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Carvalho MBD, Jorge GMCP, Zanardo LW, Hamada LM, Izabel LDS, Santoro S, Magdalon J. The role of FGF19 in metabolic regulation: insights from preclinical models to clinical trials. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2024; 327:E279-E289. [PMID: 39017679 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00156.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) is a hormone synthesized in enterocytes in response to bile acids. This review explores the pivotal role of FGF19 in metabolism, addressing the urgent global health concern of obesity and its associated pathologies, notably type 2 diabetes. The intriguing inverse correlation between FGF19 and body mass or visceral adiposity, as well as its rapid increase following bariatric surgery, emphasizes its potential as a therapeutic target. This article meticulously examines the impact of FGF19 on metabolism by gathering evidence primarily derived from studies conducted in animal models or cell lines, using both FGF19 treatment and genetic modifications. Overall, these studies demonstrate that FGF19 has antidiabetic and antiobesogenic effects. A thorough examination across metabolic tissues, including the liver, adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and the central nervous system, is conducted, unraveling the intricate interplay of FGF19 across diverse organs. Moreover, we provide a comprehensive overview of clinical trials involving an FGF19 analog called aldafermin, emphasizing promising results in diseases such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and diabetes. Therefore, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of FGF19 role and encourage further exploration of its clinical applications, thereby advancing the field and offering innovative approaches to address the escalating global health challenge of obesity and related metabolic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Botelho de Carvalho
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Luiza Wolf Zanardo
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leticia Miho Hamada
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Larissa Dos Santos Izabel
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Juliana Magdalon
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
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Singal AK, Shah VH, Malhi H. Emerging targets for therapy in ALD: Lessons from NASH. Hepatology 2024; 80:223-237. [PMID: 36938877 PMCID: PMC10511666 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol-associated liver disease due to harmful alcohol use and NAFLD associated with metabolic syndrome are the 2 most common liver diseases worldwide. Control of respective risk factors is the cornerstone in the long-term management of these diseases. Furthermore, there are no effective therapies. Both diseases are characterized by metabolic derangements; thus, the focus of this review was to broaden our understanding of metabolic targets investigated in NAFLD, and how these can be applied to alcohol-associated liver disease. Conserved pathogenic pathways such as dysregulated lipid metabolism, cell death pathways including apoptosis and activation of innate immune cells, and stellate cells mediate both alcohol and NAFLDs, resulting in histological abnormalities of steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. However, pathways such as gut microbiome changes, glucose metabolism and insulin resistance, inflammatory signaling, and microRNA abnormalities are distinct in these 2 diseases. In this review article, we describe conserved and distinct pathogenic pathways highlighting therapeutic targets that may be of potential in both diseases and those that are unique to each disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwani K. Singal
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Avera Transplant Institute, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
- VA Medical Center, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
| | - Vijay H. Shah
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Harmeet Malhi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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3
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Ali FEM, Abdel-Reheim MA, Hassanein EHM, Abd El-Aziz MK, Althagafy HS, Badran KSA. Exploring the potential of drug repurposing for liver diseases: A comprehensive study. Life Sci 2024; 347:122642. [PMID: 38641047 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Drug repurposing involves the investigation of existing drugs for new indications. It offers a great opportunity to quickly identify a new drug candidate at a lower cost than novel discovery and development. Despite the importance and potential role of drug repurposing, there is no specific definition that healthcare providers and the World Health Organization credit. Unfortunately, many similar and interchangeable concepts are being used in the literature, making it difficult to collect and analyze uniform data on repurposed drugs. This research was conducted based on understanding general criteria for drug repurposing, concentrating on liver diseases. Many drugs have been investigated for their effect on liver diseases even though they were originally approved (or on their way to being approved) for other diseases. Some of the hypotheses for drug repurposing were first captured from the literature and then processed further to test the hypothesis. Recently, with the revolution in bioinformatics techniques, scientists have started to use drug libraries and computer systems that can analyze hundreds of drugs to give a short list of candidates to be analyzed pharmacologically. However, this study revealed that drug repurposing is a potential aid that may help deal with liver diseases. It provides available or under-investigated drugs that could help treat hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, Wilson disease, liver cancer, and fatty liver. However, many further studies are needed to ensure the efficacy of these drugs on a large scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fares E M Ali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt; Michael Sayegh, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aqaba University of Technology, Aqaba 77110, Jordan
| | - Mustafa Ahmed Abdel-Reheim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Shaqra University, Shaqra 11961, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef 62521, Egypt.
