Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a common clinical condition that can lead to advanced liver diseases. The mechanism of the diaease progression, which is lacking effective therapy, remains obsure. Therefore, there is a need to understand the pathogenic mechanisms responsible for disease development and progression in order to develop innovative therapies. To accomplish this goal, experimental animal models that recapitulate the human disease are necessary. Currently, an increasing number of studies have focused on natural constituents from medicinal plants which have been emerged as a new hope for NASH. This review summarized the pathogenesis of NASH, animal models commonly used, and the promising targets for therapeutics. We also reviewed the natural constituents as potential NASH therapeutic agents.

Objective To investigate the prevalence and major risk factors of peripartum thromboembolic disease in different regions of Guangdong province.Methods Data from 169 218pregnant women in different regions of Guangdong province from January 2005 to June 2010 were analyzed retrospectively.The prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of thromboembolic disease during pregnancy or puerperium were investigated.Results Of the studied population,( 1 )20 l cases ( 1.3‰ ) suffered from thromboembolic disease during pregnancy or puerperium including 128 cases of deep vein thrombosis (DVT),68 cases of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) and 5pulmonary embolism,the prevalence rates were 0.8‰,0.4‰,and 0.02‰ respectively.(2) Risk factors in different regions showed that,in the Pearl River Delta area,the major risk factors for DVT would include previous or family history of thrombosis,pregnancy complications,with medically involved diseases,prolonged bed rest and pregnancy weight gain ＞ 15 kg etc.While in castern,western,northern parts of Guangdong,the major risk factors for DVT would include pregnancy weight gain ＞ 15 kg,prolonged bed rest,preeclampsia,cesarean section and complications during pregnancy.In Pearl River Delta region,the major risk factors for CVT would include eclampsia,preeclampsia,pregnancy complications,prolonged bed rest ＞3 days,past history or family history of thrombosis.While eclampsia,preeclampsia,advanced age or younger age,pregnancy weight gain ＞15 kg,complications during pregnancy were the major risk factors for CVT in the eastern,western or northem parts of Guangdong.Conclusion Prevalence and major risk factors of peripartum thromboembolic disease in different regions of Guangdong were different.It was crucial to take effective measures in pregnant women with different epidemiological characteristics and risk factors to prevent and reduce the incidence of peripartum thromboembolic disease.