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Clinical impact of sexual dimorphism in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
Author(s) -
Burra Patrizia,
Bizzaro Debora,
Gonta Anna,
Shalaby Sarah,
Gambato Martina,
Morelli Maria Cristina,
Trapani Silvia,
Floreani Annarosa,
Marra Fabio,
Brunetto Maurizia Rossana,
Taliani Gloria,
Villa Erica
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
liver international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.873
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1478-3231
pISSN - 1478-3223
DOI - 10.1111/liv.14943
Subject(s) - steatohepatitis , fatty liver , medicine , disease , sexual dimorphism , cirrhosis , menopause , epidemiology
NAFLD/NASH is a sex‐dimorphic disease, with a general higher prevalence in men. Women are at reduced risk of NAFLD compared to men in fertile age, whereas after menopause women have a comparable prevalence of NAFLD as men. Indeed, sexual category, sex hormones and gender habits interact with numerous NAFLD factors including cytokines, stress and environmental factors and alter the risk profiles and phenotypes of NAFLD. In the present review, we summarized the last findings about the influence of sex on epidemiology, pathogenesis, progression in cirrhosis, indication for liver transplantation and alternative therapies, including lifestyle modification and pharmacological strategies. We are confident that an appropriate consideration of sex, age, hormonal status and sociocultural gender differences will lead to a better understanding of sex differences in NAFLD risk, therapeutic targets and treatment responses and will aid in achieving sex‐specific personalized therapies.