Pathophysiological Features of Rat Models of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

• Published in: In vivo (Athens) Vol. 38; no. 3; pp. 990 - 999
• Main Authors: Saigo, Yasuka, Uno, Kinuko, Ishigure, Tatsuya, Odake, Tatsumi, Ohta, Takeshi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Greece International Institute of Anticancer Research 01.05.2024
• Subjects: Animals; Biomarkers; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Liver - metabolism; Liver - pathology; Liver - physiopathology; Liver Cirrhosis - etiology; Liver Cirrhosis - genetics; Liver Cirrhosis - pathology; Liver Cirrhosis - physiopathology; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease - etiology; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease - genetics; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease - metabolism; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease - pathology; Rats; Review; NAFLD; rat model; NASH; hepatic fibrosis; review
• ISSN: 0258-851X; 1791-7549
• DOI: 10.21873/invivo.13532

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is caused by various factors, including genetic and/or environmental factors, and has complicated pathophysiological features during the development of the disease. NAFLD/NASH is recognized as an unmet medical need, and NAFLD/NASH animal models are essential tools for developing new therapies, including potential drugs and biomarkers. In this review, we describe the pathological features of the NAFLD/NASH rat models, focusing on the histopathology of hepatic fibrosis. NAFLD/NASH rat models are divided into three categories: diet-induced, genetic, and combined models based on diet, chemicals, and genetics. Rat models of NASH with hepatic fibrosis are especially expected to contribute to the development of new therapies, such as drugs and biomarkers.