| | - Emad H M Hassanein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt.
| | - Mostafa K Abd El-Aziz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | - Hanan S Althagafy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid S A Badran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt
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4
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Zhang W, Wu H, Luo S, Lu X, Tan X, Wen L, Ma X, Efferth T. Molecular insights into experimental models and therapeutics for cholestasis. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116594. [PMID: 38615607 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cholestatic liver disease (CLD) is a range of conditions caused by the accumulation of bile acids (BAs) or disruptions in bile flow, which can harm the liver and bile ducts. To investigate its pathogenesis and treatment, it is essential to establish and assess experimental models of cholestasis, which have significant clinical value. However, owing to the complex pathogenesis of cholestasis, a single modelling method can merely reflect one or a few pathological mechanisms, and each method has its adaptability and limitations. We summarize the existing experimental models of cholestasis, including animal models, gene-knockout models, cell models, and organoid models. We also describe the main types of cholestatic disease simulated clinically. This review provides an overview of targeted therapy used for treating cholestasis based on the current research status of cholestasis models. In addition, we discuss the respective advantages and disadvantages of different models of cholestasis to help establish experimental models that resemble clinical disease conditions. In sum, this review not only outlines the current research with cholestasis models but also projects prospects for clinical treatment, thereby bridging basic research and practical therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hefei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Shiman Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaohua Lu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Xiyue Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Wen
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
| | - Xiao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.
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5
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Jiang Y, Wu L, Zhu X, Bian H, Gao X, Xia M. Advances in management of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: from mechanisms to therapeutics. Lipids Health Dis 2024; 23:95. [PMID: 38566209 PMCID: PMC10985930 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-024-02092-2] [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: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease that affects over 30% of the world's population. For decades, the heterogeneity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has impeded our understanding of the disease mechanism and the development of effective medications. However, a recent change in the nomenclature from NAFLD to MASLD emphasizes the critical role of systemic metabolic dysfunction in the pathophysiology of this disease and therefore promotes the progress in the pharmaceutical treatment of MASLD. In this review, we focus on the mechanism underlying the abnormality of hepatic lipid metabolism in patients with MASLD, and summarize the latest progress in the therapeutic medications of MASLD that target metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiao Jiang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Zhongshan Hospital and Fudan Institute for Metabolic Diseases, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Rd, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lili Wu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Zhongshan Hospital and Fudan Institute for Metabolic Diseases, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Rd, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Integrated Medicine, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaopeng Zhu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Zhongshan Hospital and Fudan Institute for Metabolic Diseases, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Rd, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hua Bian
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Zhongshan Hospital and Fudan Institute for Metabolic Diseases, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Rd, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xin Gao
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Zhongshan Hospital and Fudan Institute for Metabolic Diseases, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Rd, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Mingfeng Xia
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Zhongshan Hospital and Fudan Institute for Metabolic Diseases, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Rd, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Wusong Branch of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Rinella ME, Lieu HD, Kowdley KV, Goodman ZD, Alkhouri N, Lawitz E, Ratziu V, Abdelmalek MF, Wong VWS, Younes ZH, Sheikh AM, Brannan D, Freilich B, Membreno F, Sinclair M, Melchor-Khan L, Sanyal AJ, Ling L, Harrison SA. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of aldafermin in patients with NASH and compensated cirrhosis. Hepatology 2024; 79:674-689. [PMID: 37732990 PMCID: PMC10871650 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Aldafermin, an engineered analog of the human hormone FGF19, improves liver histology in patients with noncirrhotic NASH; however, its efficacy and safety in compensated cirrhosis is unknown. No drug has yet to demonstrate benefit in the compensated NASH population. APPROACH AND RESULTS In this multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2b trial, 160 patients with compensated NASH cirrhosis were randomized to aldafermin 0.3 mg (n = 7), 1 mg (n = 42), 3 mg (n = 55), or placebo (n = 56) for 48 weeks. The 0.3 mg group was discontinued to limit exposure to suboptimal doses. The primary end point was a change in Enhanced Liver Fibrosis from baseline to week 48. The analyses were performed in the intention-to-treat population. At week 48, the least-squares mean difference in the change in Enhanced Liver Fibrosis was -0.5 (95% CI, -0.7 to -0.2; p = 0.0003) between the 3 mg group and the placebo group. 15%, 21%, and 23% of patients in the placebo, 1 mg, and 3 mg group, respectively, achieved fibrosis improvement ≥ 1 stage; and 13%, 16%, and 20% achieved fibrosis improvement ≥ 1 stage without NASH worsening. Improvement in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, neoepitope-specific N-terminal pro-peptide of type III collagen, and liver stiffness favored aldefermin groups over placebo. Diarrhea was the most frequent adverse event, occurring at 26% and 40% in the 1 mg and 3 mg groups, respectively, compared to 18% in the placebo group. Overall, 0%, 2%, and 9% of patients in the placebo, 1 mg, and 3 mg group, respectively, discontinued due to treatment-related adverse events. CONCLUSIONS Aldafermin 3 mg resulted in a significant reduction in Enhanced Liver Fibrosis in patients with compensated NASH cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E. Rinella
