Uncoupling protein and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Objective To review the current advances on the role of uncoupling protein (UCP) in the pathogenesis and progress of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Data sources A comprehensive search of the PubMed literature without restriction on the publication date was carried out using keywords such as UCP and NAFLD. Study selection Articles containing information related to NAFLD and UCP were selected and carefully analyzed. Results The typical concepts, up-to-date findings, and existing controversies of UCP2 in NAFLD were summarized. Besides, the effect of a novel subtype of UCP (hepatocellular down regulated mitochondrial carrier protein, HDMCP) in NAFLD was also analyzed. Finally, the concept that any mitochondrial inner membrane carrier protein may have, more or less, the uncoupling ability was reinforced. Conclusions Considering the importance of NAFLD in clinics and UCP in energy metabolism, we believe that this review may raise research enthusiasm on the effect of UCP in NAFLD and provide a novel mechanism and therapeutic target for NAFLD.