MerTK, a risk factor for NASH fibrosis

more prevalent in older individuals, the underlying mechanisms by which aging processes accelerate NAFLD are not fully understood. NAFLD can progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which in turn can lead to the development of cirrhotic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Since NAFLD, NASH, and HCC are rapidly increasing in the aging population, understanding the mechanism of how NAFLD progresses to NASH is crucial. NASH is emerging as the leading cause of chronic liver disease and the most rapidly growing indication for liver transplantation worldwide, with liver fibrosis being the most important predictor of liver failure in NASH [1]. However, due to the major gaps in our understanding of the mechanisms of NASH progression, particularly fibrosis, there are currently no FDA-approved medications to treat NASH.