- University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Hsiao D. Lieu
- NGM Biopharmaceuticals, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kris V. Kowdley
- Washington State University, Spokane, Washington, USA
- Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | | | - Eric Lawitz
- Texas Liver Institute, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Vlad Ratziu
- Sorbonne Université, ICAN Institute for Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, INSERM UMRS 1138 CRC
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Arun J. Sanyal
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Lei Ling
- NGM Biopharmaceuticals, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Stephen A. Harrison
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Pinnacle Clinical Research, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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7
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Li X, Lu W, Kharitonenkov A, Luo Y. Targeting the FGF19-FGFR4 pathway for cholestatic, metabolic, and cancerous diseases. J Intern Med 2024; 295:292-312. [PMID: 38212977 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Human fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19, or FGF15 in rodents) plays a central role in controlling bile acid (BA) synthesis through a negative feedback mechanism. This process involves a postprandial crosstalk between the BA-activated ileal farnesoid X receptor and the hepatic Klotho beta (KLB) coreceptor complexed with fibrobalst growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) kinase. Additionally, FGF19 regulates glucose, lipid, and energy metabolism by coordinating responses from functional KLB and FGFR1-3 receptor complexes on the periphery. Pharmacologically, native FGF19 or its analogs decrease elevated BA levels, fat content, and collateral tissue damage. This makes them effective in treating both cholestatic diseases such as primary biliary or sclerosing cholangitis (PBC or PSC) and metabolic abnormalities such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, chronic administration of FGF19 drives oncogenesis in mice by activating the FGFR4-dependent mitogenic or hepatic regenerative pathway, which could be a concern in humans. Agents that block FGF19 or FGFR4 signaling have shown great potency in preventing FGF19-responsive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development in animal models. Recent phase 1/2 clinical trials have demonstrated promising results for several FGF19-based agents in selectively treating patients with PBC, PSC, NASH, or HCC. This review aims to provide an update on the clinical development of both analogs and antagonists targeting the FGF19-FGFR4 signaling pathway for patients with cholestatic, metabolic, and cancer diseases. We will also analyze potential safety and mechanistic concerns that should guide future research and advanced trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokun Li
- School of Pharmacological Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weiqin Lu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, USA
| | | | - Yongde Luo
- School of Pharmacological Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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8
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Zhou C, Pan X, Huang L, Wu T, Zhao T, Qi J, Wu J, Mukondiwa AV, Tang Y, Luo Y, Tu Q, Huang Z, Niu J. Fibroblast growth factor 21 ameliorates cholestatic liver injury via a hepatic FGFR4-JNK pathway. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:166870. [PMID: 37696161 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Cholestasis is characterized by hepatic accumulation of cytotoxic bile acids (BAs), which often subsequently leads to liver injury, inflammation, fibrosis, and liver cirrhosis. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a liver-secreted hormone with pleiotropic effects on the homeostasis of glucose, lipid, and energy metabolism. However, whether hepatic FGF21 plays a role in cholestatic liver injury remains elusive. We found that serum and hepatic FGF21 levels were significantly increased in response to cholestatic liver injury. Hepatocyte-specific deletion of Fgf21 exacerbated hepatic accumulation of BAs, further accentuating liver injury. Consistently, administration of rFGF21 ameliorated cholestatic liver injury caused by α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) treatment and Mdr2 deficiency. Mechanically, FGF21 activated a hepatic FGFR4-JNK signaling pathway to decrease Cyp7a1 expression, thereby reducing hepatic BAs pool. Our study demonstrates that hepatic FGF21 functions as an adaptive stress-responsive signal to downregulate BA biosynthesis, thereby ameliorating cholestatic liver injury, and FGF21 analogs may represent a candidate therapy for cholestatic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanren Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Xiaomin Pan
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Lei Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Tianzhen Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Tiantian Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Jie Qi
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China; Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Jiamin Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Alan Vengai Mukondiwa
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Yuli Tang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Yongde Luo
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Qi Tu
- Hangzhou Biomedical Research Institute, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China.
