Fatty Liver Glossary

A B C D E F G H I L M N O P S T U V W X

A

Acute Fatty Liver Disease: A rare but serious liver disorder characterized by the sudden accumulation of fat in liver cells. It can cause liver failure and requires immediate medical intervention.
Adiponectin: A hormone that helps regulate glucose levels and fatty acid breakdown. Low levels are associated with obesity and fatty liver disease.
Advanced Fibrosis: A stage of liver scarring that occurs as fatty liver disease progresses. It can lead to cirrhosis and impaired liver function.
ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase): An enzyme released into the bloodstream when liver cells are damaged. High ALT levels are often a marker for liver inflammation.
AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase): An enzyme that, like ALT, indicates liver damage when elevated. It is often measured alongside ALT in liver function tests.

B

Ballooning Degeneration: A condition where liver cells swell and lose function due to fat accumulation. It is commonly seen in steatohepatitis.
Bile Acids: Compounds produced by the liver to aid in fat digestion. Altered bile acid levels are sometimes linked to fatty liver disease.
BMI (Body Mass Index): A measure of body fat based on height and weight. A high BMI is a risk factor for fatty liver disease.

C

Carbohydrate Metabolism: The process by which the body converts carbs into energy. Poor carbohydrate metabolism can lead to fat buildup in the liver.
Cirrhosis: Severe liver scarring that can result from chronic liver disease. Cirrhosis can lead to liver failure if untreated.

D

Diffuse Fatty Infiltration of the Liver: The widespread accumulation of fat throughout the liver tissue. It often indicates advanced stages of fatty liver disease.
Dyslipidemia: An abnormal level of lipids in the blood, such as high cholesterol. It is commonly associated with fatty liver and metabolic syndrome.

E

Endocrine Disruption: Interference with hormone functions, which can lead to metabolic disorders. Fatty liver can be associated with hormonal imbalances.

F

Fat in Liver: An excess of fat stored in liver cells, often indicating fatty liver disease. It can impair liver function and lead to further health issues.
Fatty Acid Oxidation: The process by which the liver breaks down fats for energy. Impaired fatty acid oxidation can contribute to fat buildup in the liver.
Fatty Liver: The accumulation of fat within liver cells, which can lead to inflammation and damage. Also known as hepatic steatosis, it can progress to more severe liver diseases.
Fatty Liver Infiltration: The excessive buildup of fat within liver cells. This condition can disrupt normal liver function and lead to complications.
Fatty Liver Screening: Tests used to detect the presence of excess fat in the liver. Common methods include blood tests and imaging studies like ultrasound.
Fatty Metamorphosis of Liver: A condition where liver cells undergo structural changes due to fat accumulation. It often indicates advanced fatty liver disease.
Fibrosis: The formation of scar tissue in the liver as a response to long-term damage. If untreated, fibrosis can progress to cirrhosis.

G

Gamma-GT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase): An enzyme used as a marker for liver function. Elevated levels may indicate liver disease or bile duct issues.

H

HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): Often referred to as "good" cholesterol. Higher HDL levels are associated with a lower risk of fatty liver disease.
Hepatic Encephalopathy: A decline in brain function due to severe liver disease. It can occur when the liver is unable to filter toxins from the blood.
Hepatic Steatosis: Another term for fatty liver, characterized by fat buildup in the liver. It can range from mild to severe, depending on the fat content.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A type of liver cancer often associated with chronic liver diseases like cirrhosis. Advanced fatty liver disease can increase the risk of this cancer.
Hepatocytes: The main functional cells of the liver. They are responsible for detoxification, metabolism, and bile production.
Hyperglycemia: High blood sugar levels that are often linked to diabetes and obesity. It is a risk factor for fatty liver disease.
Hypertension: High blood pressure, which often accompanies metabolic disorders. It is a common risk factor for fatty liver disease.

I

Inflammation: A response by the immune system to injury or infection. In fatty liver, inflammation can worsen liver damage.
Insulin Resistance: A condition where the body's cells become less responsive to insulin. It is a significant risk factor for fatty liver disease.

L

Liver Biopsy: A procedure where a small sample of liver tissue is examined. It is often used to diagnose and stage liver disease.
Liver Enzymes: Proteins that help the liver perform its functions. High levels in the blood can indicate liver damage or disease.

M

MAFLD (Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease): A newer term for fatty liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction. It reflects the condition's close link with metabolic health.
Metabolic Syndrome: A cluster of conditions, including obesity and high blood pressure, that increase the risk of liver disease. It is closely associated with fatty liver disease.
Mild Hepatic Steatosis: A mild form of fatty liver disease characterized by small amounts of fat in the liver. It is often reversible with lifestyle changes.
Moderate Hepatic Steatosis: An intermediate stage of fatty liver disease with more fat accumulation than mild steatosis. Lifestyle interventions can still be effective at this stage.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An imaging technique used to view liver fat content. It helps in diagnosing and monitoring fatty liver disease.

N

NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease): A condition where fat accumulates in the liver without alcohol consumption. It ranges from simple steatosis to more severe forms like NASH.
NASH (Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis): An advanced form of NAFLD characterized by inflammation and liver cell damage. NASH can progress to cirrhosis if untreated.

O

Obesity: An excess of body fat that is a major risk factor for fatty liver disease. Obesity contributes to fat accumulation in the liver.
Oxidative Stress: A condition where there is an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body. It plays a role in liver inflammation and damage.

P

Portal Hypertension: Increased blood pressure within the liver's portal vein. This condition often results from advanced liver disease.

S

Saturated Fat: A type of dietary fat that can raise cholesterol levels. High saturated fat intake is linked to increased liver fat.
Steatohepatitis: A condition involving liver inflammation due to fat accumulation. It is a more severe form of fatty liver disease.
Steatosis: Another term for fatty liver, specifically the buildup of fat in liver cells. It is an early stage of fatty liver disease.

T

TG (Triglycerides): A type of fat found in the blood. High triglyceride levels are commonly associated with fatty liver disease.
Transaminases: A group of enzymes that includes ALT and AST. Elevated transaminases are a marker of liver cell damage.

U

Ultrasonography: An imaging technique commonly used to diagnose fatty liver. It can help determine the severity of liver fat accumulation.

V

Visceral Fat: Fat that surrounds internal organs, including the liver. High levels of visceral fat increase the risk of fatty liver disease.

W

Weight Loss: A decrease in body weight that can improve liver health. Weight loss is often recommended to reverse fatty liver disease.
Wilson's Disease: A genetic disorder that causes copper to accumulate in the liver and brain. It can lead to liver damage if untreated.

X

Xenobiotic Metabolism: The liver's ability to process and break down foreign substances like drugs. Impaired xenobiotic metabolism can worsen liver disease.