17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases in the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a worldwide epidemic and a major public health problem, with a prevalence of approximately 25%. The pathogenesis of NAFLD is complex and may be affected by the environment and susceptible genetic factors, resulting in a highly variable disease course and no approved drugs in the clinic. Notably, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 13 (HSD17B13), which belongs to the 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase superfamily (HSD17Bs), is closely related to the clinical outcome of liver disease. HSD17Bs consists of fifteen members, most related to steroid and lipid metabolism, and may have the same biological function as HSD17B13. In this review, we highlight recent advances in basic research on the functional activities, major substrates, and key roles of HSD17Bs in the progression of NAFLD to develop innovative anti-NAFLD drugs targeting HSD17Bs.