| | - Zhifeng Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China; Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China.
| | - Jianlou Niu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China.
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Pais R, Cariou B, Noureddin M, Francque S, Schattenberg JM, Abdelmalek MF, Lalazar G, Varma S, Dietrich J, Miller V, Sanyal A, Ratziu V. A proposal from the liver forum for the management of comorbidities in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis therapeutic trials. J Hepatol 2023; 79:829-841. [PMID: 37001695 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The current document has been developed by the Liver Forum who mandated the NAFLD-Associated Comorbidities Working Group - a multistakeholder group comprised of experts from academic medicine, industry and patient associations - to identify aspects of diverse comorbidities frequently associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) that can interfere with the conduct of therapeutic trials and, in particular, impact efficacy and safety results. The objective of this paper is to propose guidance for the management of relevant comorbidities in both candidates and actual participants in NASH therapeutic trials. We relied on specific guidelines from scientific societies, when available, but adapted them to the particulars of NASH trials with the aim of addressing multiple interacting requirements such as maintaining patient safety, reaching holistic therapeutic objectives, minimising confounding effects on efficacy and safety of investigational agents and allowing for trial completion. We divided the field of action into: first, analysis and stabilisation of the patient's condition before inclusion in the trial and, second, management of comorbidities during trial conduct. For the former, we discussed the concept of acceptable vs. optimal control of comorbidities, defined metabolic and ponderal stability prior to randomisation and weighed the pros and cons of a run-in period. For the latter, we analysed non-hepatological comorbid conditions for changes or acute events possibly occurring during the trial, including changes in alcohol consumption, in order to detail when specific interventions are necessary and how best to manage concomitant drug intake in line with methodological constraints. These recommendations are intended to act as a guide for clinical trialists and are open to further refinement when additional data become available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raluca Pais
- Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, France; Centre de Recherche Saint Antoine, INSERM UMRS_938 Paris, France
| | - Bertrand Cariou
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, l'institut du Thorax, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | | | - Sven Francque
- Department of Gastroenterology Hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, Drie Eikenstraat 655, B-2650 Edegem, Belgium; InflaMed Centre of Excellence, Laboratory for Experimental Medicine and Paediatrics, Translational Sciences in Inflammation and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Belgium
| | - Jörn M Schattenberg
- Metabolic Liver Research Program, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Manal F Abdelmalek
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Gadi Lalazar
- Liver Unit, Digestive Disease Institute, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sharat Varma
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Vandtårnsvej 108-110, 2860 Søborg Denmark
| | - Julie Dietrich
- GENFIT, Parc Eurasanté 885, Avenue Eugène Avinée, 59120, Loos, France
| | - Veronica Miller
- Forum for Collaborative Research, University of California Berkeley School of Public Health, Washington D.C., USA
| | - Arun Sanyal
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Vlad Ratziu
- Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, France; INSERM UMRS 1138 CRC, Paris, France.
