Genetic Studies of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is the most common form of liver disease in the United States. It includes a wide spectrum of conditions from benign hepatic steatosis to cirrhosis and liver failure. Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) is a term that describes specific histological characteristics of liver inflammation and seems to be a determinant step in the progression of NAFLD to cirrhosis and liver failure. The overall purpose of this study is to increase our understanding of the genetic background and pathophysiology of NAFLD through detailed review of physical, radiologic and pathology characteristics, when available. We will perform genetic analysis of known and candidate genes and will assess inheritance through evaluation of unaffected relatives. Most patients will be seen by hepatologists in transplant centers and hepatology clinics across the country. A subset of patients and their families may be seen at the NIH Clinical Center.