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Iwaki M, Yoneda M, Wada N, Otani T, Kobayashi T, Nogami A, Saito S, Nakajima A. Emerging drugs for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2024; 29:127-137. [PMID: 38469871 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2024.2328036] [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: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Approved drug therapies for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are lacking, for which various agents are currently being tested in clinical trials. Effective drugs for liver fibrosis, the factor most associated with prognosis in NASH, are important. AREAS COVERED This study reviewed the treatment of NASH with a focus on the effects of existing drugs and new drugs on liver fibrosis. EXPERT OPINION Considering the complex pathophysiology of fibrosis in NASH, drug therapy may target multiple pathways. The method of assessing fibrosis is important when considering treatment for liver fibrosis in NASH. The Food and Drug Administration considers an important fibrosis endpoint to be histological improvement in at least one fibrosis stage while preventing worsening of fatty hepatitis. To obtain approval as a drug for NASH, efficacy needs to be demonstrated on endpoints such as liver-related events and myocardial infarction. Among the current therapeutic agents for NASH, thiazolidinedione, sodium-glucose co-transporter 2, and selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors α modulator have been reported to be effective against fibrosis, although further evidence is required. The effects of pan-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, obeticholic acid, and fibroblast growth factor-21 analogs on liver fibrosis in the development stage therapeutics for NASH are of particular interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michihiro Iwaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Masato Yoneda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Naohiro Wada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Otani
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Takashi Kobayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Asako Nogami
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Satoru Saito
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sanno Hospital, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Nakajima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
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2
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Fu Y, Wang Z, Qin H. Examining the Pathogenesis of MAFLD and the Medicinal Properties of Natural Products from a Metabolic Perspective. Metabolites 2024; 14:218. [PMID: 38668346 PMCID: PMC11052500 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14040218] [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: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), characterized primarily by hepatic steatosis, has become the most prevalent liver disease worldwide, affecting approximately two-fifths of the global population. The pathogenesis of MAFLD is extremely complex, and to date, there are no approved therapeutic drugs for clinical use. Considerable evidence indicates that various metabolic disorders play a pivotal role in the progression of MAFLD, including lipids, carbohydrates, amino acids, and micronutrients. In recent years, the medicinal properties of natural products have attracted widespread attention, and numerous studies have reported their efficacy in ameliorating metabolic disorders and subsequently alleviating MAFLD. This review aims to summarize the metabolic-associated pathological mechanisms of MAFLD, as well as the natural products that regulate metabolic pathways to alleviate MAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hong Qin
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410006, China; (Y.F.); (Z.W.)
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3
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Deng B, Kong W, Shen X, Han C, Zhao Z, Chen S, Zhou C, Bae-Jump V. The role of DGAT1 and DGAT2 in regulating tumor cell growth and their potential clinical implications. J Transl Med 2024; 22:290. [PMID: 38500157 PMCID: PMC10946154 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05084-z] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Lipid metabolism is widely reprogrammed in tumor cells. Lipid droplet is a common organelle existing in most mammal cells, and its complex and dynamic functions in maintaining redox and metabolic balance, regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress, modulating chemoresistance, and providing essential biomolecules and ATP have been well established in tumor cells. The balance between lipid droplet formation and catabolism is critical to maintaining energy metabolism in tumor cells, while the process of energy metabolism affects various functions essential for tumor growth. The imbalance of synthesis and catabolism of fatty acids in tumor cells leads to the alteration of lipid droplet content in tumor cells. Diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 and diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2, the enzymes that catalyze the final step of triglyceride synthesis, participate in the formation of lipid droplets in tumor cells and in the regulation of cell proliferation, migration and invasion, chemoresistance, and prognosis in tumor. Several diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 and diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 inhibitors have been developed over the past decade and have shown anti-tumor effects in preclinical tumor models and improvement of metabolism in clinical trials. In this review, we highlight key features of fatty acid metabolism and different paradigms of diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 and diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 activities on cell proliferation, migration, chemoresistance, and prognosis in tumor, with the hope that these scientific findings will have potential clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boer Deng
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Weimin Kong
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Xiaochang Shen
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Chao Han
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziyi Zhao
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Shuning Chen
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Chunxiao Zhou
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - Victoria Bae-Jump
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
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4
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Wei S, Wang L, Evans PC, Xu S. NAFLD and NASH: etiology, targets and emerging therapies. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:103910. [PMID: 38301798 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.103910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) pose a significant threat to human health and cause a tremendous socioeconomic burden. Currently, the molecular mechanisms of NAFLD and NASH remain incompletely understood, and no effective pharmacotherapies have been approved. In the past five years, significant advances have been achieved in our understanding of the pathomechanisms and potential pharmacotherapies of NAFLD and NASH. Research advances include the investigation of the effects of the fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) analog pegozafermin and the thyroid hormone receptor-β (THRβ) agonist resmetriom on hepatic fat content, NASH resolution and/or fibrosis regression. Future directions of NAFLD and NASH research (including combination therapy, organoids and humanized mouse models) are also discussed in this state-of-the-art review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shulin Wei
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China; Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, China
| | - Paul C Evans
- Centre for Biochemical Pharmacology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Suowen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
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5
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Sawant‐Basak A, Bergman AJ, Mancuso J, Tripathy S, Gosset JR, Mendes da Costa L, Esler WP, Calle RA. Investigation of pharmacokinetic drug interaction between clesacostat and DGAT2 inhibitor ervogastat in healthy adult participants. Clin Transl Sci 2024; 17:e13687. [PMID: 38362827 PMCID: PMC10870243 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Co-administration of clesacostat (acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitor, PF-05221304) and ervogastat (diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase inhibitor, PF-06865571) in laboratory models improved non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) end points and mitigated clesacostat-induced elevations in circulating triglycerides. Clesacostat is cleared via organic anion-transporting polypeptide-mediated hepatic uptake and cytochrome P450 family 3A (CYP3A); in vitro clesacostat is identified as a potential CYP3A time-dependent inactivator. In vitro ervogastat is identified as a substrate and potential inducer of CYP3A. Prior to longer-term efficacy trials in participants with NAFLD, safety and pharmacokinetics (PK) were evaluated in a phase I, non-randomized, open-label, fixed-sequence trial in healthy participants. In Cohort 1, participants (n = 7) received clesacostat 15 mg twice daily (b.i.d.) alone (Days 1-7) and co-administered with ervogastat 300 mg b.i.d. (Days 8-14). Mean systemic clesacostat exposures, when co-administered with ervogastat, decreased by 12% and 19%, based on maximum plasma drug concentration and area under the plasma drug concentration-time curve during the dosing interval, respectively. In Cohort 2, participants (n = 9) received ervogastat 300 mg b.i.d. alone (Days 1-7) and co-administered with clesacostat 15 mg b.i.d. (Days 8-14). There were no meaningful differences in systemic ervogastat exposures when administered alone or with clesacostat. Clesacostat 15 mg b.i.d. and ervogastat 300 mg b.i.d. co-administration was overall safe and well tolerated in healthy participants. Cumulative safety and no clinically meaningful PK drug interactions observed in this study supported co-administration of these two novel agents in additional studies exploring efficacy and safety in the management of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarti Sawant‐Basak
- Clinical Pharmacology, Early Clinical DevelopmentWorldwide Research, Development and Medical, Pfizer Inc.CambridgeMassachusettsUSA
| | - Arthur J. Bergman
- Clinical Pharmacology, Early Clinical DevelopmentWorldwide Research, Development and Medical, Pfizer Inc.CambridgeMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jessica Mancuso
- Statistics, Early Clinical DevelopmentWorldwide Research, Development and Medical, Pfizer Inc.CambridgeMassachusettsUSA
| | - Sakambari Tripathy
- Clinical Assay GroupGlobal Product Development, Pfizer Inc.GrotonConnecticutUSA
| | - James R. Gosset
- Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics and Metabolism, Medicine DesignWorldwide Research, Development and Medical, Pfizer Inc.CambridgeMassachusettsUSA
| | | | - William P. Esler
- Internal Medicine Research UnitWorldwide Research, Development and Medical, Pfizer Inc.CambridgeMassachusettsUSA
| | - Roberto A. Calle
- Internal Medicine Research UnitWorldwide Research, Development and Medical, Pfizer Inc.CambridgeMassachusettsUSA
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6
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Esler WP, Cohen DE. Pharmacologic inhibition of lipogenesis for the treatment of NAFLD. J Hepatol 2024; 80:362-377. [PMID: 37977245 PMCID: PMC10842769 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.10.042] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The hepatic accumulation of excess triglycerides is a seminal event in the initiation and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Hepatic steatosis occurs when the hepatic accrual of fatty acids from the plasma and de novo lipogenesis (DNL) is no longer balanced by rates of fatty acid oxidation and secretion of very low-density lipoprotein-triglycerides. Accumulating data indicate that increased rates of DNL are central to the development of hepatic steatosis in NAFLD. Whereas the main drivers in NAFLD are transcriptional, owing to both hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycaemia, the effectors of DNL are a series of well-characterised enzymes. Several have proven amenable to pharmacologic inhibition or oligonucleotide-mediated knockdown, with lead compounds showing liver fat-lowering efficacy in phase II clinical trials. In humans with NAFLD, percent reductions in liver fat have closely mirrored percent inhibition of DNL, thereby affirming the critical contributions of DNL to NAFLD pathogenesis. The safety profiles of these compounds have so far been encouraging. It is anticipated that inhibitors of DNL, when administered alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents, will become important agents in the management of human NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- William P Esler
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Worldwide Research Development and Medical, Cambridge, MA 02139 United States.
| | - David E Cohen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 United States.
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7
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Sharma AK, Wolfrum C. DGAT inhibition at the post-absorptive phase reduces plasma FA by increasing FA oxidation. EMBO Mol Med 2023; 15:e18209. [PMID: 37789773 PMCID: PMC10630880 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202318209] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In this Correspondence, A. Sharma & C. Wolfrum report that DGAT1/2 pharmacological inhibition at post-absorptive phase in mice leads to increased fatty acid oxidation and reduced plasma fatty acid levels, which could open new therapeutic avenues to avoid GI complications observed in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand Kumar Sharma
- Laboratory of Translational Nutrition BiologyInstitute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH ZurichSchwerzenbachSwitzerland
| | - Christian Wolfrum
- Laboratory of Translational Nutrition BiologyInstitute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH ZurichSchwerzenbachSwitzerland
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8
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Filipski KJ, Edmonds DJ, Garnsey MR, Smaltz DJ, Coffman K, Futatsugi K, Lee J, O’Neil SV, Wright A, Nason D, Gosset JR, Orozco CC, Blackler D, Fakhoury G, Gutierrez JA, Perez S, Ross T, Stock I, Tesz G, Dullea R. Design of Next-Generation DGAT2 Inhibitor PF-07202954 with Longer Predicted Half-Life. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:1427-1433. [PMID: 37849537 PMCID: PMC10577701 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00330] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2) inhibitors have been shown to lower liver triglyceride content and are being explored clinically as a treatment for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This work details efforts to find an extended-half-life DGAT2 inhibitor. A basic moiety was added to a known inhibitor template, and the basicity and lipophilicity were fine-tuned by the addition of electrophilic fluorines. A weakly basic profile was required to find an appropriate balance of potency, clearance, and permeability. This work culminated in the discovery of PF-07202954 (12), a weakly basic DGAT2 inhibitor that has advanced to clinical studies. This molecule displays a higher volume of distribution and longer half-life in preclinical species, in keeping with its physicochemical profile, and lowers liver triglyceride content in a Western-diet-fed rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J. Filipski
- Pfizer
Research & Development, 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - David J. Edmonds
- Pfizer
Research & Development, 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Michelle R. Garnsey
- Pfizer
Research & Development, 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Pfizer
Research & Development, 558 Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Daniel J. Smaltz
- Pfizer
Research & Development, 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Pfizer
Research & Development, 558 Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Karen Coffman
- Pfizer
Research & Development, 558 Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Kentaro Futatsugi
- Pfizer
Research & Development, 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Jack Lee
- Pfizer
Research & Development, 558 Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Steven V. O’Neil
- Pfizer
Research & Development, 558 Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Ann Wright
- Pfizer
Research & Development, 558 Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Deane Nason
- Pfizer
Research & Development, 558 Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - James R. Gosset
- Pfizer
Research & Development, 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Christine C. Orozco
- Pfizer
Research & Development, 558 Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Dan Blackler
- Pfizer
Research & Development, 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Guila Fakhoury
- Pfizer
Research & Development, 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Jemy A. Gutierrez
- Pfizer
Research & Development, 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Sylvie Perez
- Pfizer
Research & Development, 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Trenton Ross
- Pfizer
Research & Development, 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Ingrid Stock
- Pfizer
Research & Development, 558 Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Gregory Tesz
- Pfizer
Research & Development, 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Robert Dullea
- Pfizer
Research & Development, 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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Cuciureanu M, Caratașu CC, Gabrielian L, Frăsinariu OE, Checheriță LE, Trandafir LM, Stanciu GD, Szilagyi A, Pogonea I, Bordeianu G, Soroceanu RP, Andrițoiu CV, Anghel MM, Munteanu D, Cernescu IT, Tamba BI. 360-Degree Perspectives on Obesity. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1119. [PMID: 37374323 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59061119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Alarming statistics show that the number of people affected by excessive weight has surpassed 2 billion, representing approximately 30% of the world's population. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of one of the most serious public health problems, considering that obesity requires an integrative approach that takes into account its complex etiology, including genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Only an understanding of the connections between the many contributors to obesity and the synergy between treatment interventions can ensure satisfactory outcomes in reducing obesity. Mechanisms such as oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and dysbiosis play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of obesity and its associated complications. Compounding factors such as the deleterious effects of stress, the novel challenge posed by the obesogenic digital (food) environment, and the stigma associated with obesity should not be overlooked. Preclinical research in animal models has been instrumental in elucidating these mechanisms, and translation into clinical practice has provided promising therapeutic options, including epigenetic approaches, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery. However, more studies are necessary to discover new compounds that target key metabolic pathways, innovative ways to deliver the drugs, the optimal combinations of lifestyle interventions with allopathic treatments, and, last but not least, emerging biological markers for effective monitoring. With each passing day, the obesity crisis tightens its grip, threatening not only individual lives but also burdening healthcare systems and societies at large. It is high time we took action as we confront the urgent imperative to address this escalating global health challenge head-on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Cuciureanu
- Department of Pharmacology, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Cătălin-Cezar Caratașu
- Department of Pharmacology, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Center for Advanced Research and Development in Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Levon Gabrielian
- Department of Anatomy and Pathology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | - Otilia Elena Frăsinariu
- Department of Mother and Child, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Laura Elisabeta Checheriță
- 2nd Dental Medicine Department, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Laura Mihaela Trandafir
- Department of Mother and Child, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Gabriela Dumitrița Stanciu
- Center for Advanced Research and Development in Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Andrei Szilagyi
- Center for Advanced Research and Development in Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ina Pogonea
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, "Nicolae Testemiţanu" State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2004 Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Gabriela Bordeianu
- Department of Biochemistry, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Radu Petru Soroceanu
- Department of Surgery, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Călin Vasile Andrițoiu
- Specialization of Nutrition and Dietetics, "Vasile Goldis" Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania
| | - Maria Mihalache Anghel
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, "Nicolae Testemiţanu" State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2004 Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Diana Munteanu
- Institute of Mother and Child, "Nicolae Testemiţanu" State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2062 Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Irina Teodora Cernescu
- Department of Pharmacology, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Bogdan Ionel Tamba
- Department of Pharmacology, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Center for Advanced Research and Development in Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
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