THE ROLE OF GENETIC AND EPIGENETIC FACTORS IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE: CURRENT UNDERSTANDING AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a major global health concern, primarily linked to metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Although environmental factors play a significant role in the development of NAFLD, genetic and epigenetic factors have been increasingly recognized for their pivotal role in both susceptibility and disease progression. This article reviews the latest literature on the genetic and epigenetic factors associated with NAFLD, examining specific genetic polymorphisms and epigenetic modifications that influence disease pathogenesis. Understanding the genetic basis of NAFLD could help in the development of personalized treatment strategies, potentially improving clinical outcomes.