Commentary
NAFLD is a multi-faceted disease with metabolic, genetic, epigenetic, and environmental determinants. An increasing number of studies has also provided evidence for the role of xenobiotics in the genesis of steatosis and steatohepatitis, through increased ROS production and oxidative stress. Based on the current evidence, it is plausible that imbalances in the redox state of the cells, induced by exposure to a variety of pollutants, alter the hydroxymethylome, thus affecting the epigenetic reprogramming and transcriptional regulation of key genes involved in lipid metabolism or oxidative stress response. Aberrant expression of these genes may contribute to liver steatosis and exacerbate liver injury, thus promoting the progression to NASH.
