Vitamin D Mitigates Inflammation and Downregulates Importin α3 in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

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Year : 2026 | Volume : 04 | 01 | Page :
    By

    Ashok Kujur,

  • S. John Mary,

  • Delinta D,

  • Ajila A,

  • Jesuraj P,

  • Christina C,

  • Gunasekar C J,

  1. Research Scholar, Department of Chemistry, Loyola College, Sterling Road, Chennai, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Loyola Institute of Frontier Energy (LIFE), Loyola College, Sterling Road, Chennai, India
  3. Research Scholar, Loyola Institute of Frontier Energy (LIFE), Loyola College, Sterling Road, Chennai, India
  4. Research Scholar, Loyola Institute of Frontier Energy (LIFE), Loyola College, Sterling Road, Chennai, India
  5. Research Scholar, Loyola Institute of Frontier Energy (LIFE), Loyola College, Sterling Road, Chennai, India
  6. Research Scholar, Loyola Institute of Frontier Energy (LIFE), Loyola College, Sterling Road, Chennai, India
  7. Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, Loyola College, Sterling Road, Chennai, India

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects about one-third of the population in the United States and Western countries, reaching up to 90% among obese individuals and those undergoing bariatric surgery. Characterized by hepatic fat accumulation, NAFLD progresses from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, and, in rare cases, hepatocellular carcinoma. Linked intricately with metabolic syndrome, including diabetes and obesity, NAFLD development involves insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. Experimental evidence consistently associates low vitamin D levels with NAFLD severity, independent of age, gender, and BMI. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6, play critical roles in NAFLD, with positive correlations between liver fibrosis and TNF-α levels in NASH patients. The inflammatory cascade involves NF-κB activation, Importin α3, and Importin α4. Vitamin D emerges as a key player, up-regulating the NF-κB inhibitor IкBα and reducing pro-inflammatory activity. Studies in NASH models highlight vitamin D’s positive impact on inflammation, fibrosis, and insulin resistance. Recent research underscores calcitriol’s role in decreasing Importin α3 expression, influencing NF-κB translocation. This study provides novel insights into calcitriol’s effects on Importin α3 and IκBα in HepG-2 cells, unraveling cellular and molecular mechanisms in the intricate interplay between vitamin D and NAFLD pathology.

Keywords: NAFLD, vitamin D, Importin α3, pro-inflammatory cytokines, calcitriol, inflammation

How to cite this article:
Ashok Kujur, S. John Mary, Delinta D, Ajila A, Jesuraj P, Christina C, Gunasekar C J. Vitamin D Mitigates Inflammation and Downregulates Importin α3 in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). International Journal of Cheminformatics. 2026; 04(01):-.
How to cite this URL:
Ashok Kujur, S. John Mary, Delinta D, Ajila A, Jesuraj P, Christina C, Gunasekar C J. Vitamin D Mitigates Inflammation and Downregulates Importin α3 in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). International Journal of Cheminformatics. 2026; 04(01):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/ijci/article=2026/view=237363


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Ahead of Print Subscription Review Article
Volume 04
01
Received 22/01/2026
Accepted 19/02/2026
Published 21/02/2026
Publication Time 30 Days
116

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