The role of essential phospholipids in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with comorbid metabolic syndrome

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common liver diseases, occurring in 10-30% of the total population of both developed and developing countries. Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome play a leading role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Benign fatty infiltration of the liver in the early stages of development can be the cause of metabolic disorders: tolerance to carbohydrates, diabetes, dyslipidemia and others. The average life expectancy of patients with NAFLD is less than in the population. Research suggests that NAFLD is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which often causes premature mortality. Essential phospholipids (EFL) play an important role in the human body, acting as a structural component of cell and subcellular membranes. Cell membranes are 80-90% composed of phosphatidylcholine. Today there are 7 types of phosphatidylcholines. A distinctive feature of essential phosphatidylcholines is the presence of an additional molecule of linolenic acid, which allows it to effectively fill the defects of the membrane, increasing its fluidity. This feature underlies the therapeutic advantage of EFL over other phospholipids.