Enhanced TLR4 expression in steatotic hepatocytes

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) starts with hepatic steatosis, which can progress with inflammation and fibrosis. NAFLD Patients have a higher prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and frequently develop a leaky intestinal barrier. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is crucial for the recognition of lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and it has been shown that TLR4 signaling is a key factor for hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. The aim of this study was to analyze TLR4 expression in NAFLD. Methods and Results: In 3 dietary murine NASH-models, namely feeding a Western type high-fat diet, a methionine- an…