Transcriptional regulation of metabolic pathways via lipid-sensing nuclear receptors PPARs, FXR and LXR in NASH

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) comprises a wide spectrum of liver injuries from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis and cirrhosis. Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) is defined when liver steatosis is associated with inflammation, hepatocyte damage and fibrosis. Genetic predisposition and environmental insults (i.e. dietary habits, obesity) are putative responsible for NASH progression. Here, we present the impact of the lipid-sensing nuclear receptors in the pathogenesis and treatment of NASH. In details, we discuss pros and cons of the putative transcriptional action of the fatty acid sensors (peroxisome proliferator activated receptors PPARs) of the bile acid sensor (farnesoid X receptor FXR) and of the oxysterol sensor (liver X receptors LXR) in the pathogenesis and bona fide treatment of NASH.