Fatty acids and liver disease

The purpose of this chapter is to bring together information on the role of fatty acids in liver disease. Much of the information presented has been gathered by analysis of fatty acids in liver, liver microsomes, mitochondria, and hepatocytes. It should not, therefore, be assumed to be universal to other cells in the liver such as Kupffers cells, endothelial cells, or hepatic stellate cells. Quite apart from the effects of fatty acids on liver disease or the effect of disease on fatty acid composition, the fatty acids are of importance as precursors of the prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and hydroxy fatty acid metabolites. Although a wide variety of liver disorders affects fatty acid metabolism, the majority of studies have been devoted to alcohol-induced liver injury. Thus, the major focus of this chapter is on alcoholic liver disease (ALD), which includes the role of fatty acids in the pathogenesis of liver injury as well as their role in the treatment of this disorder.