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10
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BouSaba J, Torres M, Dilmaghani S, Harmsen WS, Ling L, Camilleri M. Effects of FGF19 Analogue Aldafermin in Patients With Bile Acid Diarrhea: A Randomized, Placebo-Control Trial. Gastroenterology 2023; 165:499-501.e4. [PMID: 37084852 PMCID: PMC10524746 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2023.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Joelle BouSaba
- Clinical Enteric Neuroscience Translational and Epidemiological Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Monique Torres
- Clinical Enteric Neuroscience Translational and Epidemiological Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Saam Dilmaghani
- Clinical Enteric Neuroscience Translational and Epidemiological Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - W Scott Harmsen
- Clinical Enteric Neuroscience Translational and Epidemiological Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Lei Ling
- NGM Biopharmaceuticals, South San Francisco, California
| | - Michael Camilleri
- Clinical Enteric Neuroscience Translational and Epidemiological Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
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11
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Amatya R, Lee D, Min KA, Shin MC. Pharmaceutical Strategies to Improve Druggability of Potential Drug Candidates in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1963. [PMID: 37514148 PMCID: PMC10386216 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become globally prevalent and is the leading cause of chronic liver disease. Although NAFLD is reversible without medical intervention in the early stage, the condition could be sequentially worsened to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and, eventually, cirrhosis and hepatic cancer. The progression of NAFLD is related to various factors such as genetics, pre-disposed metabolic disorders, and immunologic factors. Thankfully, to date, there have been accumulating research efforts and, as a result, different classes of potent drug candidates have been discovered. In addition, there have also been various attempts to explore pharmaceutical strategies to improve the druggability of drug candidates. In this review, we provided a brief overview of the drug candidates that have undergone clinical trials. In the latter part, strategies for developing better drugs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reeju Amatya
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, 501 Jinju Daero, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Donghee Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, 501 Jinju Daero, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung Ah Min
- College of Pharmacy and Inje Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Inje University, 197 Injero, Gimhae 50834, Republic of Korea
| | - Meong Cheol Shin
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, 501 Jinju Daero, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
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12
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Aaldijk AS, Verzijl CRC, Jonker JW, Struik D. Biological and pharmacological functions of the FGF19- and FGF21-coreceptor beta klotho. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1150222. [PMID: 37260446 PMCID: PMC10229096 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1150222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Beta klotho (KLB) is a fundamental component in fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling as it serves as an obligatory coreceptor for the endocrine hormones fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). Through the development of FGF19- and FGF21 mimetics, KLB has emerged as a promising drug target for treating various metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and cardiovascular disease. While rodent studies have significantly increased our understanding of KLB function, current clinical trials that test the safety and efficacy of KLB-targeting drugs raise many new scientific questions about human KLB biology. Although most KLB-targeting drugs can modulate disease activity in humans, individual patient responses differ substantially. In addition, species-specific differences in KLB tissue distribution may explain why the glucose-lowering effects that were observed in preclinical studies are not fully replicated in clinical trials. Besides, the long-term efficacy of KLB-targeting drugs might be limited by various pathophysiological conditions known to reduce the expression of KLB. Moreover, FGF19/FGF21 administration in humans is also associated with gastrointestinal side effects, which are currently unexplained. A better understanding of human KLB biology could help to improve the efficacy and safety of existing or novel KLB/FGFR-targeting drugs. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of KLB biology, including genetic variants and their phenotypic associations, transcriptional regulation, protein structure, tissue distribution, subcellular localization, and function. In addition, we will highlight recent developments regarding the safety and efficacy of KLB-targeting drugs in clinical trials. These insights may direct the development and testing of existing and future KLB-targeting drugs.
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13
