From Liver to Kidney: The Overlooked Burden of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Chronic Kidney Disease

Razvan-George Bogdan,A. Boicean,Paula Anderco,Cristian Ichim,Mihai Iliescu-Glaja,Samuel-Bogdan Todor,Elisa Leonte,V. Bloanca,Z. Crainiceanu,M. L. Popa

Published 2025 in Journal of Clinical Medicine

ABSTRACT

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly recognized as a contributor to chronic kidney disease (CKD), yet its impact remains underappreciated in clinical practice. Recent studies reveal a strong association between NAFLD and CKD progression, with evidence linking hepatic dysfunction to renal impairment through metabolic and inflammatory pathways. NAFLD not only increases the risk of CKD but also accelerates its progression, leading to worse cardiovascular outcomes and higher mortality, particularly in patients with advanced fibrosis. Despite this growing evidence, NAFLD often goes undiagnosed in CKD patients and routine hepatic evaluation is rarely integrated into nephrology care. Emerging diagnostic tools, including noninvasive biomarkers and imaging techniques, offer potential for earlier detection, yet their clinical implementation remains inconsistent. Although lifestyle modifications remain the foundation of treatment, pharmacotherapeutic strategies, including SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists, have demonstrated potential in mitigating both hepatic and renal impairment. Recognizing the interplay between NAFLD and CKD is essential for improving patient outcomes. A multidisciplinary approach, integrating hepatology and nephrology expertise, is crucial to refining screening strategies, optimizing treatment, and reducing the long-term burden of these coexisting conditions.

PUBLICATION RECORD

CITATION MAP

EXTRACTION MAP

CLAIMS

  • No claims are published for this paper.

CONCEPTS

  • No concepts are published for this paper.

REFERENCES

Showing 1-100 of 133 references · Page 1 of 2