1
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Horn P, Tacke F. Metabolic reprogramming in liver fibrosis. Cell Metab 2024:S1550-4131(24)00179-7. [PMID: 38823393 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2024.05.003] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases, primarily metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), harmful use of alcohol, or viral hepatitis, may result in liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and cancer. Hepatic fibrogenesis is a complex process with interactions between different resident and non-resident heterogeneous liver cell populations, ultimately leading to deposition of extracellular matrix and organ failure. Shifts in cell phenotypes and functions involve pronounced transcriptional and protein synthesis changes that require metabolic adaptations in cellular substrate metabolism, including glucose and lipid metabolism, resembling changes associated with the Warburg effect in cancer cells. Cell activation and metabolic changes are regulated by metabolic stress responses, including the unfolded protein response, endoplasmic reticulum stress, autophagy, ferroptosis, and nuclear receptor signaling. These metabolic adaptations are crucial for inflammatory and fibrogenic activation of macrophages, lymphoid cells, and hepatic stellate cells. Modulation of these pathways, therefore, offers opportunities for novel therapeutic approaches to halt or even reverse liver fibrosis progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Horn
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, BIH Charité Digital Clinician Scientist Program, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany.
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2
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Fleishman JS, Kumar S. Bile acid metabolism and signaling in health and disease: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:97. [PMID: 38664391 PMCID: PMC11045871 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01811-6] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Bile acids, once considered mere dietary surfactants, now emerge as critical modulators of macronutrient (lipid, carbohydrate, protein) metabolism and the systemic pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory balance. Bile acid metabolism and signaling pathways play a crucial role in protecting against, or if aberrant, inducing cardiometabolic, inflammatory, and neoplastic conditions, strongly influencing health and disease. No curative treatment exists for any bile acid influenced disease, while the most promising and well-developed bile acid therapeutic was recently rejected by the FDA. Here, we provide a bottom-up approach on bile acids, mechanistically explaining their biochemistry, physiology, and pharmacology at canonical and non-canonical receptors. Using this mechanistic model of bile acids, we explain how abnormal bile acid physiology drives disease pathogenesis, emphasizing how ceramide synthesis may serve as a unifying pathogenic feature for cardiometabolic diseases. We provide an in-depth summary on pre-existing bile acid receptor modulators, explain their shortcomings, and propose solutions for how they may be remedied. Lastly, we rationalize novel targets for further translational drug discovery and provide future perspectives. Rather than dismissing bile acid therapeutics due to recent setbacks, we believe that there is immense clinical potential and a high likelihood for the future success of bile acid therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua S Fleishman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, USA.
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3
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McGettigan BM, Shah VH. Every sheriff needs a deputy: Targeting non-parenchymal cells to treat hepatic fibrosis. J Hepatol 2024:S0168-8278(24)00283-6. [PMID: 38677654 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Brett M McGettigan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Vijay H Shah
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
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4
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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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5
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Kounatidis D, Vallianou NG, Geladari E, Panoilia MP, Daskou A, Stratigou T, Karampela I, Tsilingiris D, Dalamaga M. NAFLD in the 21st Century: Current Knowledge Regarding Its Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Therapeutics. Biomedicines 2024; 12:826. [PMID: 38672181 PMCID: PMC11048710 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040826] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major public health issue worldwide. It is the most common liver disease in Western countries, andits global prevalence is estimated to be up to 35%. However, its diagnosis may be elusive, because liver biopsy is relatively rarely performed and usually only in advanced stages of the disease. Therefore, several non-invasive scores may be applied to more easily diagnose and monitor NAFLD. In this review, we discuss the various biomarkers and imaging scores that could be useful in diagnosing and managing NAFLD. Despite the fact that general measures, such as abstinence from alcohol and modulation of other cardiovascular disease risk factors, should be applied, the mainstay of prevention and management is weight loss. Bariatric surgery may be suggested as a means to confront NAFLD. In addition, pharmacological treatment with GLP-1 analogues or the GIP agonist tirzepatide may be advisable. In this review, we focus on the utility of GLP-1 analogues and GIP agonists in lowering body weight, their pharmaceutical potential, and their safety profile, as already evidenced inanimal and human studies. We also elaborate on other options, such as the use of vitamin E, probiotics, especially next-generation probiotics, and prebiotics in this context. Finally, we explore future perspectives regarding the administration of GLP-1 analogues, GIP agonists, and probiotics/prebiotics as a means to prevent and combat NAFLD. The newest drugs pegozafermin and resmetiron, which seem to be very promising, arealso discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris Kounatidis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, 114 Vassilissis Sofias str, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Natalia G. Vallianou
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Sismanogleio General Hospital, 1 Sismanogliou str, 15126 Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Geladari
- Department of Internal Medicine, Evangelismos General Hospital, 45–47Ipsilantou str, 10676 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Paraskevi Panoilia
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Sismanogleio General Hospital, 1 Sismanogliou str, 15126 Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Daskou
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Sismanogleio General Hospital, 1 Sismanogliou str, 15126 Athens, Greece
| | - Theodora Stratigou
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Evangelismos General Hospital, 45–47Ipsilantou str, 10676 Athens, Greece
| | - Irene Karampela
- 2nd Department of Critical Care, Medical School, Attikon General University Hospital, University of Athens, 1 Rimini str., 12461 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Tsilingiris
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Demokritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupoli, Greece
| | - Maria Dalamaga
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias str., 11527 Athens, Greece;
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Lin R, Zhou J, Sun Q, Xin X, Hu Y, Zheng M, Feng Q. Meta-analysis: Efficacy and safety of fibroblast growth factor 21 analogues for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-related fibrosis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2024; 59:802-811. [PMID: 38297816 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17889] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) analogues have emerged as promising therapeutic targets for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, the effects and safety of these analogues on NASH and NASH-related fibrosis remain unexplored. AIMS To estimate the efficacy and safety of FGF21 analogues for treating NASH and NASH-related fibrosis. METHODS PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for relevant studies up to 11 October 2023. Primary outcomes were defined as the fibrosis improvement ≥1 stage without worsening of NASH and NASH resolution without worsening fibrosis. Secondary outcomes included biomarkers of fibrosis, liver injury, and metabolism. Treatment-related adverse events were also analysed. RESULTS Nine studies, including 1054 patients with biopsy-proven NASH and stage F1-F4 fibrosis, were identified. Seven studies reported histological outcomes. The relative risk (RR) for obtaining fibrosis improvement ≥1 stage efficacy was 1.79 (95% CI 1.29-2.48, I2 = 37%, p < 0.001) with FGF21 analogues relative to placebo. Although no statistically significant difference was observed between FGF21 analogues in NASH resolution, sensitivity analyses and fragility index suggest that this result is unstable. The drugs improved hepatic fat fraction (HFF), along with other biomarkers of fibrosis, liver injury, and metabolism (MRE, LSM, Pro-C3, ELF, ALT, AST, TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C). Additionally, no significant difference in serious adverse event incidence rate was observed (RR = 1.26, 95% CI 0.82-1.94, I2 = 24%, p = 0.3). CONCLUSIONS FGF21 analogues appear as promising agents for the treatment of NASH and NASH-related fibrosis, and they generally seem to be safe and well tolerated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rutao Lin
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianghua Zhou
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, the Heart Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Qinmei Sun
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Xin
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiyang Hu
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Minghua Zheng
- MAFLD Research Center, Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment for the Development of Chronic Liver Disease in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
| | - Qin Feng
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Alkhouri N, LaCerte C, Edwards J, Poordad F, Lawitz E, Lee L, Karan S, Sawhney S, Erickson M, MacConell L, Zaru L, Chen J, Campagna J. Safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of obeticholic acid in subjects with fibrosis or cirrhosis from NASH. Liver Int 2024; 44:966-978. [PMID: 38293761 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15816] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Fibrosis stage is a strong predictor of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) outcomes. Two blinded studies evaluated the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and safety of obeticholic acid (OCA) in subjects with staged NASH fibrosis or cirrhosis. METHODS Study 747-117 randomized 51 subjects with NASH (fibrosis stages F1-F4) to daily placebo, OCA 10 or OCA 25 mg (1:2:2) for 85 days. Study 747-118 randomized 24 subjects with NASH cirrhosis (F4; Child-Pugh [CP]-A) and normal liver control subjects matched for similar body weight to daily OCA 10 or OCA 25 mg (1:1) for 28 days. Individual and combined study data were analysed. RESULTS No severe or serious adverse events (AEs) or AEs leading to discontinuation or death occurred. Pruritus was the most frequent AE. Plasma OCA exposure (dose-normalized area under the curve) increased with fibrosis stage but was a relatively poor predictor of hepatic OCA exposure (primary site of action), which remained constant across fibrosis stages F1-F3 and increased 1.8-fold compared with F1 in subjects with cirrhosis due to NASH. Both cohorts showed robust changes in farnesoid X receptor activation markers with OCA treatment and marked decreases in alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and gamma-glutamyltransferase. CONCLUSIONS Despite higher drug exposures in subjects with NASH cirrhosis, short-term daily treatment with OCA 10 or 25 mg was generally safe and well tolerated in subjects with NASH fibrosis or NASH CP-A cirrhosis. Both cohorts experienced improvements in nonhistologic pharmacodynamic markers consistent with previously conducted OCA phase 2 and phase 3 studies in NASH fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naim Alkhouri
- The Texas Liver Institute, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- Arizona Liver Health, Chandler, Arizona, USA
| | - Carl LaCerte
- Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Fred Poordad
- The Texas Liver Institute, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Eric Lawitz
- The Texas Liver Institute, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Lois Lee
- Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | - Sharon Karan
- Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Mary Erickson
- Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Luna Zaru
- Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | - Jianfen Chen
- Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | - Jason Campagna
- Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
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8
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Sinha RA. Targeting nuclear receptors for NASH/MASH: From bench to bedside. LIVER RESEARCH 2024; 8:34-45. [PMID: 38544909 PMCID: PMC7615772 DOI: 10.1016/j.livres.2024.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
The onset of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) represents a tipping point leading to liver injury and subsequent hepatic complications in the natural progression of what is now termed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver diseases (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). With no pharmacological treatment currently available for MASH/NASH, the race is on to develop drugs targeting multiple facets of hepatic metabolism, inflammation, and pro-fibrotic events, which are major drivers of MASH. Nuclear receptors (NRs) regulate genomic transcription upon binding to lipophilic ligands and govern multiple aspects of liver metabolism and inflammation. Ligands of NRs may include hormones, lipids, bile acids, and synthetic ligands, which upon binding to NRs regulate the transcriptional activities of target genes. NR ligands are presently the most promising drug candidates expected to receive approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration as a pharmacological treatment for MASH. This review aims to cover the current understanding of NRs, including nuclear hormone receptors, non-steroid hormone receptors, circadian NRs, and orphan NRs, which are currently undergoing clinical trials for MASH treatment, along with NRs that have shown promising results in preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit A Sinha
- Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
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Nguyen M, Asgharpour A, Dixon DL, Sanyal AJ, Mehta A. Emerging therapies for MASLD and their impact on plasma lipids. Am J Prev Cardiol 2024; 17:100638. [PMID: 38375066 PMCID: PMC10875196 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpc.2024.100638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic-dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) affects 1 out of every 3 individuals in the adult population and the disease prevalence is predicted to increase worldwide. Patients with MASLD are also burdened by cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of mortality in this population. Complex metabolic derangements such as insulin resistance and atherogenic dyslipidemia affect patients with MASLD. In patients with MASLD, treatment such as pharmacotherapy may be best directed towards improving the adverse concomitant metabolic disorders associated with MASLD, particularly the ones that may contribute to MASLD. Herein, we discuss conventional therapies that target cardiometabolic risk factors which have the potential to improve hepatic injury, and summarize emerging therapies that target hepatic receptors, fibrosis, and fatty acid oxidation in patients with MASLD. Given the relationship between hepatic injury which leads to MASLD, insulin resistance, and ultimately atherogenic dyslipidemia our review uniquely delves into the effects of conventional and emerging therapies for MASLD on plasma lipid parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison Nguyen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Amon Asgharpour
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
- VCU Stravitz-Sanyal Institute of Liver Disease and Metabolic Health, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Dave L. Dixon
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Outcome Science, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy, Richmond, VA, United States
- VCU Health Pauley Heart Center, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Arun J. Sanyal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
- VCU Stravitz-Sanyal Institute of Liver Disease and Metabolic Health, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Anurag Mehta
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
- VCU Health Pauley Heart Center, Richmond, VA, United States
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10
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van Hooff MC, Werner E, van der Meer AJ. Treatment in primary biliary cholangitis: Beyond ursodeoxycholic acid. Eur J Intern Med 2024:S0953-6205(24)00037-2. [PMID: 38307734 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2024.01.030] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a rare cholestatic immune-mediated liver disease. The clinical course varies from mild to severe, with a substantial group of patients developing cirrhosis within a decade. These patients are at risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, decompensation and liver failure. First line Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) treatment improves the cholestatic surrogate markers, and was recently associated with a favorable survival free of liver transplantation, even in case of an incomplete biochemical response. However, despite adequate UDCA therapy, patients remain at risk of liver disease progression. Therefore, on-treatment multifactor-based risk stratification is necessary to identify patients in need of additional therapy. This requires a personalized approach; especially as recent studies suggest that complete biochemical normalization as most stringent response criterion might be preferred in selected patients to optimize their outcome. Today, stricter biochemical goals might actually be reachable with the addition of farnesoid X receptor or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonists, or, in highly-selected cases, use of corticosteroids. Randomized controlled trials showed improvements in the key biochemical surrogate markers with the addition of these drugs, which have also been associated with improved clinical outcome. Considering this evolving PBC landscape, with more versatile treatment options and treatment goals, this review recapitulates the recent insight in UDCA therapy, the selection of patients with a residual risk of liver disease progression and the results of the currently available second line treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C van Hooff
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, NA building, Floor 6, Rotterdam 3015 GD, the Netherlands
| | - E Werner
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, NA building, Floor 6, Rotterdam 3015 GD, the Netherlands
| | - A J van der Meer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, NA building, Floor 6, Rotterdam 3015 GD, the Netherlands.
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11
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Machado MV. MASLD treatment-a shift in the paradigm is imminent. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1316284. [PMID: 38146424 PMCID: PMC10749497 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1316284] [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: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
MASLD prevalence is growing towards the leading cause of end-stage liver disease. Up to today, the most effective treatment is weight loss. Weight loss interventions are moving from lifestyle changes to bariatric surgery or endoscopy, and, more recently, to a new wave of anti-obesity drugs that can compete with bariatric surgery. Liver-targeted therapy is a necessity for those patients who already present liver fibrosis. The field is moving fast, and in the near future, we will testify to a disruptive change in MASLD treatment, similar to the paradigm-shift that occurred for hepatitis C almost one decade ago with direct antiviral agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Verdelho Machado
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Hospital de Vila Franca de Xira, Vila Franca de Xira, Portugal
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