is aimed at the relationship between non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and vitamin D, additionally, it will discuss the role of vitamin D in modulating immune responses with its protective effects on the liver. The need for maintaining an adequate level of vitamin D in at-risk populations will also be discussed along with future research in this matter.