The findings were reported in a recent issue of Developmental Cell and may explain the background behind the development of this condition, which affects one in three U.S. adults and is "the most common form of liver disease in the Western world," according to a Science Daily news article.

The study reported that when mice developed cellular stress caused by mutations in their genes, which could occur in adults and is often a characteristic of linked to plaque development in Alzheimer’s disease, they were unable to cope with or guard against the "cellular stress caused by protein folding problems," according to Science Daily.

According to a medical dictionary published by Princeton University, "protein folding is the physical process by which a polypeptide folds into its characteristic and functional three-dimensional structure." While protein folding is an essential process within the body, when proteins are unfolded or miss-folded it is often a sign of cellular stress, thus increasing the risk of developing amyloid plaques, which are linked to Alzheimer’s and now the onset of fatty liver disease. However, investigators are continuing their research and looking at additional physiological stresses to understand what may also lead to the development of fatty liver disease. Additional physiological stresses may include the following according to the Science Daily news article:

• chronic alcohol abuse/consumption
• obesity
• viral infection

Other Causes of Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease occurs when "build-up of excess fat in the liver cells is produced," according to the American Liver Foundation (ALF). There are several causes behind the development of the condition, according to ALF, including:

• alcohol consumption/abuse
• lack of physical activity
• developing diabetes
• elevated triglyceride levels
• obesity, including a body mass index (BMI) of above 30
• overweight, such as having a BMI of 25 to 30

While ALF reports that "fatty liver may cause no damage" it can also cause inflammation of the liver, which is known as steatohepatitis. Over time, fatty liver disease may cause the liver, which is inflamed, to harden and scar causing cirrhosis of the liver which is a key factor in leading to liver failure and liver damage/disease.

Prescription Drug Liver Dangers

In addition to the previously mentioned causes of liver damage and liver disease, there also remains a new and disturbing trend among the development of these conditions, which includes consumption of dangerous prescription drugs. One such prescription drug that has been linked to the onset of liver disease is that of Ketek, which is an antibiotic used to treat upper respiratory conditions and antibacterial illnesses among adults.

Ketek was released from Sanofi-Aventis in 2004, however, there have been approximately 100 cases of Ketek-induced liver damage that have been reported during the last few years including at least 18 deaths allegedly caused by the drug’s consumption. In 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health advisory on the Ketek dangers, but no recall of the drug occurred. Individuals who have been subject to any of the Ketek side effects including liver disease, liver damage or liver failure, are encouraged to contact a medical professional as well as a knowledgeable pharmaceutical attorney as it may be necessary to develop a Ketek class action lawsuit.