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Drexler S, Cai C, Hartmann AL, Moch D, Gaitantzi H, Ney T, Kraemer M, Chu Y, Zheng Y, Rahbari M, Treffs A, Reiser A, Lenoir B, Valous NA, Jäger D, Birgin E, Sawant TA, Li Q, Xu K, Dong L, Otto M, Itzel T, Teufel A, Gretz N, Hawinkels LJAC, Sánchez A, Herrera B, Schubert R, Moshage H, Reissfelder C, Ebert MPA, Rahbari N, Breitkopf-Heinlein K. Intestinal BMP-9 locally upregulates FGF19 and is down-regulated in obese patients with diabetes. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 570:111934. [PMID: 37085108 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.111934] [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: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-9, a member of the TGFβ-family of cytokines, is believed to be mainly produced in the liver. The serum levels of BMP-9 were reported to be reduced in newly diagnosed diabetic patients and BMP-9 overexpression ameliorated steatosis in the high fat diet-induced obesity mouse model. Furthermore, injection of BMP-9 in mice enhanced expression of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)21. However, whether BMP-9 also regulates the expression of the related FGF19 is not clear. Because both FGF21 and 19 were described to protect the liver from steatosis, we have further investigated the role of BMP-9 in this context. We first analyzed BMP-9 levels in the serum of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats (a model of type I diabetes) and confirmed that BMP-9 serum levels decrease during diabetes. Microarray analyses of RNA samples from hepatic and intestinal tissue from BMP-9 KO- and wild-type mice (C57/Bl6 background) pointed to basal expression of BMP-9 in both organs and revealed a down-regulation of hepatic Fgf21 and intestinal Fgf19 in the KO mice. Next, we analyzed BMP-9 levels in a cohort of obese patients with or without diabetes. Serum BMP-9 levels did not correlate with diabetes, but hepatic BMP-9 mRNA expression negatively correlated with steatosis in those patients that did not yet develop diabetes. Likewise, hepatic BMP-9 expression also negatively correlated with serum LPS levels. In situ hybridization analyses confirmed intestinal BMP-9 expression. Intestinal (but not hepatic) BMP-9 mRNA levels were decreased with diabetes and positively correlated with intestinal E-Cadherin expression. In vitro studies using organoids demonstrated that BMP-9 directly induces FGF19 in gut but not hepatocyte organoids, whereas no evidence of a direct induction of hepatic FGF21 by BMP-9 was found. Consistent with the in vitro data, a correlation between intestinal BMP-9 and FGF19 mRNA expression was seen in the patients' samples. In summary, our data confirm that BMP-9 is involved in diabetes development in humans and in the control of the FGF-axis. More importantly, our data imply that not only hepatic but also intestinal BMP-9 associates with diabetes and steatosis development and controls FGF19 expression. The data support the conclusion that increased levels of BMP-9 would most likely be beneficial under pre-steatotic conditions, making supplementation of BMP-9 an interesting new approach for future therapies aiming at prevention of the development of a metabolic syndrome and liver steatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Drexler
- Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Chen Cai
- Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Hartmann
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Denise Moch
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Haristi Gaitantzi
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Theresa Ney
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Malin Kraemer
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Yuan Chu
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Yuwei Zheng
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Mohammad Rahbari
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Annalena Treffs
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Alena Reiser
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Bénédicte Lenoir
- Clinical Cooperation Unit "Applied Tumor Immunity", German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nektarios A Valous
- Clinical Cooperation Unit "Applied Tumor Immunity", German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Jäger
- Clinical Cooperation Unit "Applied Tumor Immunity", German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases and Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Emrullah Birgin
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Tejas A Sawant
- Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beijing You'an Hospital Affiliated with Capital Medical University, Fengtai District, Beijing, China
| | - Keshu Xu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Av., Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lingyue Dong
- Department of Cell Biology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, Fengtai, 100054, China
| | - Mirko Otto
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Timo Itzel
- Division of Hepatology, Division of Clinical Bioinformatics, Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit "Healthy Metabolism", Center of Preventive Medicine and Digital Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, 69120, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Andreas Teufel
- Division of Hepatology, Division of Clinical Bioinformatics, Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit "Healthy Metabolism", Center of Preventive Medicine and Digital Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, 69120, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Norbert Gretz
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, Medical Research Center, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Lukas J A C Hawinkels
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Aránzazu Sánchez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Health Research Institute Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), E-28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Blanca Herrera
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Health Research Institute Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), E-28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rudolf Schubert
- Physiology, Institute of Theoretical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, 86159, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Han Moshage
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9712 CP, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Christoph Reissfelder
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit "Healthy Metabolism", Center of Preventive Medicine and Digital Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, 69120, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Matthias P A Ebert
- Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit "Healthy Metabolism", Center of Preventive Medicine and Digital Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, 69120, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Nuh Rahbari
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Katja Breitkopf-Heinlein
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.
