Our Summary
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. Researchers wanted to understand how exercise affects this disease, specifically looking at how it might change the amount of fat in the liver, inflammation, and scarring, all of which are signs of NAFLD. They scoured scientific databases for studies that specifically looked at the effect of exercise on people with NAFLD confirmed by biopsy. The research had to look at changes in the liver either by physically examining tissue samples or using non-invasive tests.
They found six studies that met their criteria. Two of these were randomized controlled trials (the gold standard in research) which found that exercise didn’t significantly improve the physical signs of NAFLD. Other less rigorous studies suggested that exercise might reduce liver inflammation and scarring. Further, five studies using non-invasive tests found that exercise improved the amount of fat in the liver when measured by MRI scans, but not when measured by blood tests for inflammation and scarring.
In simple terms, the evidence so far suggests that exercise might help reduce the amount of fat in the liver in people with NAFLD, but the effects on inflammation and scarring are less clear. The researchers conclude that more high-quality studies are needed to fully understand how exercise affects NAFLD.
FAQs
- What is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide?
- How does exercise potentially affect Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)?
- What kind of research is needed to better understand how exercise affects NAFLD?
Doctor’s Tip
A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about liver biopsy is to follow any pre-biopsy instructions carefully, such as fasting before the procedure. It is also important to inform the doctor about any medications or supplements being taken, as they may need to be temporarily stopped before the biopsy. After the biopsy, it is important to follow any post-procedure care instructions, such as avoiding strenuous activity for a period of time to prevent complications. It is also important to follow up with the doctor for the results of the biopsy and to discuss any further treatment or management options.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended for liver biopsy include those with suspected liver disease, abnormal liver function tests, unexplained liver enlargement, suspected liver tumors, suspected liver infections, suspected autoimmune liver disease, and monitoring of known liver disease progression.
Timeline
Before a liver biopsy, a patient may experience symptoms such as fatigue, abdominal pain, and swelling in the abdomen. They may also undergo blood tests and imaging studies to diagnose their liver condition.
During a liver biopsy, the patient will be given local anesthesia to numb the area where the biopsy needle will be inserted. The doctor will then use a needle to remove a small sample of liver tissue for examination.
After a liver biopsy, the patient may experience some pain or discomfort at the biopsy site. They may also be advised to rest for a few hours and avoid strenuous activities for a few days. The doctor will analyze the biopsy sample to determine the extent of liver damage and develop a treatment plan.
In the case of NAFLD and exercise, the research suggests that exercise may help reduce the amount of fat in the liver, but its effects on inflammation and scarring are less clear. More high-quality studies are needed to fully understand how exercise affects NAFLD and its associated complications.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about liver biopsy in relation to NAFLD and exercise include:
- Is a liver biopsy necessary to diagnose or monitor my NAFLD?
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with a liver biopsy?
- How will the results of the liver biopsy impact my treatment plan for NAFLD?
- Are there alternative non-invasive tests that can provide similar information as a liver biopsy?
- How can exercise play a role in managing my NAFLD, based on the results of the biopsy?
- Should I make any specific changes to my exercise routine based on the findings of the liver biopsy?
- How often should I be monitored with follow-up testing or biopsies to track the progress of my NAFLD and the effects of exercise?
- Are there any specific types of exercise or intensity levels that are more beneficial for NAFLD?
- Can you provide resources or recommendations for exercise programs or specialists who can help me manage my NAFLD through physical activity?
- What other lifestyle changes, in addition to exercise, should I consider to improve my liver health with NAFLD?
Reference
Authors: Chen G, Banini B, Do A, Lim JK. Journal: Clin Mol Hepatol. 2023 Feb;29(Suppl):S319-S332. doi: 10.3350/cmh.2022.0366. Epub 2022 Dec 14. PMID: 36517000