Specific features of metabolic disorders in males and females with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Growing evidence supports the concept of NAFLD as a multisystem disease associated with metabolic syndrome. Sex differences do exist in the incidence of NAFLD among the population as much as in the prevalence of certain metabolic disorders in patients with liver steatosis. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the epidemiology and pathogenesis of NAFLD, including the role of sex hormones in the development of hepatic steatosis. We discuss the main metabolic disorders in patients with NAFLD and the potential mechanisms of their interaction with the hormonal state. The impact of polycystic ovary syndrome on NAFLD progression is also considered. The results of the conducted analysis of literature data confirms the relevance of developing sex-specific guidelines for identifying metabolic disorders in patients with NAFLD and recommendations for personalized treatment.