Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: identical etiologic factors in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease heterogeneity: Need of subtyping

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a widespread global disease with significant health burden. Unhealthy lifestyle, obesity, diabetes mellitus (DM), insulin resistance, and genetics have been implicated in the pathogenesis of MASLD. A significant degree of heterogeneity exists among each of above-mentioned risk factors. Heterogeneity of these risk factors translates into the heterogeneity of MASLD. On the other hand, MASLD can itself lead to insulin resistance and DM. Such heterogeneity makes it difficult to assess the natural course of an individual with MASLD in clinical practice. At present MASLD is considered as one disease despite the variability of etiopathogenic processes, and we lack the consensus definitions of unique subtypes of MASLD. In this review, pathogenic processes of MASLD are discussed and a need of subtyping is recommended.

Association of physical activity and sports participation with insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in people with type 1 diabetes

AIM

To evaluate the association between physical activity (PA) and sports participation with insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

METHODS

People with T1D from a secondary and tertiary care centre were included. Questionnaire-derived PA was expressed in metabolic equivalent of task hours per week (METh/week). Insulin sensitivity was calculated with the estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR). NAFLD was assessed by transient elastography (TE). Multivariate linear and logistic regression models were conducted, adjusted for age, sex, diabetes duration and BMI.

RESULTS

In total, 254 participants were included (men 56%, age 44 ± 14 years, diabetes duration 24 ± 14 years, median BMI 24.8 kg/m2), of which 150 participants underwent TE. Total PA (median 50.7 METh/week) was not significantly associated with insulin resistance (median eGDR 7.31 mg/kg/min) (beta -0.00, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.00) or with NAFLD (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.99-1.01). Participating in sports was significantly associated with eGDR (beta 0.94, 95% CI 0.48-1.41) and with NAFLD (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.08-0.56).

CONCLUSIONS

In our T1D population, we could not find any dose-dependent association between PA, insulin resistance and NAFLD. People participating in sports had a lower degree of insulin resistance and lower odds for NAFLD.

Natural history of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which has been the term for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) since June 2023, represents the most common liver disease worldwide and is a leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. A thorough knowledge of the disease's natural history is required to promptly stratify patients' risks, since MASLD is a multifaceted disorder with a broad range of clinical phenotypes. The histological disease spectrum ranges from isolated hepatic steatosis, currently named as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver (MASL), to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and eventually may accumulate hepatic fibrosis and develop cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Several risk factors for fibrosis progression have been identified, while the disease's progression displays notable dynamism and bidirectionality. When compared to the general population, all MASLD histological stages are substantially related with greater overall mortality, and this association exhibits a disease severity-dependent pattern. Interestingly, the fibrosis stage is the most accurate predictor of mortality among MASLD patients. The mortality attributed to MASLD predominantly stems from issues linked with the liver and cardiovascular system, as well as HCC and extrahepatic cancers. In light of the disease natural course, it is crucial to prioritize the identification of at-risk patients for disease progression in order to effectively address and change modifiable risk factors, hence mitigating disease complications. Further investigation is required to define the phenotype of rapid progressors more precisely as well as to improve risk stratification for HCC in non-cirrhotic individuals.

Association between different modalities of insulin administration and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus

AIM

We examined whether different insulin administration modalities, i.e., multiple daily injections (MDI) or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII by insulin pumps), are differently associated with the risk of having metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), with or without coexisting significant liver fibrosis (assessed by validated non-invasive biomarkers), in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective, multicenter, cross-sectional study involving 1,417 adult individuals with established T1DM treated with MDI or CSII. We calculated hepatic steatosis index (HSI) and fibrosis (FIB)-4 index for non-invasively detecting MAFLD (defined by HSI >36), with or without coexisting significant fibrosis (defined by FIB-4 index ≥ 1.3 or <1.3, respectively).

RESULTS

Compared to the MDI group (n = 1,161), insulin-pump users (n = 256; 18.1%) were more likely to be younger (mean age: 40 vs. 48 years, P < 0.001), had better glycemic control (mean hemoglobin A1c: 7.7%  vs. 7.9%, P = 0.025) and a markedly lower prevalence of MAFLD with coexisting significant fibrosis (2.7%  vs. 8.1%, P = 0.010), but a comparable prevalence of MAFLD without fibrosis. In multinomial logistic regression analysis, CSII therapy was associated with a ∼70%-lower risk of MAFLD with significant fibrosis (unadjusted odds ratio 0.32, 95% confidence interval 0.14-0.70; P = 0.004), but this association was no longer significant after adjustment for age, hemoglobin A1c and other potential confounders.

CONCLUSION

The lower prevalence of MAFLD with coexisting significant fibrosis we observed in adults with T1DM using CSII therapy, compared to those using MDI therapy, is primarily mediated by inter-group differences in age.

Intra-gastric balloon with lifestyle modification: a promising therapeutic option for overweight and obese patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

BACKGROUND

Data on effects of intra-gastric balloon (IGB) on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are scarce, in part with contradictory results, and mainly obtained in tertiary care patients with diabetes and other comorbidities. We here explore effects of IGB in patients with MASLD referred to a first-line obesity clinic.

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study, patients with at least significant fibrosis (≥ F2) and/or severe steatosis (S3) according to screening transient elastography (FibroScan®) were offered a second FibroScan® after 6 months lifestyle modification with or without IGB (based on patient preference).

RESULTS

50 of 100 consecutively screened patients (generally non-diabetic) qualified for repeated evaluation and 29 (58%) of those had a second FibroScan®. At baseline, at least significant fibrosis was present in 28% and severe steatosis in 91%. IGB was placed in 19 patients (59%), whereas 10 patients (41%) preferred only lifestyle modification (no differences in baseline characteristics between both groups). After 6 months, liver stiffness decreased markedly in the IGB group (median: from 6.0 to 4.9 kPa, p = 0.005), but not in the lifestyle modification only group (median: from 5.5 to 6.9 kPa, p = 0.477). Steatosis improved in both groups, (controlled attenuation parameter values; IGB, mean ± SD: from 328 ± 34 to 272 ± 62 dB/m, p = 0.006: lifestyle modification only, mean ± SD: from 344 ± 33 to 305 ± 43 dB/m: p = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

Both steatosis and fibrosis improve markedly in overweight/obese patients with MASLD after 6 months IGB combined with lifestyle modification. Our results warrant further research into long-term effect of IGB in these patients.

Global prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease, with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as a major predictor. Insulin resistance and chronic inflammation are key pathways in the pathogenesis of T2DM leading to NAFLD and vice versa, with the synergistic effect of NAFLD and T2DM increasing morbidity and mortality risks. This meta-analysis aims to quantify the prevalence of NAFLD and the prevalence of clinically significant and advanced fibrosis in people with T2DM.

METHODS

MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched from inception until 13 February 2023. The primary outcomes were the prevalence of NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis in people with T2DM. A generalised linear mixed model with Clopper-Pearson intervals was used for the analysis of proportions with sensitivity analysis conducted to explore heterogeneity between studies.

RESULTS

156 studies met the inclusion criteria, and a pooled analysis of 1 832 125 patients determined that the prevalence rates of NAFLD and NASH in T2DM were 65.04% (95% CI 61.79% to 68.15%, I2=99.90%) and 31.55% (95% CI 17.12% to 50.70%, I2=97.70%), respectively. 35.54% (95% CI 19.56% to 55.56%, I2=100.00%) of individuals with T2DM with NAFLD had clinically significant fibrosis (F2-F4), while 14.95% (95% CI 11.03% to 19.95%, I2=99.00%) had advanced fibrosis (F3-F4).

CONCLUSION

This study determined a high prevalence of NAFLD, NASH and fibrosis in people with T2DM. Increased efforts are required to prevent T2DM to combat the rising burden of NAFLD.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42022360251.

Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease and Diabetes: A Double Whammy

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome and affects about 55% of people living with diabetes. MAFLD has been shown to be an individual risk factor for cardiovascular disease and its associated mortality. Although common, MAFLD is often underdiagnosed and not given adequate attention during clinical visits. This review highlights the most recent literature available on the evaluation and management of MAFLD in the presence of diabetes. The more recently available antidiabetic agents including glucagon-like peptide-1 analogs and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors have been shown to effectively manage both diabetes and MAFLD.

Role of Oxidative Stress and Carcinoembryonic Antigen-Related Cell Adhesion Molecule 1 in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

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.

Insulin pump therapy in type 1 diabetes is associated with lower indices of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver in non-obese women but not men

AIM

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a raising concern in type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients. We evaluated whether multiple daily injections (MDI) or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) may differentially affect NAFLD.

METHODS

NAFLD was assessed by Fatty Liver Index (FLI) and Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI) in 659 T1D patients treated by MDI (n=414, 65% men) or CSII (n=245, 50% men) without alcohol abuse or other liver diseases. Clinical and metabolic differences between MDI and CSII participants were also evaluated according to sex.

RESULTS

Compared with the MDI cohort, CSII users had a significantly lower FLI (20.2±21.2 vs. 24.8±24.3; p=0.003), HSI (36.2±4.4 vs. 37.4±4.4; p=0.003), waist circumference (84.6±11.8 vs. 86.9±13.7 cm; p=0.026), plasma triglyceride (76.0±45.8 vs. 84.7±58.3 mg/dl; p=0.035), and daily insulin dose (0.53±0.22 vs. 0.64±0.25 IU/kg body weight; p<0.001). In CSII users, lower FLI and HSI were observed in women (p=0.009 and p=0.033, respectively) but not in men (p=0.676 and p=0.131, respectively). Women on CSII also had lower daily insulin doses, plasma triglyceride, and visceral adiposity index than women on MDI.

CONCLUSION

CSII is associated with lower NAFLD indices in women with T1D. This may relate to the lower peripheral insulin in the context of a permissive hormonal milieu.

Novel insights into the pathogenic impact of diabetes on the gastrointestinal tract

Type 2 and type 1 diabetes are common endocrine disorders with a progressively increasing incidence worldwide. These chronic, systemic diseases have multiorgan implications, and the whole gastrointestinal (GI) tract represents a frequent target in terms of symptom appearance and interdependent pathophysiological mechanisms. Metabolic alterations linked with diabetic complications, neuropathy and disrupted hormone homeostasis can lead to upper and/or lower GI symptoms in up to 75% of diabetic patients, with multifactorial involvement of the oesophagus, stomach, upper and lower intestine, and of the gallbladder. On the other hand, altered gastrointestinal motility and/or secretions are able to affect glucose and lipid homeostasis in the short and long term. Finally, diabetes has been linked with increased cancer risk at different levels of the GI tract. The presence of GI symptoms and a comprehensive assessment of GI function should be carefully considered in the management of diabetic patients to avoid further complications and to ameliorate the quality of life. Additionally, the presence of gastrointestinal dysfunction should be adequately managed to improve metabolic homeostasis, the efficacy of antidiabetic treatments and secondary prevention strategies.

Gastrointestinal and Liver Complications in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus-A Review of the Literature

The number of diabetes mellitus patients has increased over the last few years in developing countries, along with obesity and sedentary lifestyle. Besides macroangiopathy and microangiopathy, damage to the nerve fibers of the peripheral nervous system is the most common chronic complication of diabetes. Digestive complications in diabetic patients represent a consequence of diabetic autonomic neuropathy involving the gastrointestinal tract, but unfortunately not always evaluated by diabetologists. Aside from the complications encountered in the digestive tract, patients with diabetes mellitus are prone to developing liver diseases. This review will describe the prevalence of these complications, the modality of diagnosis, and therapeutical solutions in order to reduce the risk of progression of these complications in diabetic subjects.

Prevalence of elevated liver stiffness in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Liver stiffness is an indirect marker of liver fibrosis, which predicts clinical outcomes in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarize evidence on the prevalence of elevated liver stiffness in patients with diabetes.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed-MEDLINE and Scopus from inception to May 2022 for observational studies reporting the prevalence of elevated liver stiffness diagnosed by vibration controlled transient elastography (VCTE) in adult patients with either type 1 (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D). Prevalence values from individual studies were meta-analyzed using random effects models. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to identify potential sources of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Of the 428 titles initially scrutinized, 29 studies fulfilled the criteria and were included, providing data on 390 patients with T1D and 10,487 patients with T2D. Prevalence rates of elevated liver stiffness were 5.2% (95% CI 1.1-9.2) in patients with T1D and 19.8% (95% CI 16.8-22.8) in patients with T2D. In studies performed in patients with T2D, multivariate meta-regression analysis showed that higher body mass index, higher age, a higher proportion of males, lower VCTE cut-off and Asian ethnicity were associated with increased prevalence rates. This model explained 32.7% of the observed heterogeneity. No signs of publication bias were identified by visual inspection of the funnel plot or by Egger's test.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis indicates that 1 in 20 patients with T1D and 1 in 5 patients with T2D has elevated liver stiffness, indicative of potential significant or advanced liver fibrosis.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in type 1 diabetes: Prevalence and pathophysiology

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most frequent chronic liver disease in the general population with a global prevalence of 25%. It is often associated with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, as insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia are known to be favoring factors. Recent studies have described growing incidence of NAFLD in type 1 diabetes (T1D) as well. Although increasing prevalence of metabolic syndrome in these patients seems to explain part of this increase in NAFLD, other underlying mechanisms may participate in the emergence of NAFLD. Notably, some genetic factors are more associated with fatty liver disease, but their prevalence in T1D has not been evaluated. Moreover, oxidative stress, poor glucose control and long-lasting hyperglycemia, as well as exogenous insulin administration play an important role in intrahepatic fat homeostasis. The main differential diagnosis of NAFLD in T1D is glycogenic hepatopathy, which needs to be considered mostly in T1D patients with poor glycemic control. This article aims to review the prevalence and pathophysiology of NAFLD in T1D and open perspectives for clinicians taking care of T1D patients with potential hepatopathy.