ANTIOXIDANT DEFICIENCY IN FATTY LIVER DISEASE: IMPLICATIONS FOR POPULATION HEALTH AND PREVENTION STRATEGIES

This article examines the role of the antioxidant defense system in the pathogenesis and progression of Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its more severe form, Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). It discusses how excessive lipid accumulation in hepatocytes leads to increased production of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress. The paper outlines the key components of the antioxidant system, including enzymatic defenses such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, as well as non-enzymatic antioxidants like glutathione and vitamins C and E. Particular attention is given to the imbalance between pro-oxidant and antioxidant mechanisms, which contributes to inflammation, cellular injury, and fibrosis. The article concludes that strengthening antioxidant defenses through lifestyle modification and targeted therapeutic strategies may help slow disease progression and improve liver health.