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Soresi M, Giannitrapani L. Glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists are potentially useful drugs for treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:3541-3547. [PMID: 39193573 PMCID: PMC11346152 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i30.3541] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/08/2024] Open
Abstract
In this editorial, we comment on Yin et al's recently published Letter to the editor. In particular, we focus on the potential use of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) alone, but even more so in combination therapy, as one of the most promising therapies in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), the new definition of an old condition, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which aims to better define the spectrum of steatotic pathology. It is well known that GLP-1RAs, having shown outstanding performance in fat loss, weight loss, and improvement of insulin resistance, could play a role in protecting the liver from progressive damage. Several clinical trials have shown that, among GLP-1RAs, semaglutide is a safe, well-studied therapeutic choice for MASLD patients; however, most studies demonstrate that, while semaglutide can reduce steatosis, including steatohepatitis histological signs (in terms of inflammatory cell infiltration and hepatocyte ballooning), it does not improve fibrosis. Combinations of therapies with different but complementary mechanisms of action are considered the best way to improve efficiency and slow disease progression due to the complex pathophysiology of the disease. In particular, GLP-1RAs associated with antifibrotic drug therapy, dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)/GLP-1RA or GLP-1 and glucagon RAs have promoted greater improvement in hepatic steatosis, liver biochemistry, and non-invasive fibrosis tests than monotherapy. Therefore, although to date there are no definitive indications from international drug agencies, there is the hope that soon the therapeutic lines in the most advanced phase of study will be able to provide a therapy for MASLD, one that will certainly include the use of GLP-1RAs as combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Soresi
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo 90127, Italy
| | - Lydia Giannitrapani
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo 90127, Italy
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Abushamat LA, Shah PA, Eckel RH, Harrison SA, Barb D. The Emerging Role of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists for the Treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 22:1565-1574. [PMID: 38367743 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2024.01.032] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) affects 1 in 3-4 adult individuals and can progress to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and cirrhosis. Insulin resistance plays a central role in MASLD/MASH pathophysiology with higher rates of MASLD (2 in 3) and MASH with fibrosis (1 in 5) in adults with obesity and diabetes. This review summarizes the role of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in treating MASLD/MASH. Although not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of MASLD, this class of medication is available to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes and has been shown to reverse steatohepatitis, reduce cardiovascular risk, and is safe to use across the spectrum of MASLD with or without fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layla A Abushamat
- Section of Cardiovascular Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Pir Ahmad Shah
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Creighton University, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Robert H Eckel
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Diabetes, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | | | - Diana Barb
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
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Hu Y, Li Z, Li Q, Jin X, Di C, He W, Cheng X. Letter to the Editor: New confounders emerging with new evidence regarding reduced HCC and improved survival. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00899. [PMID: 38836625 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Hu
- Department of Paediatric Genetics, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Biomedical Center, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Jin
- Biomedical Center, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Cuixia Di
- Biomedical Center, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Weilan He
- Department of Paediatric Genetics, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinran Cheng
- Department of Paediatric Genetics, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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Elsaid MI, Li N, Firkins SA, Rustgi VK, Paskett ED, Acharya C, Reddy KR, Chiang CW, Mumtaz K. Impacts of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on the risk of adverse liver outcomes in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease cirrhosis and type 2 diabetes. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2024; 59:1096-1110. [PMID: 38538967 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17925] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS We examined the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) initiation on long-term Adverse Liver Outcomes (ALO) in patients with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) cirrhosis and type 2 diabetes using real-world data from the MarketScan database. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with MASLD cirrhosis and type 2 diabetes between 2012 and 2020. Cox proportional hazard models examine the association between GLP-1RAs initiation, modelled as time-dependent, and the risk of ALO, a composite endpoint defined by the first occurrence of hepatic decompensation(s), portal hypertension, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or liver transplantation (LT). We used Overlap Propensity Score Weighting (OPSW) to account for confounding. The study included 459 GLP-1RAs and 4837 non-GLP-1RAs patients. RESULTS The non-GLP-1RAs patients presented with 1411 (29%) ALO over 7431.7 person years, while GLP-1RAs patients had 32 (7%) ALO over 586.6 person years - risk rate difference 13.5 (95% CI: 11.4-15.7) per 100 person-years. The OPSW-adjusted risk of ALO was reduced by 36% (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.54-0.76) in patients with vs. without GLP-1RAs initiation. GLP-1RAs initiation was associated with significant reductions in the adjusted risk of hepatic decompensation (HR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.61-0.88), portal hypertension (HR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.60-0.88), HCC (HR: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.20-0.63) and LT (HR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.12-0.43). CONCLUSION The use of GLP-1RAs was associated with significant risk reductions in long-term adverse liver outcomes, including hepatic decompensation, portal hypertension, HCC and LT, in MASLD cirrhosis patients with type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed I Elsaid
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Center for Biostatistics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Na Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Stephen A Firkins
- Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Vinod K Rustgi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
- Center for Liver Diseases and Masses, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Electra D Paskett
- Division of Population Sciences, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Chathur Acharya
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - K Rajender Reddy
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Chien Wei Chiang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Khalid Mumtaz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Quiroz-Aldave JE, Gamarra-Osorio ER, Durand-Vásquez MDC, Rafael-Robles LDP, Gonzáles-Yovera JG, Quispe-Flores MA, Concepción-Urteaga LA, Román-González A, Paz-Ibarra J, Concepción-Zavaleta MJ. From liver to hormones: The endocrine consequences of cirrhosis. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:1073-1095. [PMID: 38577191 PMCID: PMC10989500 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i9.1073] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocrinology explores the intricate relationship between liver function and the endocrine system. Chronic liver diseases such as liver cirrhosis can cause endocrine disorders due to toxin accumulation and protein synthesis disruption. Despite its importance, assessing endocrine issues in cirrhotic patients is frequently neglected. This article provides a comprehensive review of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of endocrine disturbances in liver cirrhosis. The review was conducted using the PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, and Scielo databases, encompassing 172 articles. Liver cirrhosis is associated with endocrine disturbances, including diabetes, hypoglycemia, sarcopenia, thyroid dysfunction, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, bone disease, adrenal insufficiency, growth hormone dysfunction, and secondary hyperaldosteronism. The optimal tools for diagnosing diabetes and detecting hypoglycemia are the oral glucose tolerance test and continuous glucose monitoring system, respectively. Sarcopenia can be assessed through imaging and functional tests, while other endocrine disorders are evaluated using hormonal assays and imaging studies. Treatment options include metformin, glucagon-like peptide-1 analogs, sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors, and insulin, which are effective and safe for diabetes control. Established standards are followed for managing hypoglycemia, and hormone replacement therapy is often necessary for other endocrine dysfunctions. Liver transplantation can address some of these problems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alejandro Román-González
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Universitario de San Vicente Fundación, Medellin 050010, Colombia
- Internal Medicine, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia
| | - José Paz-Ibarra
- School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15081, Peru
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins, Lima 15072, Peru
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Arvanitakis K, Koufakis T, Kalopitas G, Papadakos SP, Kotsa K, Germanidis G. Management of type 2 diabetes in patients with compensated liver cirrhosis: Short of evidence, plenty of potential. Diabetes Metab Syndr 2024; 18:102935. [PMID: 38163417 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2023.102935] [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: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in patients with compensated cirrhosis is challenging due to hypoglycemic risk, altered pharmacokinetics, and the lack of robust evidence on the risk/benefit ratio of various drugs. Suboptimal glycemic control accelerates the progression of cirrhosis, while the frequent coexistence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with T2D highlights the need for a multifactorial therapeutic approach. METHODS A literature search was performed in Medline, Google Scholar and Scopus databases till July 2023, using relevant keywords to extract studies regarding the management of T2D in patients with compensated cirrhosis. RESULTS Metformin, sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) are promising treatment options for patients with T2D and compensated liver cirrhosis, offering good glycemic control with minimal risk of hypoglycemia, while their pleiotropic actions confer benefits on NAFLD and body weight, and decrease cardiorenal risk. Sulfonylureas cause hypoglycemia, thus should be avoided, while in specific studies, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors have been correlated with increased risk of decompensation and variceal bleeding. Despite the benefits of thiazolidinediones in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, concerns about edema and weight gain limit their use in compensated cirrhosis. Insulin does not exert hepatotoxic effects and can be administered safely in combination with other drugs; however, the risk of hypoglycemia should be considered. CONCLUSIONS The introduction of new hepatoprotective diabetes drugs into clinical practice, including tirzepatide, SGLT2i, and GLP-1 RA, sets the stage for future trials to investigate the ideal therapeutic regimen for people with T2D and compensated cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Arvanitakis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636, Thessaloniki, Greece; Basic and Translational Research Unit, Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Theocharis Koufakis
- Second Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54642, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Kalopitas
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636, Thessaloniki, Greece; Basic and Translational Research Unit, Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stavros P Papadakos
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Kotsa
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism and Diabetes Centre, First Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA University Hospital, 54636, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Germanidis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636, Thessaloniki, Greece; Basic and Translational Research Unit, Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Jiang H, Zang L. GLP-1/GLP-1RAs: New Options for the Drug Treatment of NAFLD. Curr Pharm Des 2024; 30:100-114. [PMID: 38532322 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128283153231226103218] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has recently emerged as a global public health concern. Currently, the cornerstone of NAFLD treatment is lifestyle modification and, if necessary, weight loss. However, compliance is a challenge, and this approach alone may not be sufficient to halt and treat the more serious disease development, so medication is urgently needed. Nevertheless, no medicines are approved to treat NAFLD. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an enteropeptide hormone that inhibits glucagon synthesis, promotes insulin secretion, and delays gastric emptying. GLP-1 has been found in recent studies to be beneficial for the management of NAFLD, and the marketed GLP-1 agonist drugs have different degrees of effectiveness for NAFLD while lowering blood glucose. In this article, we review GLP-1 and its physiological roles, the pathogenesis of NAFLD, the correlation between NAFLD and GLP-1 signaling, and potential strategies for GLP-1 treatment of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Jiang
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Linquan Zang
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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