The pathophysiological mechanism between hypopituitarism and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common chronic metabolic liver disease worldwide. It is closely related to diseases of the cardiovascular system and chronic kidney disease. It can also occur secondary to many other diseases. Current research shows that patients with hypopituitarism have a high risk of developing NAFLD. After the adenohypophysis is dominated by hypothalamic hormones, hormones are secreted to act on the corresponding tissues or organs. It is characterized by a decrease in the thyroid hormone, cortisol, and growth hormone levels. In this review, we analyzed the mechanisms related to NAFLD through thyroid secretion, growth hormone secretion, sex hormone, and prolactin axes in patients with hypopituitarism, which will provide information and a theoretical basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment.