1
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Peart LA, Draper M, Tarasov AI. The impact of GLP-1 signalling on the energy metabolism of pancreatic islet β-cells and extrapancreatic tissues. Peptides 2024; 178:171243. [PMID: 38788902 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide-1 signalling impacts glucose homeostasis and appetite thereby indirectly affecting substrate availability at the whole-body level. The incretin canonically produces an insulinotropic effect, thereby lowering blood glucose levels by promoting the uptake and inhibiting the production of the sugar by peripheral tissues. Likewise, GLP-1 signalling within the central nervous system reduces the appetite and food intake, whereas its gastric effect delays the absorption of nutrients, thus improving glycaemic control and reducing the risk of postprandial hyperglycaemia. We review the molecular aspects of the GLP-1 signalling, focusing on its impact on intracellular energy metabolism. Whilst the incretin exerts its effects predominantly via a Gs receptor, which decodes the incretin signal into the elevation of intracellular cAMP levels, the downstream signalling cascades within the cell, acting on fast and slow timescales, resulting in an enhancement or an attenuation of glucose catabolism, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah A Peart
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine, Northern Ireland BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Matthew Draper
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine, Northern Ireland BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Andrei I Tarasov
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine, Northern Ireland BT52 1SA, UK.
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2
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Rochoń J, Kalinowski P, Szymanek-Majchrzak K, Grąt M. Role of gut-liver axis and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:2964-2980. [DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i23.2964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome. It is one of the most common liver diseases worldwide and shows increasing prevalence rates in most countries. MAFLD is a progressive disease with the most severe cases presenting as advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis with an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Gut microbiota play a significant role in the pathogenesis and progression of MAFLD by disrupting the gut-liver axis. The mechanisms involved in maintaining gut-liver axis homeostasis are complex. One critical aspect involves preserving an appropriate intestinal barrier permeability and levels of intestinal lumen metabolites to ensure gut-liver axis functionality. An increase in intestinal barrier permeability induces metabolic endotoxemia that leads to steatohepatitis. Moreover, alterations in the absorption of various metabolites can affect liver metabolism and induce liver steatosis and fibrosis. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are a class of drugs developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. They are also commonly used to combat obesity and have been proven to be effective in reversing hepatic steatosis. The mechanisms reported to be involved in this effect include an improved regulation of glycemia, reduced lipid synthesis, β-oxidation of free fatty acids, and induction of autophagy in hepatic cells. Recently, multiple peptide receptor agonists have been introduced and are expected to increase the effectiveness of the treatment. A modulation of gut microbiota has also been observed with the use of these drugs that may contribute to the amelioration of MAFLD. This review presents the current understanding of the role of the gut-liver axis in the development of MAFLD and use of members of the GLP-1 RA family as pleiotropic agents in the treatment of MAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Rochoń
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw 02-097, Poland
| | - Piotr Kalinowski
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw 02-097, Poland
| | | | - Michał Grąt
- Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw 02-097, Poland
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3
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Akhverdyan N, Wieland A, Sullivan S, Lindsay M, Swartwood S, Arndt G, Kaizer LK, Jensen T. Changes in Transient Elastography with Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Use in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: A Real-World Retrospective Analysis. Metab Syndr Relat Disord 2024. [PMID: 38868900 DOI: 10.1089/met.2024.0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Current guidelines recommend the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) in the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), especially in patients with comorbid diabetes and obesity. This study investigated the effects of GLP-1RAs on hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in patients with MASLD, as measured by changes in vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) and other clinical parameters in a real-world clinical setting. Methods: We conducted a single-center, retrospective analysis of 96 patients with MASLD from a multidisciplinary care clinic who completed VCTE at baseline and follow-up within 6-24 months to compare changes in controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and liver stiffness measurement (LSM), as well as other metabolic markers, between GLP-1RA users and nonusers using two-sample t-tests and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. We also assessed whether improvements in hepatic steatosis, defined as a change in CAP >38 dB/m as previously described in the literature, were associated with improvement in fibrosis. Results: GLP-1RA use resulted in significant improvements in weight (-8.1 kg vs. -3.5 kg, P = 0.009), body mass index (BMI) (-2.9 kg/m2 vs. -1.3 kg/m2, P = 0.012), alanine aminotransferase (-15.0 IU/L vs. -4.0 IU/L, P = 0.017), aspartate aminotransferase (-5.0 IU/L vs. -1.0 IU/L, P = 0.021), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (-0.7% vs. 0.1%, P = 0.019), and CAP (-59.9 dB/m vs. -29.1 dB/m, P = 0.016). Responders also had significant improvements in weight (-9.2 kg vs. -1.9 kg, P < 0.001), BMI (-3.3 kg/m2 vs. -0.7 kg/m2, P < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (-6.1 mmHg vs. -0.7 mmHg, P = 0.028), HbA1c (-0.8% vs. 0.3%, P < 0.001), and LSM (-1.5 kPa vs. 0.1 kPa, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients with MASLD treated with GLP-1RAs showed significant improvements in hepatic steatosis and multiple other metabolic parameters, with weight loss as the proposed mechanism for this liver improvement. In addition, change in CAP >38 dB/m was associated with improvements in LSM and other metabolic parameters, suggesting the clinical utility of VCTE in the surveillance of MASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazar Akhverdyan
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Amanda Wieland
- Division of Hepatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Shelby Sullivan
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Mark Lindsay
- Division of Endocrinology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Sheila Swartwood
- Division of Hepatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Gretchen Arndt
- Division of Endocrinology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Laura Katherine Kaizer
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Thomas Jensen
- Division of Endocrinology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Wang H, Ma Q, Chen Y, Luo L, Ye J, Zhong B. Optimized strategy among diet, exercise, and pharmacological interventions for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Obes Rev 2024; 25:e13727. [PMID: 38509775 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging treatment methods, including exercise, diet, and drugs, for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease have been proposed. However, the differences in their efficacy have not been determined. We aimed to compare the effects of these treatments excluding surgery via a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. DATA SOURCE The data sources included PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane up to February 1st, 2023. The endpoints consisted of body mass index (BMI), serum markers of metabolism and liver injury markers, liver fat content, and stiffness. RESULTS A total of 174 studies with 10,183 patients were included in this meta-analysis. In terms of improving BMI, Pan-agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) is the best treatment with the highest SUCRA (surface under the cumulative ranking) of 84.8% (mean = -3.40, 95% CI -5.55, -1.24) by the comparative effectiveness ranking. GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) has the best effect in improving the liver fat content based on the MRI-PDFF, steatosis score (SUCRA 99.7%, mean = -2.19, 95% CI -2.90, -1.48) and ballooning score (SUCRA 61.2%, mean = -0.82, 95% CI -4.46, 2.83). CONCLUSIONS Pan-agonist of PPAR was the most efficacious regimen in lowering BMIs, whereas GLP-1R agonists achieved the highest efficacy of steatosis improvement in this network meta-analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qianqian Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youpeng Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ling Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junzhao Ye
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bihui Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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McFarlin BE, Duffin KL, Konkar A. Incretin and glucagon receptor polypharmacology in chronic kidney disease. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2024; 326:E747-E766. [PMID: 38477666 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00374.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease is a debilitating condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In recent years, the kidney effects of incretin-based therapies, particularly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), have garnered substantial interest in the management of type 2 diabetes and obesity. This review delves into the intricate interactions between the kidney, GLP-1RAs, and glucagon, shedding light on their mechanisms of action and potential kidney benefits. Both GLP-1 and glucagon, known for their opposing roles in regulating glucose homeostasis, improve systemic risk factors affecting the kidney, including adiposity, inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial function. Additionally, these hormones and their pharmaceutical mimetics may have a direct impact on the kidney. Clinical studies have provided evidence that incretins, including those incorporating glucagon receptor agonism, are likely to exhibit improved kidney outcomes. Although further research is necessary, receptor polypharmacology holds promise for preserving kidney function through eliciting vasodilatory effects, influencing volume and electrolyte handling, and improving systemic risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon E McFarlin
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Lilly Corporate CenterIndianapolisIndianaUnited States
| | - Kevin L Duffin
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Lilly Corporate CenterIndianapolisIndianaUnited States
| | - Anish Konkar
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Lilly Corporate CenterIndianapolisIndianaUnited States
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6
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Bu T, Sun Z, Pan Y, Deng X, Yuan G. Glucagon-Like Peptide-1: New Regulator in Lipid Metabolism. Diabetes Metab J 2024; 48:354-372. [PMID: 38650100 PMCID: PMC11140404 DOI: 10.4093/dmj.2023.0277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a 30-amino acid peptide hormone that is mainly expressed in the intestine and hypothalamus. In recent years, basic and clinical studies have shown that GLP-1 is closely related to lipid metabolism, and it can participate in lipid metabolism by inhibiting fat synthesis, promoting fat differentiation, enhancing cholesterol metabolism, and promoting adipose browning. GLP-1 plays a key role in the occurrence and development of metabolic diseases such as obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and atherosclerosis by regulating lipid metabolism. It is expected to become a new target for the treatment of metabolic disorders. The effects of GLP-1 and dual agonists on lipid metabolism also provide a more complete treatment plan for metabolic diseases. This article reviews the recent research progress of GLP-1 in lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Bu
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Ziyan Sun
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yi Pan
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xia Deng
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Guoyue Yuan
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
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7
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Wang L, Berger NA, Kaelber DC, Xu R. Association of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Incidence and Hepatic Decompensation in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes. Gastroenterology 2024:S0016-5085(24)00494-3. [PMID: 38692395 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2024.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer death. HCC is preventable with about 70% of HCC attributable to modifiable risk factors. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), Food and Drug Administration-approved medications for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), have pleiotropic effects on counteracting risk factors for HCC. Here we evaluate the association of GLP-1RAs with incident HCC risk in a real-world population. METHODS This retrospective cohort included 1,890,020 patients with a diagnosis of T2DM who were prescribed GLP-1RAs or other non-GLP-1RA anti-diabetes medications and had no prior diagnosis of HCC. Incident (first-time) diagnosis of HCC and hepatic decompensating events during a 5-year follow-up was compared between cohorts of patients prescribed GLP-1 RAs vs other anti-diabetes medications. Time-to-first-event analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval calculated. RESULTS GLP-1RAs were associated with a lower risk of incident HCC with hazard ratio of 0.20 [0.14-0.31], 0.39 [0.21-0.69], 0.63 [0.26-1.50] compared with insulin, sulfonylureas, and metformin, respectively. GLP-1RAs were associated with a significantly lower risk of hepatic decompensation compared with 6 other anti-diabetes medications. Reduced risks were observed in patients without and with different stages of fatty liver diseases, with more profound effects in patients without liver diseases. Similar findings were observed in patients with and without obesity and alcohol or tobacco use disorders. GLP-1RA combination therapies were associated with decreased risk for HCC and hepatic decompensations compared with monotherapies. CONCLUSIONS GLP-1RAs were associated with a reduced risk of incident HCC and hepatic decompensation compared with other anti-diabetes medications in patients with T2DM. These findings provide supporting evidence for future studies to investigate the underlying mechanisms and their clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Wang
- Center for Science, Health, and Society, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Nathan A Berger
- Center for Science, Health, and Society, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio.
| | - David C Kaelber
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Population and Quantitative Health Sciences and the Center for Clinical Informatics Research and Education, The MetroHealth System, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Rong Xu
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio; Center for Artificial Intelligence in Drug Discovery, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio.
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8
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Lee J, Li Y, Cheng JT, Liu IM, Cheng KC. Development of Syringaldehyde as an Agonist of the GLP-1 Receptor to Alleviate Diabetic Disorders in Animal Models. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:538. [PMID: 38675498 PMCID: PMC11054907 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The phenolic aldehyde syringaldehyde (SA) has been shown to have an antihyperglycemic effect in diabetic rats due to increased glucose utilization and insulin sensitivity. To understand the direct effect of SA on the GLP-1 receptor, STZ-induced diabetic rats were used. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, liver enzymes, and renal function were measured using specific ELISA kits. The mechanisms of SA effects were investigated using CHO-K1 cells, pancreatic Min-6 cells, and cardiomyocyte H9c2 cells. The results indicated that the antihyperglycemic effect of SA in diabetic rats was abolished by blocking the GLP-1 receptor with an antagonist. SA has a direct effect on the GLP-1 receptor when using CHO-K1 cells transfected with the exogenous GLP-1 receptor gene. In addition, SA stimulated insulin production in Min-6 cells by activating GLP-1 receptors. SA caused a dose-dependent rise in GLP-1 receptor mRNA levels in cardiac H9c2 cells. These in vitro results support the notion that SA has a direct effect on the GLP-1 receptor. Otherwise, SA inhibited the increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukins and tumor TNF-α, in type 1 diabetic rats in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, as with liraglutide, SA reduced plasma lipid profiles, including total cholesterol and triglyceride, in mixed diet-induced type 2 diabetic rats. Intriguingly, chronic treatment with SA (as with liraglutide) reversed the functions of both the liver and the kidney in these diabetic rats. SA displayed less efficiency in reducing body weight and food consumption compared to liraglutide. In conclusion, SA effectively activates GLP-1 receptors, resulting in a reduction in diabetic-related complications in rats. Therefore, it is beneficial to develop SA as a chemical agonist for clinical applications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenpei Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Da Chien General Hospital, Miaoli City 36052, Taiwan;
| | - Yingxiao Li
- Department of Nursing, Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology, Hualien City 970302, Taiwan;
| | - Juei-Tang Cheng
- Graduate Institute of Medical Science, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan City 71101, Taiwan
| | - I-Min Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Health Care, Tajen University, Pingtung 90741, Taiwan;
| | - Kai-Chun Cheng
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Health Care, Tajen University, Pingtung 90741, Taiwan;
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9
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Lu H. Inflammatory liver diseases and susceptibility to sepsis. Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:435-487. [PMID: 38571396 DOI: 10.1042/cs20230522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Patients with inflammatory liver diseases, particularly alcohol-associated liver disease and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), have higher incidence of infections and mortality rate due to sepsis. The current focus in the development of drugs for MAFLD is the resolution of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and prevention of progression to cirrhosis. In patients with cirrhosis or alcoholic hepatitis, sepsis is a major cause of death. As the metabolic center and a key immune tissue, liver is the guardian, modifier, and target of sepsis. Septic patients with liver dysfunction have the highest mortality rate compared with other organ dysfunctions. In addition to maintaining metabolic homeostasis, the liver produces and secretes hepatokines and acute phase proteins (APPs) essential in tissue protection, immunomodulation, and coagulation. Inflammatory liver diseases cause profound metabolic disorder and impairment of energy metabolism, liver regeneration, and production/secretion of APPs and hepatokines. Herein, the author reviews the roles of (1) disorders in the metabolism of glucose, fatty acids, ketone bodies, and amino acids as well as the clearance of ammonia and lactate in the pathogenesis of inflammatory liver diseases and sepsis; (2) cytokines/chemokines in inflammatory liver diseases and sepsis; (3) APPs and hepatokines in the protection against tissue injury and infections; and (4) major nuclear receptors/signaling pathways underlying the metabolic disorders and tissue injuries as well as the major drug targets for inflammatory liver diseases and sepsis. Approaches that focus on the liver dysfunction and regeneration will not only treat inflammatory liver diseases but also prevent the development of severe infections and sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, U.S.A
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10
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Chui ZSW, Xue Y, Xu A. Hormone-based pharmacotherapy for metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease. MEDICAL REVIEW (2021) 2024; 4:158-168. [PMID: 38680683 PMCID: PMC11046571 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2024-0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has reached epidemic proportions globally in parallel to the rising prevalence of obesity. Despite its significant burden, there is no approved pharmacotherapy specifically tailored for this disease. Many potential drug candidates for MAFLD have encountered setbacks in clinical trials, due to safety concerns or/and insufficient therapeutic efficacy. Nonetheless, several investigational drugs that mimic the actions of endogenous metabolic hormones, including thyroid hormone receptor β (THRβ) agonists, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) analogues, and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), showed promising therapeutic efficacy and excellent safety profiles. Among them, resmetirom, a liver-targeted THRβ-selective agonist, has met the primary outcomes in alleviation of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), the advanced form of MAFLD, and liver fibrosis in phase-3 clinical trials. These hormone-based pharmacotherapies not only exhibit varied degrees of therapeutic efficacy in mitigating hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis, but also improve metabolic profiles. Furthermore, these three hormonal agonists/analogues act in a complementary manner to exert their pharmacological effects, suggesting their combined therapies may yield synergistic therapeutic benefits. Further in-depth studies on the intricate interplay among these metabolic hormones are imperative for the development of more efficacious combination therapies, enabling precision management of MAFLD and its associated comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zara Siu Wa Chui
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yaqian Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Aimin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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11
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Chrysavgis LG, Kazanas S, Bafa K, Rozani S, Koloutsou ME, Cholongitas E. Glucagon-like Peptide 1, Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide, and Glucagon Receptor Agonists in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: Novel Medication in New Liver Disease Nomenclature. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3832. [PMID: 38612640 PMCID: PMC11012092 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are incretins that regulate postprandial glucose regulation, stimulating insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells in response to food ingestion. Modified GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are being administered for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Strongly related to those disorders, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), especially its aggressive form, defined as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), is a major healthcare burden associated with high morbidity and extrahepatic complications. GLP-1RAs have been explored in MASH patients with evident improvement in liver dysfunction enzymes, glycemic control, and weight loss. Importantly, the combination of GLP-1RAs with GIP and/or glucagon RAs may be even more effective via synergistic mechanisms in amelioration of metabolic, biochemical, and histological parameters of MASLD but also has a beneficial impact on MASLD-related complications. In this current review, we aim to provide an overview of incretins' physiology, action, and signaling. Furthermore, we provide insight into the key pathophysiological mechanisms through which they impact MASLD aspects, as well as we analyze clinical data from human interventional studies. Finally, we discuss the current challenges and future perspectives pertinent to this growing area of research and clinical medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lampros G. Chrysavgis
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital Laiko, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (L.G.C.); (S.K.); (K.B.); (S.R.)
| | - Spyridon Kazanas
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital Laiko, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (L.G.C.); (S.K.); (K.B.); (S.R.)
| | - Konstantina Bafa
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital Laiko, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (L.G.C.); (S.K.); (K.B.); (S.R.)
| | - Sophia Rozani
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital Laiko, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (L.G.C.); (S.K.); (K.B.); (S.R.)
| | - Maria-Evangelia Koloutsou
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital Laiko, 115 27 Athens, Greece;
| | - Evangelos Cholongitas
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital Laiko, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (L.G.C.); (S.K.); (K.B.); (S.R.)
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Tsiampali C, Vachliotis ID, Goulas A, Polyzos SA. Animal studies on glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and related polyagonists in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Hormones (Athens) 2024:10.1007/s42000-024-00541-2. [PMID: 38472647 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-024-00541-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent metabolic liver disease closely associated with the epidemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but without licensed pharmacological treatment to date. As glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are approved anti-diabetic and anti-obesity medications, they were also considered a potential therapeutic option for NAFLD. Preclinical studies suggest that GLP-1RAs have a beneficial effect on major NAFLD histological outcomes, i.e., hepatic steatosis and inflammation, through multiple intrahepatic mechanisms, including increased fatty acid β-oxidation, activation of autophagy, suppression of inflammation, and oxidative stress. Data on hepatic fibrosis are limited or inconclusive, although some studies reported improvement in indices of fibrosis or prevention of fibrosis initiation or reduction of collagen deposition. Whether the positive impact of GLP-1RAs on hepatic histology is indirect, i.e., through their action on extrahepatic tissues, or whether their action is direct, i.e., through activating GLP-1R on the hepatocytes, is still a controversial issue. Alongside GLP-1RAs, newly emerging peptide polyagonists (i.e., synthetic molecules that combine the amino acid sequences of more than one peptide, thus having the ability to bind more than one receptor) are now being investigated in NAFLD with high expectations. This review summarizes the existing knowledge derived from animal studies on the effects of GLP-1RAs and GLP-1RA related peptide polyagonists on NAFLD in an attempt to illuminate areas of uncertainty and provide the groundwork for future animal and clinical research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chara Tsiampali
- First Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ilias D Vachliotis
- First Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Antonis Goulas
- First Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stergios A Polyzos
- First Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Krishnan A, Schneider CV, Hadi Y, Mukherjee D, AlShehri B, Alqahtani SA. Cardiovascular and mortality outcomes with GLP-1 receptor agonists vs other glucose-lowering drugs in individuals with NAFLD and type 2 diabetes: a large population-based matched cohort study. Diabetologia 2024; 67:483-493. [PMID: 38117293 PMCID: PMC10844347 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-023-06057-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS We aimed to determine whether the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) in individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus decreases the risk of new-onset adverse cardiovascular events (CVEs) and mortality rate compared with other glucose-lowering drugs in a real setting at a population level. METHODS We conducted a population-based propensity-matched retrospective cohort study using TriNetX. The cohort comprised patients over 20 years old who were newly treated with glucose-lowering drugs between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2021, and followed until 30 September 2022. New users of GLP-1RAs were matched based on age, demographics, comorbidities and medication use by using 1:1 propensity matching with other glucose-lowering drugs. The primary outcome was the new onset of adverse CVEs, including heart failure, composite incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; defined as unstable angina, myocardial infarction, or coronary artery procedures or surgeries) and composite cerebrovascular events (defined as the first occurrence of stroke, transient ischaemic attack, cerebral infarction, carotid intervention or surgery), and the secondary outcome was all-cause mortality. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate HRs. RESULTS The study involved 2,835,398 patients with both NAFLD and type 2 diabetes. When compared with the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors group, the GLP-1RAs group showed no evidence of a difference in terms of new-onset heart failure (HR 0.97; 95% CI 0.93, 1.01), MACE (HR 0.95; 95% CI 0.90, 1.01) and cerebrovascular events (HR 0.99; 95% CI 0.94, 1.03). Furthermore, the two groups had no evidence of a difference in mortality rate (HR 1.06; 95% CI 0.97, 1.15). Similar results were observed across sensitivity analyses. Compared with other second- or third-line glucose-lowering medications, the GLP-1RAs demonstrated a lower rate of adverse CVEs, including heart failure (HR 0.88; 95% CI 0.85, 0.92), MACE (HR 0.89; 95% CI 0.85, 0.94), cerebrovascular events (HR 0.93; 95% CI 0.89, 0.96) and all-cause mortality rate (HR 0.70; 95% CI 0.66, 0.75). CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION In individuals with NAFLD and type 2 diabetes, GLP-1RAs are associated with lower incidences of adverse CVEs and all-cause mortality compared with metformin or other second- and third-line glucose-lowering medications. However, there was no significant difference in adverse CVEs or all-cause mortality when compared with those taking SGLT2 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunkumar Krishnan
- Department of Supportive Oncology, Levine Cancer Institute, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC, USA.
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA.
| | - Carolin V Schneider
- Department of Medicine III, Gastroenterology, Metabolic Diseases, and Intensive Care, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Yousaf Hadi
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Diptasree Mukherjee
- Department of Medicine, Apex Institute of Medical Science, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Bandar AlShehri
- Diabetes and Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A Alqahtani
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Liver Transplant Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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14
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Maldonado-Rojas ADC, Zuarth-Vázquez JM, Uribe M, Barbero-Becerra VJ. Insulin resistance and Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD): Pathways of action of hypoglycemic agents. Ann Hepatol 2024; 29:101182. [PMID: 38042482 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2023.101182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is characterized by overweight/obesity, and the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus is the most important criterion. We propose an independent disease perspective without exclusion criteria and with less heterogeneity and greater impact because, according to the National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT), in Mexico, 25 % of adults over 60 years of age suffer from diabetes, and 96 % of those over 50 years of age have abdominal obesity. Due to the impact of insulin resistance in the pathophysiology of MASLD, which results in damage to hepatocytes, this work aims to provide an overview of the action pathways of hypoglycemic agents such as glucagon-like-1 receptor agonist and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonists, whose importance lies in the fact that they are currently undergoing phase 2 studies, as well as dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors and sodium-glucose co-transporter type 2 inhibitors, which are undergoing phase 1 study trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Del Carmen Maldonado-Rojas
- Translational Research Unit, Medica Sur Clinic & Foundation, Mexico City, Mexico; Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla (UPAEP), Mexico City, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Julia María Zuarth-Vázquez
- Internal Medicine Unit, Medica Sur Clinic & Foundation, Mexico City, Mexico; Endocrinology Department, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Misael Uribe
- Gastroenterology and Obesity Unit. Medica Sur Clinic & Foundation, Mexico City, Mexico
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15
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Abstract
The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the United States is 38%, having increased by 50% within the past 3 decades. The estimated NAFLD prevalence among people with type 2 diabetes is 55-70%. The presence of type 2 diabetes is associated with a higher likelihood of progression of NAFLD to fibrosis development, liver transplant, and death. Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of mortality among people with NAFLD, and the risk of death is significantly higher in people with both NAFLD and type 2 diabetes. NAFLD carries high patient and economic burdens but low awareness among both the general public and health care providers. This article reviews the epidemiology of NAFLD and discusses the need for appropriate risk stratification, referral for specialty care, management of cardiometabolic risk factors, and treatment of the disease. The authors present a call to action to raise awareness of NAFLD and address its increasing burden in a systematic and efficient manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zobair M. Younossi
- Beatty Liver and Obesity Research Program, Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA; The Global NASH Council, Washington, DC, and the Center for Outcomes Research in Liver Diseases, Washington, DC
| | - Linda Henry
- Beatty Liver and Obesity Research Program, Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA; The Global NASH Council, Washington, DC, and the Center for Outcomes Research in Liver Diseases, Washington, DC
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16
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Tang S, Borlak J. Genomics of human NAFLD: Lack of data reproducibility and high interpatient variability in drug target expression as major causes of drug failures. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00749. [PMID: 38358517 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS NAFLD is a major disease burden and a foremost cause of chronic liver disease. Presently, nearly 300 trials evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of > 20 drugs. Remarkably, the majority of drugs fail. To better comprehend drug failures, we investigated the reproducibility of fatty liver genomic data across 418 liver biopsies and evaluated the interpatient variability of 18 drug targets. APPROACH AND RESULTS Apart from our own data, we retrieved NAFLD biopsy genomic data sets from public repositories and considered patient demographics. We divided the data into test and validation sets, assessed the reproducibility of differentially expressed genes and performed gene enrichment analysis. Patients were stratified by disease activity score, fibrosis grades and sex, and we investigated the regulation of 18 drug targets across 418 NAFLD biopsies of which 278 are NASH cases. We observed poor reproducibility of differentially expressed genes across 9 independent studies. On average, only 4% of differentially expressed genes are commonly regulated based on identical sex and 2% based on identical NAS disease score and fibrosis grade. Furthermore, we observed sex-specific gene regulations, and for females, we noticed induced expression of genes coding for inflammatory response, Ag presentation, and processing. Conversely, extracellular matrix receptor interactions are upregulated in males, and the data agree with clinical findings. Strikingly, and with the exception of stearoyl-CoA desaturase, most drug targets are not regulated in > 80% of patients. CONCLUSIONS Lack of data reproducibility, high interpatient variability, and the absence of disease-dependent drug target regulations are likely causes of NASH drug failures in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shifang Tang
- Centre for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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17
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Allard C, Cota D, Quarta C. Poly-Agonist Pharmacotherapies for Metabolic Diseases: Hopes and New Challenges. Drugs 2024; 84:127-148. [PMID: 38127286 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-023-01982-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor-based multi-agonists in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity holds great promise for improving glycaemic control and weight management. Unimolecular dual and triple agonists targeting multiple gut hormone-related pathways are currently in clinical trials, with recent evidence supporting their efficacy. However, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding the biological mechanisms and potential adverse effects associated with these multi-target agents. The mechanisms underlying the therapeutic efficacy of GLP-1 receptor-based multi-agonists remain somewhat mysterious, and hidden threats may be associated with the use of gut hormone-based polyagonists. In this review, we provide a critical analysis of the benefits and risks associated with the use of these new drugs in the management of obesity and diabetes, while also exploring new potential applications of GLP-1-based pharmacology beyond the field of metabolic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Allard
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Daniela Cota
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Carmelo Quarta
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, 33000, Bordeaux, France.
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18
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Alharbi SH. Anti-inflammatory role of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists and its clinical implications. Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab 2024; 15:20420188231222367. [PMID: 38288136 PMCID: PMC10823863 DOI: 10.1177/20420188231222367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have emerged as promising therapeutic agents with potent anti-inflammatory properties and diverse clinical implications. This in-depth review article explores the mechanisms behind the anti-inflammatory actions of GLP-1RAs and assesses their prospective applicability in a wide range of disease scenarios. The current review establishes the significance of comprehending the anti-inflammatory role of GLP-1RAs and identifies pertinent research gaps. A concise overview of inflammation and its clinical consequences underscores the critical need for effective anti-inflammatory interventions. Subsequently, the article elucidates the intricate mechanisms through which GLP-1RAs modulate immune cell signaling and regulate the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. Detailed discussions encompass their impact on inflammatory responses, cytokine production, and attenuation of oxidative stress. The exposition is substantiated by a collection of pertinent examples and an extensive array of references from both preclinical and clinical investigations. The historical trajectory of GLP-1RA drugs, including exenatide, lixisenatide, liraglutide, and semaglutide, is traced to delineate their development as therapeutic agents. Moreover, the review emphasizes the therapeutic potential of GLP-1RAs in specific disease contexts like type 2 diabetes, a neurodegenerative disorder, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), shedding light on their anti-inflammatory effects through rigorous examination of preclinical and clinical studies. The article also provides an outlook on future perspectives for GLP-1RAs, encompassing the domains of diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and IBD. In conclusion, GLP-1RAs exhibit substantial anti-inflammatory effects, rendering them promising therapeutic agents with broad clinical implications. They are very useful in a wide variety of diseases because they regulate immunological responses, block NF-κB activation, and decrease production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Ongoing research endeavors aim to optimize their therapeutic use, delineate patient-specific treatment paradigms, and explore novel therapeutic applications. GLP-1RAs represent a significant breakthrough in anti-inflammatory therapy, offering novel treatment options, and improved patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleh Hadi Alharbi
- Department of Medicine, Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh 11652, Saudi Arabia
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19
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Scavo MP, Lisco G, Depalo N, Rizzi F, Volpe S, Arrè V, Carrieri L, Notarnicola M, De Nunzio V, Curri ML, De Pergola G, Piazzolla G, Giannelli G. Semaglutide Modulates Extracellular Matrix Production of LX-2 Cells via Exosomes and Improves Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1493. [PMID: 38338770 PMCID: PMC10855465 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is closely related to some metabolic disorders, such as central obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), such as semaglutide, may have therapeutic roles in MASLD associated with T2D. This study aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of semaglutide on MASLD in terms of progression from liver steatosis to fibrosis. We characterized exosomes from ten patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) before (T0) and after 12 months (T12) of treatment with once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide. Six of ten patients were considered responders to therapy (R) based on MASLD severity downgrading by at least one class according to a validated ultrasonographic (US) score. Normal hepatocytes (HEPA-RG) and stellate (LX-2) cells were challenged with exosomes from R and NR patients, isolated before and after 12 months of therapy. Exosomes from both R and NR patients isolated at T0 significantly affected LX-2 viability. After 12 months of treatment, only those isolated from R patients restored cell viability, whereas those from NR patients did not. No effects were observed on HEPA-RG cells. Exosomes at T12 from R but not from NR patients significantly decreased the production of α-SMA, a marker of LX-2 activation, a liver stellate cell model, and ph-SMAD2 and CTGF, involved in fibrosis processes. TGF-β1 was not modulated by the exosomes of R and NR patients. As a downstream effect, Vimentin, Collagen 1A1, and Fibronectin extracellular matrix components were also downregulated, as measured by droplets digital PCR. In conclusion, these results shed light on the potential effectiveness of semaglutide in improving liver fibrosis in MASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Principia Scavo
- Laboratory of Personalized Medicine, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS DeBellis, 70013 Castellana Grotte, BA, Italy; (V.A.); (L.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Lisco
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, BA, Italy; (G.L.); (S.V.); (G.P.)
| | - Nicoletta Depalo
- Institute for Chemical-Physical Processes, Italian National Research Council (IPCF)-CNR SS Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, BA, Italy; (N.D.); (F.R.)
| | - Federica Rizzi
- Institute for Chemical-Physical Processes, Italian National Research Council (IPCF)-CNR SS Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, BA, Italy; (N.D.); (F.R.)
| | - Sara Volpe
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, BA, Italy; (G.L.); (S.V.); (G.P.)
| | - Valentina Arrè
- Laboratory of Personalized Medicine, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS DeBellis, 70013 Castellana Grotte, BA, Italy; (V.A.); (L.C.)
| | - Livianna Carrieri
- Laboratory of Personalized Medicine, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS DeBellis, 70013 Castellana Grotte, BA, Italy; (V.A.); (L.C.)
| | - Maria Notarnicola
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, BA, Italy; (M.N.); (V.D.N.)
| | - Valentina De Nunzio
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, BA, Italy; (M.N.); (V.D.N.)
| | - Maria Lucia Curri
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, BA, Italy;
| | - Giovanni De Pergola
- Center of Nutrition for the Research and the Care of Obesity and Metabolic Diseases, National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS “Saverio de Bellis”, 70013 Castellana Grotte, BA, Italy;
| | - Giuseppina Piazzolla
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, BA, Italy; (G.L.); (S.V.); (G.P.)
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- Scientific Direction, National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS “De Bellis,” Via Turi 27, 70013 Castellana Grotte, BA, Italy;
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Zachou M, Flevari P, Nasiri-Ansari N, Varytimiadis C, Kalaitzakis E, Kassi E, Androutsakos T. The role of anti-diabetic drugs in NAFLD. Have we found the Holy Grail? A narrative review. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2024; 80:127-150. [PMID: 37938366 PMCID: PMC10781828 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-023-03586-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a leading cause of liver disease, affecting 30% of the global population. NAFLD prevalence is particularly high in obese individuals and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). NAFLD ranges from simple fat deposition in the liver to necroinflammation and fibrosis (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)), NASH-cirrhosis, and/or hepatocellular carcinoma. Insulin resistance plays a key role in NAFLD pathogenesis, alongside dysregulation of adipocytes, mitochondrial dysfunction, genetic factors, and changes in gut microbiota. Since insulin resistance is also a major predisposing factor of T2DM, the administration of anti-diabetic drugs for the management of NAFLD seems reasonable. METHODS In this review we provide the NAFLD-associated mechanisms of action of some of the most widely used anti-diabetic drugs, namely metformin, pioglitazone, sodium-glucose transport protein-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor analogs (GLP1 RAs), and dipeptyl-peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i) and present available data regarding their use in patients with NAFLD, with and without T2DM. RESULTS Both metformin and DPP4i have shown rather contradictory results, while pioglitazone seems to benefit patients with NASH and is thus the only drug approved for NASH with concomitant significant liver fibrosis by all major liver societies. On the other hand, SGLT2i and GLP1 RAs seem to be beneficiary in patients with NAFLD, showing both remarkable results, with SGLT2i proving to be more efficient in the only head-to-head study so far. CONCLUSION In patients with NAFLD and diabetes, pioglitazone, GLP1 RAs, and SGLT2i seem to be logical treatment options. Larger studies are needed before these drugs can be recommended for non-diabetic individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Zachou
- Gastroenterology Department, "Sismanoglio" General Hospital, 151 26, Athens, Greece
| | - Pagona Flevari
- Expertise Center in Rare Haematological Diseases-Haemoglobinopathies, "Laiko" General Hospital, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Narjes Nasiri-Ansari
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Evangelos Kalaitzakis
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Heraklion, University of Crete, 715 00, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Eva Kassi
- Unit of Molecular Endocrinology, Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27, Athens, Greece
- Endocrine Unit, 1st Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, "Laiko" Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Theodoros Androutsakos
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, 115 27, Athens, Greece.
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21
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Xu M, Zhang P, Lv W, Chen Y, Chen M, Leng Y, Hu T, Wang K, Zhao Y, Shen J, You X, Gu D, Zhao W, Tan S. A bifunctional anti-PCSK9 scFv/Exendin-4 fusion protein exhibits enhanced lipid-lowering effects via targeting multiple signaling pathways in HFD-fed mice. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:127003. [PMID: 37739280 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Fusion protein which encompasses more than one functional component, has become one of the most important representatives of macromolecular drugs for disease treatment since that monotherapy itself might not be effective enough to eradicate the disease. In this study, we sought to construct a bifunctional antibody fusion protein by fusing anti-PCSK9 scFv with Exendin-4 for simultaneously lowering both LDL-C and TG. Firstly, three Ex4-anti-PCSK9 scFv fusion proteins were constructed by genetically connecting the C-terminal of Exendin-4 to the N-terminal of anti-PCSK9 scFv through various flexible linker peptides (G4S)n (n = 2, 3, 4). After soluble expression in E. coli, the most potent Ex4-(G4S)4-anti-PCSK9 scFv fusion protein was selected based on in vitro activity assays. Then, we investigated the in vivo therapeutic effects of Ex4-(G4S)4-anti-PCSK9 scFv on the serum lipid profile and bodyweight changes as well as underlying molecular mechanism in HFD-fed C57BL/6 mice. The data showed that Ex4-(G4S)4-anti-PCSK9 scFv exhibits enhanced effects of lowering both LDL-C and TG in serum, reducing food intake and body weight via blocking PCSK9/LDLR, activating AMPK/SREBP-1 pathways, and up-regulating sirt6. Conclusively, Ex4-(G4S)4-anti-PCSK9 has the potential to serve as a promising therapeutic agent for effectively treating dyslipidemia with high levels of both LDL-C and TG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menglong Xu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Panpan Zhang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Wenxiu Lv
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Yuting Chen
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Manman Chen
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Yeqing Leng
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Tuo Hu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Ke Wang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Yaqiang Zhao
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Jiaqi Shen
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Xiangyan You
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Dian Gu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Wenfeng Zhao
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Shuhua Tan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
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22
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Newsome PN, Ambery P. Incretins (GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual/triple agonists) and the liver. J Hepatol 2023; 79:1557-1565. [PMID: 37562748 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
The principle pathological drivers of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) are obesity and associated insulin resistance, rendering them key therapeutic targets. As glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have been licensed for the treatment of diabetes and obesity, they were one of the first drug types to be evaluated in patients with MASH, and successful phase IIa and IIb studies have resulted in progression to phase III clinical trials. Alongside GLP-1RAs, newer combinations with glucagon agonists and/or glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) agonists have been explored in related patient groups, with evidence of improvements in weight, insulin resistance and non-invasive liver parameters. Whether GLP-1RAs have direct, independent effects on MASH or whether they impact on pathophysiology through improvements in weight, insulin resistance and glycaemic control remains a matter of debate. Combinations are being explored, although the potential improvement in efficacy will need to be weighed against the cumulative side-effect burden, potential drug-drug interactions and costs. There is also uncertainty regarding the optimal ratio of glucagon and GIP agonism to GLP-1 agonism in combination agents, and as to whether GIP agonism or antagonism is the optimal approach. Finally, there are also multiple hypothetical permutations combining gut hormone agonists with other emerging assets in the field. Given that the likely dominant mode of action of gut hormone agonists is upstream on weight, initial combinations might focus on agents which have been shown to have a more direct effect on fibrosis, which would include FGF21 and pan-PPAR agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip N Newsome
- National Institute for Health Research, Biomedical Research Centre at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Birmingham, UK; Centre for Liver & Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, UK; Liver Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK.
| | - Phil Ambery
- Late-stage Development, CVRM, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
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23
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Bany Bakar R, Reimann F, Gribble FM. The intestine as an endocrine organ and the role of gut hormones in metabolic regulation. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 20:784-796. [PMID: 37626258 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00830-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Gut hormones orchestrate pivotal physiological processes in multiple metabolically active tissues, including the pancreas, liver, adipose tissue, gut and central nervous system, making them attractive therapeutic targets in the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Most gut hormones are derived from enteroendocrine cells, but bioactive peptides that are derived from other intestinal epithelial cell types have also been implicated in metabolic regulation and can be considered gut hormones. A deeper understanding of the complex inter-organ crosstalk mediated by the intestinal endocrine system is a prerequisite for designing more effective drugs that are based on or target gut hormones and their receptors, and extending their therapeutic potential beyond obesity and diabetes mellitus. In this Review, we present an overview of gut hormones that are involved in the regulation of metabolism and discuss their action in the gastrointestinal system and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rula Bany Bakar
- Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science Metabolic Research Laboratories, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Frank Reimann
- Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science Metabolic Research Laboratories, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Fiona M Gribble
- Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science Metabolic Research Laboratories, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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24
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Kimura T, Katakura Y, Shimoda M, Kawasaki F, Yamabe M, Tatsumi F, Matsuki M, Iwamoto Y, Anno T, Fushimi Y, Kamei S, Kimura Y, Nakanishi S, Mune T, Kaku K, Kaneto H. Comparison of clinical efficacy and safety of weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists dulaglutide and semaglutide in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: Randomized, parallel-group, multicentre, open-label trial (COMING study). Diabetes Obes Metab 2023; 25:3632-3647. [PMID: 37646192 DOI: 10.1111/dom.15258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
AIM To compare the clinical usefulness of once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists dulaglutide and semaglutide at the doses approved for use in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS In total, 120 patients with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥7% were randomly assigned to dulaglutide (n = 59) or semaglutide group (n = 61), and 107 participants (dulaglutide/semaglutide = 53/54) completed the 24-week trial. The primary endpoint was the difference of HbA1c level between the two groups at 24 weeks. RESULTS HbA1c level at 24 weeks was significantly lower in the semaglutide group (7.9 ± 0.5%-6.7 ± 0.5%) compared with the dulaglutide group (8.1 ± 0.6%-7.4 ± 0.8%) (p < .0001). Reduction in body mass index and visceral fat area were also more significant in the semaglutide group (p < .05, respectively). The achievement rate of HbA1c <7% was higher in the semaglutide group (p < .0001). The parameters such as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase were decreased in the semaglutide group. Surprisingly, only semaglutide group significantly improved the apolipoprotein B/A1 ratio, which is considered a useful myocardial infarction risk index. Using computed tomography, the liver to spleen ratio was significantly elevated only in the semaglutide group. In contrast, gastrointestinal symptoms were observed in 13.2% of dulaglutide and 46.3% of semaglutide group (p < .01). The Diabetes Treatment-Related Quality of Life scores related to pain and gastrointestinal symptoms were also superior in the dulaglutide group. CONCLUSIONS This prospective trial showed that semaglutide has more pronounced glucose- and body mass index-lowering effects and reduces liver fat percentage and visceral fat area and that dulaglutide has less gastrointestinal symptoms and superior Diabetes Treatment-Related Quality of Life scores related to pain and gastrointestinal symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiko Kimura
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Japan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Osugki Hospital, Takahashi, Japan
| | - Yukino Katakura
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Japan
| | - Masashi Shimoda
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Japan
| | - Fumiko Kawasaki
- Department of General Internal Medicine 1, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Mizuho Yamabe
- Department of Internal Medicine, Murakami Memorial Hospital, Onomichi, Japan
| | - Fuminori Tatsumi
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Japan
| | - Michihiro Matsuki
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kurashiki Sweet Hospital, Kurashiki, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Iwamoto
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Japan
| | - Takatoshi Anno
- Department of General Internal Medicine 1, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yoshiro Fushimi
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Japan
| | - Shinji Kamei
- Department of Diabetic Medicine, Kurashiki Central Hospital, Kurashiki, Japan
| | - Yukiko Kimura
- Department of Internal Medicine, Osugki Hospital, Takahashi, Japan
- Department of General Internal Medicine 1, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Shuhei Nakanishi
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Japan
| | - Tomoatsu Mune
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Japan
| | - Kohei Kaku
- Department of General Internal Medicine 1, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hideaki Kaneto
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Japan
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25
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Zhu K, Kakkar R, Chahal D, Yoshida EM, Hussaini T. Efficacy and safety of semaglutide in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:5327-5338. [PMID: 37899788 PMCID: PMC10600803 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i37.5327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease. The prevalence and disease burden of NAFLD are projected to exponentially increase resulting in significant healthcare expenditures and lower health-related quality of life. To date, there are no approved pharmacotherapies for NAFLD or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Semaglutide has glycemic and weight loss benefits that may be advantageous for patients with NAFLD. AIM To investigate the efficacy and safety of semaglutide in patients with NAFLD. METHODS MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and EMBASE were searched from inception to May 1, 2023, to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Meta-analysis was performed using random effects model expressing continuous outcomes as mean differences (MD) or standardized MDs (SMD), and dichotomous outcomes as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochran's Q test and I2 statistic. RESULTS Three RCTs involving 458 patients were included. Semaglutide increased the likelihood of NASH resolution (OR: 3.18, 95%CI: 1.70, 5.95; P < 0.001), improvement in steatosis (OR: 2.83, 95%CI: 1.19, 6.71; P = 0.03), lobular inflammation (OR: 1.81, 95%CI: 1.11, 2.96; P = 0.02), and hepatocellular ballooning (OR: 2.92, 95%CI: 1.83, 4.65; P < 0.001), but not fibrosis stage (OR: 0.71, 95%CI: 0.15, 3.41; P = 0.67). Radiologically, semaglutide reduced liver stiffness (SMD: -0.48, 95%CI: -0.86, -0.11; P = 0.01) and steatosis (MD: -4.96%, 95%CI: -9.92, 0.01; P = 0.05). It also reduced alanine aminotransferase (MD: -14.06 U/L, 95%CI: -22.06, -6.07; P < 0.001) and aspartate aminotransferase (MD: -11.44 U/L, 95%CI: -17.23, -5.65; P < 0.001). Semaglutide led to improved cardiometabolic outcomes, including decreased HgA1c (MD: -0.77%, 95%CI: -1.18, -0.37; P < 0.001) and weight loss (MD: -6.53 kg, 95%CI: -11.21, -1.85; P = 0.006), but increased the occurrence of GI-related side effects (OR: 3.72, 95%CI: 1.68, 8.23; P = 0.001). Overall risk of serious adverse events was similar compared to placebo (OR: 1.40, 95%CI: 0.75, 2.62; P < 0.29). CONCLUSION Semaglutide is effective in the treatment of NAFLD while maintaining a well-tolerated safety profile. Future studies are required to evaluate its effects on fibrosis regression and different phases of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhu
- Internal Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V5Z 1M9, BC, Canada
| | - Rohan Kakkar
- Internal Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V5Z 1M9, BC, Canada
| | - Daljeet Chahal
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V5Z 1M9, BC, Canada
- BC Liver Transplant Program, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver V5Z 1M9, BC, Canada
| | - Eric M Yoshida
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V5Z 1M9, BC, Canada
- BC Liver Transplant Program, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver V5Z 1M9, BC, Canada
| | - Trana Hussaini
- BC Liver Transplant Program, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver V5Z 1M9, BC, Canada
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V5Z 1M9, BC, Canada
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26
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Khalifa O, Ouararhni K, Errafii K, Alajez NM, Arredouani A. Targeted MicroRNA Profiling Reveals That Exendin-4 Modulates the Expression of Several MicroRNAs to Reduce Steatosis in HepG2 Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11606. [PMID: 37511368 PMCID: PMC10380891 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Excess hepatic lipid accumulation is the hallmark of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), for which no medication is currently approved. However, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), already approved for treating type 2 diabetes, have lately emerged as possible treatments. Herein we aim to investigate how the GLP-1RA exendin-4 (Ex-4) affects the microRNA (miRNAs) expression profile using an in vitro model of steatosis. Total RNA, including miRNAs, was isolated from control, steatotic, and Ex-4-treated steatotic cells and used for probing a panel of 799 highly curated miRNAs using NanoString technology. Enrichment pathway analysis was used to find the signaling pathways and cellular functions associated with the differentially expressed miRNAs. Our data shows that Ex-4 reversed the expression of a set of miRNAs. Functional enrichment analysis highlighted many relevant signaling pathways and cellular functions enriched in the differentially expressed miRNAs, including hepatic fibrosis, insulin receptor, PPAR, Wnt/β-Catenin, VEGF, and mTOR receptor signaling pathways, fibrosis of the liver, cirrhosis of the liver, proliferation of hepatic stellate cells, diabetes mellitus, glucose metabolism disorder and proliferation of liver cells. Our findings suggest that miRNAs may play essential roles in the processes driving steatosis reduction in response to GLP-1R agonists, which warrants further functional investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olfa Khalifa
- Diabetes Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
| | - Khalid Ouararhni
- Genomics Core Facility, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
| | - Khaoula Errafii
- African Genome Center, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Ben Guerir 43151, Morocco
| | - Nehad M Alajez
- Translational Cancer and Immunity Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
| | - Abdelilah Arredouani
- Diabetes Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
- College of Health & Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar
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27
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Memaj P, Ouzerara Z, Jornayvaz FR. Role of Oxidative Stress and Carcinoembryonic Antigen-Related Cell Adhesion Molecule 1 in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11271. [PMID: 37511031 PMCID: PMC10379080 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a widely studied subject due to its increasing prevalence and links to diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. It has severe complications, including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and portal hypertension that can lead to liver transplantation in some cases. To better prevent and treat this pathology, it is important to understand its underlying physiology. Here, we identify two main factors that play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of NAFLD: oxidative stress and the key role of carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1). We discuss the pathophysiology linking these factors to NAFLD pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Plator Memaj
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Nutrition and Therapeutic Patient Education, Department of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Zayd Ouzerara
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Nutrition and Therapeutic Patient Education, Department of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - François R Jornayvaz
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Nutrition and Therapeutic Patient Education, Department of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Diabetes Center, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
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28
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Tsiampali C, Papaioannidou P, Goulas A, Polyzos SA. The role of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2023; 16:1063-1072. [PMID: 37864548 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2023.2274536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a highly prevalent disease, associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia, which can lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in some patients. Apart from lifestyle modifications, which are the cornerstone for its management, several drugs are under evaluation, including glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-R1RAs). In this review, we summarized major clinical data concerning the effects of GLP-1RAs on NAFLD, trying to highlight existing knowledge and to elucidate areas of uncertainty, thus providing clues to potential clinical implications and research. AREAS COVERED Selected clinical studies on GLP-R1As in NAFLD are presented in this narrative review. EXPERT OPINION There is evidence that treatment with GLP-R1As in NAFLD has beneficial effects on NAFLD, i.e. improvement in liver function tests and histological improvement in hepatic steatosis and inflammation, but not fibrosis. Further research is required toward the early use of GLP-R1Αs, i.e. in NAFLD patients without fibrosis to evaluate whether they may prevent the progression to fibrosis, or in patients with advanced disease in combination with other medications, which may have additive or even synergistic effects on NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chara Tsiampali
- First Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Paraskevi Papaioannidou
- First Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Antonis Goulas
- First Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stergios A Polyzos
- First Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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29
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Kongmalai T, Srinonprasert V, Anothaisintawee T, Kongmalai P, McKay G, Attia J, Thakkinstian A. New anti-diabetic agents for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1182037. [PMID: 37441498 PMCID: PMC10335801 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1182037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives This network meta-analysis aims to compare the efficacy and safety of new anti-diabetic medications for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Materials and methods PubMed and Scopus were searched from inception to 27th March 2022 to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in NAFLD patients. Outcomes included reductions in intrahepatic steatosis (IHS) and liver enzyme levels. The efficacy and safety of DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 agonists, SGLT-2 inhibitors, and other therapies were indirectly compared using a NMA approach. Unstandardized mean difference (USMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Results 2,252 patients from 31 RCTs were included. "Add-on" GLP-1 agonists with standard of care (SoC) treatment showed significantly reduced IHS compared to SoC alone [USMD (95%CI) -3.93% (-6.54%, -1.33%)]. Surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) identified GLP-1 receptor agonists with the highest probability to reduce IHS (SUCRA 88.5%), followed by DPP-4 inhibitors (SUCRA 69.6%) and pioglitazone (SUCRA 62.2%). "Add-on" GLP-1 receptor agonists were also the most effective treatment for reducing liver enzyme levels; AST [USMD of -5.04 (-8.46, -1.62)], ALT [USMD of -9.84 (-16.84, -2.85)] and GGT [USMD of -15.53 (-22.09, -8.97)] compared to SoC alone. However, GLP-1 agonists were most likely to be associated with an adverse event compared to other interventions. Conclusion GLP-1 agonists may represent the most promising anti-diabetic treatment to reduce hepatic steatosis and liver enzyme activity in T2DM and NAFLD patients. Nevertheless, longer-term studies are required to determine whether this delays progression of liver cirrhosis in patients with NAFLD and T2DM. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42021259336.1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanawan Kongmalai
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Varalak Srinonprasert
- Siriraj Health Policy Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Mahidol University Health Technology Assessment Graduate Program, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thunyarat Anothaisintawee
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pinkawas Kongmalai
- Department of Orthopaedics, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Ongkharak, Nakhon Nayok, Thailand
| | - Gareth McKay
- Centre for Public Health, School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University, Belfast, Ireland
| | - John Attia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Ammarin Thakkinstian
- Mahidol University Health Technology Assessment Graduate Program, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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30
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Chen J, Yin D, Dou K. Intensified glycemic control by HbA1c for patients with coronary heart disease and Type 2 diabetes: a review of findings and conclusions. Cardiovasc Diabetol 2023; 22:146. [PMID: 37349787 PMCID: PMC10288803 DOI: 10.1186/s12933-023-01875-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The occurrence and development of coronary heart disease (CHD) are closely linked to fluctuations in blood glucose levels. While the efficacy of intensified treatment guided by HbA1c levels remains uncertain for individuals with diabetes and CHD, this review summarizes the findings and conclusions regarding HbA1c in the context of CHD. Our review showed a curvilinear correlation between regulated level of HbA1c and therapeutic effectiveness of intensified glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. It is necessary to optimize the dynamic monitoring indicators of HbA1c, combine genetic profiles, haptoglobin phenotypes for example and select more suitable hypoglycemic drugs to establish more appropriate glucose-controlling guideline for patients with CHD at different stage of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyang Chen
- Cardiometabolic Medicine Center, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037 China
| | - Dong Yin
- Cardiometabolic Medicine Center, Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037 China
| | - Kefei Dou
- Cardiometabolic Medicine Center, Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037 China
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31
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Huang X, Chen H, Wen S, Dong M, Zhou L, Yuan X. Therapeutic Approaches for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Established Targets and Drugs. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes 2023; 16:1809-1819. [PMID: 37366486 PMCID: PMC10290856 DOI: 10.2147/dmso.s411400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), as a multisystemic disease, is the most prevalent chronic liver disease characterized by extremely complex pathogenic mechanisms and multifactorial etiology, which often develops as a consequence of obesity, metabolic syndrome. Pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the development of NAFLD include diet, obesity, insulin resistance (IR), genetic and epigenetic determinants, intestinal dysbiosis, oxidative/nitrosative stress, autophagy dysregulation, hepatic inflammation, gut-liver axis, gut microbes, impaired mitochondrial metabolism and regulation of hepatic lipid metabolism. Some of the new drugs for the treatment of NAFLD are introduced here. All of them achieve therapeutic objectives by interfering with certain pathophysiological pathways of NAFLD, including fibroblast growth factors (FGF) analogues, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) agonists, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i), farnesoid X receptor (FXR), fatty acid synthase inhibitor (FASNi), antioxidants, etc. This review describes some pathophysiological mechanisms of NAFLD and established targets and drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Huang
- Graduate School of Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huiling Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Song Wen
- Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meiyuan Dong
- Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ligang Zhou
- Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinlu Yuan
- Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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Lee HA, Kim HY. Therapeutic Mechanisms and Clinical Effects of Glucagon-like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119324. [PMID: 37298276 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can lead to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Recently, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), a class of drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, have shown therapeutic effects against NAFLD. In addition to reducing blood glucose levels and body weight, GLP-1RAs are effective in improving the clinical, biochemical, and histological markers of hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in patients with NAFLD. Additionally, GLP-1RAs have a good safety profile with minor side effects, such as nausea and vomiting. Overall, GLP-1RAs show promise as a potential treatment for NAFLD, and further studies are required to determine their long-term safety and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Ah Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07985, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwi Young Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07985, Republic of Korea
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Petrovic A, Igrec D, Rozac K, Bojanic K, Kuna L, Kolaric TO, Mihaljevic V, Sikora R, Smolic R, Glasnovic M, Wu GY, Smolic M. The Role of GLP1-RAs in Direct Modulation of Lipid Metabolism in Hepatic Tissue as Determined Using In Vitro Models of NAFLD. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:4544-4556. [PMID: 37367037 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45060288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have been shown to improve glucose and lipid homeostasis, promote weight loss, and reduce cardiovascular risk factors. They are a promising therapeutic option for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common liver disease, associated with T2DM, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. GLP-1RAs have been approved for the treatment of T2DM and obesity, but not for NAFLD. Most recent clinical trials have suggested the importance of early pharmacologic intervention with GLP-1RAs in alleviating and limiting NAFLD, as well as highlighting the relative scarcity of in vitro studies on semaglutide, indicating the need for further research. However, extra-hepatic factors contribute to the GLP-1RA results of in vivo studies. Cell culture models of NAFLD can be helpful in eliminating extrahepatic effects on the alleviation of hepatic steatosis, modulation of lipid metabolism pathways, reduction of inflammation, and prevention of the progression of NAFLD to severe hepatic conditions. In this review article, we discuss the role of GLP-1 and GLP-1RA in the treatment of NAFLD using human hepatocyte models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Petrovic
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Dunja Igrec
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Karla Rozac
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Kristina Bojanic
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Health Center Osijek-Baranja County, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Lucija Kuna
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Tea Omanovic Kolaric
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Vjera Mihaljevic
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Renata Sikora
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Health Center Osijek-Baranja County, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Robert Smolic
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Marija Glasnovic
- Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - George Y Wu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastrenterology/Hepatology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Martina Smolic
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
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Guglielmi V, Bettini S, Sbraccia P, Busetto L, Pellegrini M, Yumuk V, Colao AM, El Ghoch M, Muscogiuri G. Beyond Weight Loss: Added Benefits Could Guide the Choice of Anti-Obesity Medications. Curr Obes Rep 2023:10.1007/s13679-023-00502-7. [PMID: 37209215 DOI: 10.1007/s13679-023-00502-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To highlight the added benefits of approved and upcoming, centrally-acting, anti-obesity drugs, focusing not only on the most common metabolic and cardiovascular effects but also on their less explored clinical benefits and drawbacks, in order to provide clinicians with a tool for more comprehensive, pharmacological management of obesity. RECENT FINDINGS Obesity is increasingly prevalent worldwide and has become a challenge for healthcare systems and societies. Reduced life expectancy and cardiometabolic complications are some of the consequences of this complex disease. Recent insights into the pathophysiology of obesity have led to the development of several promising pharmacologic targets, so that even more effective drugs are on the horizon. The perspective of having a wider range of treatments increases the chance to personalize therapy. This primarily has the potential to take advantage of the long-term use of anti-obesity medication for safe, effective and sustainable weight loss, and to concomitantly address obesity complications/comorbidities when already established. The evolving scenario of the availability of anti-obesity drugs and the increasing knowledge of their added effects on obesity complications will allow clinicians to move into a new era of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Guglielmi
- Dept. of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Internal Medicine Unit - Obesity Center, University Hospital Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Bettini
- Center for the Study and the Integrated Treatment of Obesity, Internal Medicine 3, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Paolo Sbraccia
- Dept. of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Internal Medicine Unit - Obesity Center, University Hospital Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Busetto
- Center for the Study and the Integrated Treatment of Obesity, Internal Medicine 3, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Massimo Pellegrini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121, Modena, Italy
| | - Volkan Yumuk
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Diabetes Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Anna Maria Colao
- Italian Centre for the Care and Well-Being of Patients With Obesity (C.I.B.O), Dipartimento Di Medicina Clinica E Chirurgia, Università Federico II, 80131, Naples, Italy
- Dipartimento Di Medicina Clinica E Chirurgia, Diabetologia E Andrologia, Unità Di Endocrinologia, Università Degli Studi Di Napoli Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
- Cattedra Unesco "Educazione Alla Salute E Allo Sviluppo Sostenibile", University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Marwan El Ghoch
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Beirut Arab University, P.O. Box 11-5020, Riad El Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Giovanna Muscogiuri
- Dipartimento Di Medicina Clinica E Chirurgia, Diabetologia E Andrologia, Unità Di Endocrinologia, Università Degli Studi Di Napoli Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
- Cattedra Unesco "Educazione Alla Salute E Allo Sviluppo Sostenibile", University Federico II, Naples, Italy.
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Homeida AM, Homeida MA, Al-Suhaimi EA. Circadian hormone secretion of enteroendocrine cells: implication on pregnancy status. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1106382. [PMID: 37234809 PMCID: PMC10206244 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1106382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The timing of food intake is a key cue for circadian rhythms in humans and animals. In response to food intake, gut hormones called incretin are produced by intestinal enteroendocrine cells in a circadian rhythm that stimulates insulin secretion and regulates body weight and energy expenditure. Pregnancy is associated with the expansion of β cells, the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus, and excessive weight gain. The timing of food intake is a good way to address metabolic complications during pregnancy. The current review focuses on the circadian rhythms and biological actions of enteroendocrine hormones and their associations with pregnancy status, specifically topics like food intake and gut circadian rhythms, the circadian secretion of enteroendocrine peptides, and the effects of these factors during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelgadir M. Homeida
- Department of Environmental Health Research, Institute of Research and Medical Consultations Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed A. Homeida
- UH Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Ebtesam A. Al-Suhaimi
- Department of Environmental Health Research, Institute of Research and Medical Consultations Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
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Inia JA, Stokman G, Morrison MC, Worms N, Verschuren L, Caspers MPM, Menke AL, Petitjean L, Chen L, Petitjean M, Jukema JW, Princen HMG, van den Hoek AM. Semaglutide Has Beneficial Effects on Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis in Ldlr-/-.Leiden Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108494. [PMID: 37239841 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, is an antidiabetic medication that has recently been approved for the treatment of obesity as well. Semaglutide is postulated to be a promising candidate for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Here, Ldlr-/-.Leiden mice received a fast-food diet (FFD) for 25 weeks, followed by another 12 weeks on FFD with daily subcutaneous injections of semaglutide or vehicle (control). Plasma parameters were evaluated, livers and hearts were examined, and hepatic transcriptome analysis was performed. In the liver, semaglutide significantly reduced macrovesicular steatosis (-74%, p < 0.001) and inflammation (-73%, p < 0.001) and completely abolished microvesicular steatosis (-100%, p < 0.001). Histological and biochemical assessment of hepatic fibrosis showed no significant effects of semaglutide. However, digital pathology revealed significant improvements in the degree of collagen fiber reticulation (-12%, p < 0.001). Semaglutide did not affect atherosclerosis relative to controls. Additionally, we compared the transcriptome profile of FFD-fed Ldlr-/-.Leiden mice with a human gene set that differentiates human NASH patients with severe fibrosis from those with mild fibrosis. In FFD-fed Ldlr-/-.Leiden control mice, this gene set was upregulated as well, while semaglutide predominantly reversed this gene expression. Using a translational model with advanced NASH, we demonstrated that semaglutide is a promising candidate with particular potential for the treatment of hepatic steatosis and inflammation, while for the reversal of advanced fibrosis, combinations with other NASH agents may be necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Inia
- Metabolic Health Research, The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
- Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Geurt Stokman
- Metabolic Health Research, The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Martine C Morrison
- Metabolic Health Research, The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole Worms
- Metabolic Health Research, The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lars Verschuren
- Microbiology and Systems Biology, The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Martien P M Caspers
- Microbiology and Systems Biology, The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Aswin L Menke
- Metabolic Health Research, The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Li Chen
- PharmaNest Inc., Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | | | - J Wouter Jukema
- Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Heart Institute, 3511 EP Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hans M G Princen
- Metabolic Health Research, The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Anita M van den Hoek
- Metabolic Health Research, The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
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Pan Q, Fan JG, Yilmaz Y. Pathogenetic Pathways in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: An Incomplete Jigsaw Puzzle. Clin Liver Dis 2023; 27:317-332. [PMID: 37024210 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2023.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-a condition of excess fat accumulation in hepatocytes associated with metabolic dysfunction-has surpassed viral hepatitis to become the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide. As of now, only modestly effective pharmacological therapies for NAFLD exist. The uncomplete understanding of the pathophysiology underlying the heterogeneous disease spectrum known as NAFLD remains one of the major obstacles to the development of novel therapeutic approaches. This review compiles current knowledge on the principal signaling pathways and pathogenic mechanisms involved in NAFLD, which are analyzed in relation to its main pathological hallmarks (ie, hepatic steatosis, steatohepatitis, and liver fibrosis).
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Pan
- Research Center, Zhoupu Hospital Affiliated to the Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jian-Gao Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Key Lab of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Yusuf Yilmaz
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize 53200, Turkey; Liver Research Unit, Institute of Gastroenterology, Marmara University, İstanbul 34840, Turkey.
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From NAFLD to MAFLD: Definition, Pathophysiological Basis and Cardiovascular Implications. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030883. [PMID: 36979861 PMCID: PMC10046146 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is defined as a chronic liver disease characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver without another obvious cause (no excessive alcohol consumption, hepatotoxic medications, toxins, viral infections, genetic hepatic diseases), therefore it is an exclusion diagnosis. The term NAFLD literally refers to non-alcohol related hepatopathy and does not adequately correlate with metabolic dysfunction and related cardiovascular risks. Therefore, researchers and scientific societies have moved towards changing the terminology. The novel nomenclature for a metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has been proposed in 2020 by a group of experts to overcome the issues related to the old terminology. The diagnosis of MAFLD is based on the presence of hepatic steatosis and at least one between these three conditions: type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), obesity or metabolic dysregulation. MAFLD has been shown to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis. It is better related to the main risk factors for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases than NAFLD, such as dyslipidemia, T2DM and hypertension. The aim of this review is to highlight the reasons why the term NAFLD is moving to the term MAFLD, what are the conceptual basis of this choice and its clinical implications, particularly in the cardiovascular field.
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Lee E, Korf H, Vidal-Puig A. An adipocentric perspective on the development and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. J Hepatol 2023; 78:1048-1062. [PMID: 36740049 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alongside the liver, white adipose tissue (WAT) is critical in regulating systemic energy homeostasis. Although each organ has its specialised functions, they must work coordinately to regulate whole-body metabolism. Adipose tissues and the liver are relatively resilient and can adapt to an energy surplus by facilitating triglyceride (TG) storage up to a certain threshold level without significant metabolic disturbances. However, lipid storage in WAT beyond a "personalised" adiposity threshold becomes dysfunctional, leading to metabolic inflexibility, progressive inflammation, and aberrant adipokine secretion. Moreover, the failure of adipose tissue to store and mobilise lipids results in systemic knock-on lipid overload, particularly in the liver. Factors contributing to hepatic lipid overload include lipids released from WAT, dietary fat intake, and enhanced de novo lipogenesis. In contrast, extrahepatic mechanisms counteracting toxic hepatic lipid overload entail coordinated compensation through oxidation of surplus fatty acids in brown adipose tissue and storage of fatty acids as TGs in WAT. Failure of these integrated homeostatic mechanisms leads to quantitative increases and qualitative alterations to the lipidome of the liver. Initially, hepatocytes preferentially accumulate TG species leading to a relatively "benign" non-alcoholic fatty liver. However, with time, inflammatory responses ensue, progressing into more severe conditions such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, in some individuals (often without an early prognostic clue). Herein, we highlight the pathogenic importance of obesity-induced "adipose tissue failure", resulting in decreased adipose tissue functionality (i.e. fat storage capacity and metabolic flexibility), in the development and progression of NAFL/NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunyoung Lee
- Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK; Department of Medical Physiology, Chiba University, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hannelie Korf
- Laboratory of Hepatology, CHROMETA Department, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Antonio Vidal-Puig
- Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK; Centro de Innvestigacion Principe Felipe, Valencia, Spain; Cambridge University Nanjing Centre of Technology and Innovation, Nanjing, China.
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40
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Tian Q, Liu Y, Yuan P, Liu J, Li H, Han X, Pan C, Wu Y, Zhou Z, Liu S, Li Y, Duan S, Xia K. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor mediates the improvement in glycolipid metabolism disorder via AKT and AMPK signalling pathways in L02 cells with insulin resistance. J Mol Struct 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2022.134328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021703. [PMID: 36675217 PMCID: PMC9865319 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most frequent liver disease, affecting up to 70% of patients with diabetes. Currently, there are no specific drugs available for its treatment. Beyond their anti-hyperglycemic effect and the surprising role of cardio- and nephroprotection, GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have shown a significant impact on body weight and clinical, biochemical and histological markers of fatty liver and fibrosis in patients with NAFLD. Therefore, GLP-1 RAs could be a weapon for the treatment of both diabetes mellitus and NAFLD. The aim of this review is to summarize the evidence currently available on the role of GLP-1 RAs in the treatment of NAFLD and to hypothesize potential future scenarios.
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Yazıcı D, Yapıcı Eser H, Kıyıcı S, Sancak S, Sezer H, Uygur M, Yumuk V. Clinical Impact of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Analogs on the Complications of Obesity. Obes Facts 2023; 16:149-163. [PMID: 36349778 PMCID: PMC10028372 DOI: 10.1159/000526808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity is a chronic disease associated with increased morbidity and mortality due to its complications. The aims of obesity treatment are primarily to accomplish weight loss, and prevention or treatment of its complications. Lifestyle changes along with behavioral therapy constitute the first-line treatment of obesity followed by pharmacotherapy. Glucagon-like peptide receptor analogs (GLP-1 RAs) are among the approved pharmacotherapy options. Their central effect on suppressing appetite results in considerable weight loss. However, their effect on the complications of obesity has not been very well recognized. This review aims to analyze the effects of GLP-1 RAs on the complications of obesity, as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cardiovascular diseases, polycystic ovary syndrome, infertility, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), osteoarthritis, cancer and central nervous system problems. SUMMARY Data from preclinical studies and clinical trials have been thoroughly evaluated. Effects regarding the complications as far as the scope of this review have covered can be summarized as blood glucose lowering, blood pressure lowering, resolution of NASH, improving major cardiovascular events, improving fertility and sex hormone levels, and improvement in OSA symptoms and in cognitive scores. Although the mechanisms are not fully elucidated, it is clear that the effects are not solely due to weight loss, but some pleiotropic effects like decreased inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis also play a role in some of the complications. KEY MESSAGES Treating obesity is not only enabling weight loss but ameliorating complications related to obesity. Thus, any antiobesity medication has to have some favorable effects on the complications. As far as the GLP-RA's analogs are concerned, there seems to be an improvement in many of the complications regardless of the weight loss effect of these medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilek Yazıcı
- Koç University Medical School Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Istanbul, Turkey
- *Dilek Yazıcı,
| | - Hale Yapıcı Eser
- Koç University Medical School Department of Psychiatry, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sinem Kıyıcı
- Health Sciences University Bursa Yİ Education and Research Hospital, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Seda Sancak
- Health Sciences University Fatih Sultan Mehmet Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Havva Sezer
- Koç University Medical School Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Melin Uygur
- Marmara University Medical School, Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Volkan Yumuk
- Cerrahpaşa U. Medical School Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Istanbul, Turkey
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43
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Deska K, Bąk B, Kosmalski M, Pietras T. GLP-1 analogues in the treatment of obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. POSTEP HIG MED DOSW 2023. [DOI: 10.2478/ahem-2023-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Type two diabetes has become a civilization disease in the recent years, and the accompanying obesity, metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver are often the inseparable components of the clinical presentation in patients with diabetes of this type. The treatment of each of these elements is important for optimal metabolic control of the patients, as well as directly affecting their life expectancy. However, The ideal solution would be to take as few drugs as possible, preferably drugs that have a beneficial effect on several coexisting diseases at the same time. In the recent years, there have been more and more reports about the pleiotropic effect of drugs affecting the incretin axis - GLP-1 analogues. The presented paper provides an overview of the latest knowledge on the effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists on weight reduction and reduction of changes in the course of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
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44
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Fu Y, Zhou Y, Shen L, Li X, Zhang H, Cui Y, Zhang K, Li W, Chen WD, Zhao S, Li Y, Ye W. Diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:973366. [PMID: 36408234 PMCID: PMC9666875 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.973366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The global incidence rate of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is approximately 25%. With the global increase in obesity and its associated metabolic syndromes, NAFLD has become an important cause of chronic liver disease in many countries. Despite recent advances in pathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapeutics, there are still challenges in its treatment. In this review, we briefly describe diagnostic methods, therapeutic targets, and drugs related to NAFLD. In particular, we focus on evaluating carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, lipotoxicity, cell death, inflammation, and fibrosis as potential therapeutic targets for NAFLD. We also summarized the clinical research progress in terms of drug development and combination therapy, thereby providing references for NAFLD drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajie Fu
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Yanzhi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Linhu Shen
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Xuewen Li
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Haorui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Yeqi Cui
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Weiguo Li
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Wei-dong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Science, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Shizhen Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- *Correspondence: Shizhen Zhao, ; Yunfu Li, ; Wenling Ye,
| | - Yunfu Li
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- *Correspondence: Shizhen Zhao, ; Yunfu Li, ; Wenling Ye,
| | - Wenling Ye
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- *Correspondence: Shizhen Zhao, ; Yunfu Li, ; Wenling Ye,
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Khalifa O, H. Mroue K, Mall R, Ullah E, S. Al-Akl N, Arredouani A. Investigation of the Effect of Exendin-4 on Oleic Acid-Induced Steatosis in HepG2 Cells Using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102652. [PMID: 36289914 PMCID: PMC9599706 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver lesion that is untreatable with medications. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists have recently emerged as a potential NAFLD pharmacotherapy. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these drugs’ beneficial effects are not fully understood. Using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, we sought to investigate the biochemical changes in a steatosis cell model treated or not with the GLP-1R agonist Exendin-4 (Ex-4). HepG2 cells were made steatotic with 400 µM of oleic acid and then treated with 200 nM Ex-4 in order to reduce lipid accumulation. We quantified steatosis using the Oil Red O staining method. We investigated the biochemical alterations induced by steatosis and Ex-4 treatment using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and chemometric analyses. Analysis of the Oil Red O staining showed that Ex-4 significantly reduces steatosis. This reduction was confirmed by FTIR analysis, as the phospholipid band (C=O) at 1740 cm−1 in Ex-4 treated cells is significantly decreased compared to steatotic cells. The principal component analysis score plots for both the lipid and protein regions showed that the untreated and Ex-4-treated samples, while still separated, are clustered close to each other, far from the steatotic cells. The biochemical and structural changes induced by OA-induced lipotoxicity are at least partially reversed upon Ex-4 treatment. FTIR and chemometric analyses revealed that Ex-4 significantly reduces OA-induced lipid accumulation, and Ex-4 also restored the lipid and protein biochemical alterations caused by lipotoxicity-induced oxidative stress. In combination with chemometric analyses, FTIR spectroscopy may offer new approaches for investigating the mechanisms underpinning NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olfa Khalifa
- Diabetes Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha 34110, Qatar
| | - Kamal H. Mroue
- Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha 34110, Qatar
| | - Raghvendra Mall
- Qatar Computing Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha 34110, Qatar
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105-3678, USA
| | - Ehsan Ullah
- Qatar Computing Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha 34110, Qatar
| | - Nayla S. Al-Akl
- Diabetes Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha 34110, Qatar
| | - Abdelilah Arredouani
- Diabetes Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha 34110, Qatar
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha 34110, Qatar
- Correspondence:
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46
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Arvanitakis K, Koufakis T, Kotsa K, Germanidis G. How Far beyond Diabetes Can the Benefits of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists Go? A Review of the Evidence on Their Effects on Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194651. [PMID: 36230573 PMCID: PMC9562923 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by poor survival rate and quality of life, while available treatments remain generally limited. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) originally emerged as drugs for the management of diabetes, but have also been shown to alleviate cardiorenal risk. Furthermore, they have demonstrated a wide range of extraglycemic effects that led to their evaluation as potential therapies for a variety of diseases beyond diabetes, such as obesity, neurogenerative disorders and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Given the presence of the GLP-1 receptor in hepatocytes, animal data suggest that GLP-1 RAs could regulate molecular pathways that are deeply involved in the genesis and progression of HCC, including inflammatory responses, tumor cell proliferation and oxidative stress, through direct and indirect effects on liver cells. However, future studies must assess several aspects of the benefit-to-risk ratio of the use of GLP-1 RAs in patients with HCC, including co-administration with approved systemic therapies, the incidence of gastrointestinal side effects in a high-risk population, and weight loss management in individuals with poor nutritional status and high rates of cancer cachexia. In this narrative review, we discuss the potential role of GLP-1 analogs in the treatment of HCC, focusing on the molecular mechanisms that could justify a possible benefit, but also referring to the potential clinical implications and areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Arvanitakis
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Basic and Translational Research Unit (BTRU) of Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education (SUBRE), School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Theocharis Koufakis
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism and Diabetes Centre, First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Kotsa
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism and Diabetes Centre, First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Germanidis
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Basic and Translational Research Unit (BTRU) of Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education (SUBRE), School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-231-330-3156; Fax: +30-231-099-4638
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47
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Liraglutide Exerts Protective Effects by Downregulation of PPARγ, ACSL1 and SREBP-1c in Huh7 Cell Culture Models of Non-Alcoholic Steatosis and Drug-Induced Steatosis. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:3465-3480. [PMID: 36005135 PMCID: PMC9406665 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44080239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: With the aging of the population and polypharmacy encountered in the elderly, drug-induced steatosis (DIS) has become frequent cause of non-alcoholic steatosis (NAS). Indeed, NAS and DIS may co-exist, making the ability to distinguish between the entities ever more important. The aim of our study was to study cell culture models of NAS and DIS and determine the effects of liraglutide (LIRA) in those models. (2) Methods: Huh7 cells were treated with oleic acid (OA), or amiodarone (AMD) to establish models of NAS and DIS, respectively. Cells were treated with LIRA and cell viability was assessed by MTT, lipid accumulation by Oil-Red-O staining and triglyceride assay, and intracellular signals involved in hepatosteatosis were quantitated by RT-PCR. (3) Results: After exposure to various OA and AMD concentrations, those that achieved 80% of cells viabilities were used in further experiments to establish NAS and DIS models using 0.5 mM OA and 20 µM AMD, respectively. In both models, LIRA increased cell viability (p < 0.01). Lipid accumulation was increased in both models, with microsteatotic pattern in DIS, and macrosteatotic pattern in NAS which corresponds to greater triglyceride accumulation in latter. LIRA ameliorated these changes (p < 0.001), and downregulated expression of lipogenic ACSL1, PPARγ, and SREBP-1c pathways in the liver (p < 0.01) (4) Conclusions: LIRA ameliorates hepatocyte steatosis in Huh7 cell culture models of NAS and DIS.
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Duan S, Li X, Fan G, Liu R. Targeting bile acid signaling for the treatment of liver diseases: From bench to bed. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 152:113154. [PMID: 35653887 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver diseases and related complications have become one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, yet effective medicine or approved treatment approach is still limited. Thus, novel therapy is urgently required to prevent or at least slow down the growing burden of liver transplantation or even death caused by malignant liver diseases. As the irreplaceable modulator of hepatic and intestinal signaling cascades, bile acids (BAs) play complex physiological as well as pathological roles in regulating energy and immune homeostasis in various liver diseases, including but not limited to metabolic diseases and cholangiopathies, making them highly attractive therapeutic targets. In the current review, recent progress in the research of enterohepatic circulation of BAs and potential therapeutic targets of BAs signaling, especially the development of currently available treatments, including agonizts of FXR and TGR5, analogs of FGF19, inhibitors of ASBT, and the regulation of gut microbiome through fecal microbiota transplantation were extensively summarized. Their protective effects, molecular mechanisms, and outcomes of clinical trials were highlighted. The structural features of these candidates and perspectives for their future development were further discussed. In conclusion, we believe that pharmacological therapies targeting BAs signaling represent promising and efficient strategies for the treatment of complex and multifactorial liver disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuni Duan
- School of Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 11 Bei San Huan Dong Lu, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xiaojiaoyang Li
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 11 Bei San Huan Dong Lu, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Guifang Fan
- School of Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 11 Bei San Huan Dong Lu, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Runping Liu
- School of Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 11 Bei San Huan Dong Lu, Beijing 100029, China.
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Chew NWS, Ng CH, Truong E, Noureddin M, Kowdley KV. Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Drug Development Pipeline: An Update. Semin Liver Dis 2022; 42:379-400. [PMID: 35709720 DOI: 10.1055/a-1877-9656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a burgeoning global health crisis that mirrors the obesity pandemic. This global health crisis has stimulated active research to develop novel NASH pharmacotherapies targeting dysregulated inflammatory, cellular stress, and fibrogenetic processes that include (1) metabolic pathways to improve insulin sensitivity, de novo lipogenesis, and mitochondrial utilization of fatty acids; (2) cellular injury or inflammatory targets that reduce inflammatory cell recruitment and signaling; (3) liver-gut axis targets that influence bile acid enterohepatic circulation and signaling; and (4) antifibrotic targets. In this review, we summarize several of the therapeutic agents that have been studied in phase 2 and 3 randomized trials. In addition to reviewing novel therapeutic drugs targeting nuclear receptor pathways, liver chemokine receptors, liver lipid metabolism, lipotoxicity or cell death, and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors, we also discuss the rationale behind the use of combination therapy and the lessons learned from unsuccessful or negative clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas W S Chew
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Cheng Han Ng
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Emily Truong
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Mazen Noureddin
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Fatty Liver Program, Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Kris V Kowdley
- Liver Institute Northwest and Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Seattle, Washington
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Cigrovski Berkovic M, Rezic T, Bilic-Curcic I, Mrzljak A. Semaglutide might be a key for breaking the vicious cycle of metabolically associated fatty liver disease spectrum? World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:6759-6768. [PMID: 36051145 PMCID: PMC9297405 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i20.6759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolically associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a liver manifestation of metabolic syndrome potentially related to unfavorable hepatic and extrahepatic outcomes and progression to cirrhosis. Up to date, there are no approved pharmacotherapies for the treatment of MAFLD, so management focused on lifestyle interventions to encourage weight loss, and treatment of coexisting conditions is the only available option. Unfortunately, the aforementioned is often not potent enough to offer reversal or slow down hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists have a favorable effect on glycemic management and weight loss of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and recently published data suggest their potential in MAFLD treatment. In addition, some of the agents have proven cardiovascular and renal benefits in dedicated cardiovascular outcome trials, making them an interesting therapeutic option. In this opinion review, we discuss the role of semaglutide in MAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Cigrovski Berkovic
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Clinical Pharmacology, Clinical Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Tanja Rezic
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Clinical Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Ines Bilic-Curcic
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Centre Osijek, Osijek 31000, Croatia
| | - Anna Mrzljak
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
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