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Gillard J, Leclercq IA. Biological tuners to reshape the bile acid pool for therapeutic purposes in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Clin Sci (Lond) 2023; 137:65-85. [PMID: 36601783 PMCID: PMC9816373 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Bile acids synthesized within the hepatocytes are transformed by gut microorganisms and reabsorbed into the portal circulation. During their enterohepatic cycling, bile acids act as signaling molecules by interacting with receptors to regulate pathways involved in many physiological processes. The bile acid pool, composed of a variety of bile acid species, has been shown to be altered in diseases, hence contributing to disease pathogenesis. Thus, understanding the changes in bile acid pool size and composition in pathological processes will help to elaborate effective pharmacological treatments. Five crucial steps along the enterohepatic cycle shape the bile acid pool size and composition, offering five possible targets for therapeutic intervention. In this review, we provide an insight on the strategies to modulate the bile acid pool, and then we discuss the potential benefits in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Gillard
- Laboratory of Hepato‐Gastroenterology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabelle A. Leclercq
- Laboratory of Hepato‐Gastroenterology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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15
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Yang Z, Tian R, Zhang XJ, Cai J, She ZG, Li H. Effects of treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease on heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 9:1120085. [PMID: 36712249 PMCID: PMC9877359 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1120085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
In the past few decades, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) have become the most common chronic liver disease and the main form of heart failure (HF), respectively. NAFLD is closely associated with HFpEF by sharing common risk factors and/or by boosting systemic inflammation, releasing other secretory factors, and having an expansion of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT). Therefore, the treatments of NAFLD may also affect the development and prognosis of HFpEF. However, no specific drugs for NAFLD have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and some non-specific treatments for NAFLD are applied in the clinic. Currently, the treatments of NAFLD can be divided into non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments. Non-pharmacological treatments mainly include dietary intervention, weight loss by exercise, caloric restriction, and bariatric surgery. Pharmacological treatments mainly include administering statins, thiazolidinediones, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, and metformin. This review will mainly focus on analyzing how these treatments may affect the development and prognosis of HFpEF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zifeng Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China,Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ruifeng Tian
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China,Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Zhang
- Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingjing Cai
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhi-Gang She
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China,Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China,*Correspondence: Zhi-Gang She,
| | - Hongliang Li
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China,Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China,Gannan Innovation and Translational Medicine Research Institute, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China,Hongliang Li,
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16
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Lawitz EJ, Bhandari BR, Ruane PJ, Kohli A, Harting E, Ding D, Chuang JC, Huss RS, Chung C, Myers RP, Loomba R. Fenofibrate Mitigates Hypertriglyceridemia in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Patients Treated With Cilofexor/Firsocostat. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 21:143-152.e3. [PMID: 34999207 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2021.12.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Patients with advanced fibrosis due to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are at high risk of morbidity and mortality. We previously found that a combination of the farnesoid X receptor agonist cilofexor (CILO) and the acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitor firsocostat (FIR) improved liver histology and biomarkers in NASH with advanced fibrosis but was associated with hypertriglyceridemia. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) and fenofibrate to mitigate triglyceride elevations in patients with NASH treated with CILO and FIR. METHODS Patients with NASH with elevated triglycerides (≥150 and <500 mg/dL) were randomized to Vascepa 2 g twice daily (n = 33) or fenofibrate 145 mg daily (n = 33) for 2 weeks, followed by the addition of CILO 30 mg and FIR 20 mg daily for 6 weeks. Safety, lipids, and liver biochemistry were monitored. RESULTS All treatments were well-tolerated; most treatment-emergent adverse events were Grade 1 to 2 severity, and there were no discontinuations due to adverse events. At baseline, median (interquartile range [IQR]) triglycerides were similar in the Vascepa and fenofibrate groups (median, 177 [IQR, 154-205] vs 190 [IQR, 144-258] mg/dL, respectively). Median changes from baseline in triglycerides for Vascepa vs fenofibrate after 2 weeks of pretreatment were -12 mg/dL (IQR, -33 to 7 mg/dL; P = .09) vs -32 mg/dL (IQR, -76 to 6 mg/dL; P = .012) and at 6 weeks were +41 mg/dL (IQR, 16-103 mg/dL; P < .001) vs -2 mg/dL (IQR, -42 to 54 mg/dL; P = .92). In patients with baseline triglycerides <250 mg/dL, fenofibrate was more effective vs Vascepa in mitigating triglyceride increases after 6 weeks of combination treatment (+6 vs +39 mg/dL); similar trends were observed in patients with baseline triglycerides ≥250 mg/d (-61 vs +99 mg/dL). CONCLUSIONS In patients with NASH with hypertriglyceridemia treated with CILO and FIR, fenofibrate was safe and effectively mitigated increases in triglycerides associated with acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibition. CLINICALTRIALS gov, Number: NCT02781584.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Lawitz
- Texas Liver Institute and University of Texas Health, San Antonio, Texas
| | | | - Peter J Ruane
- Ruane Clinical Research Group, Inc, Los Angeles, California
| | | | | | - Dora Ding
- Gilead Sciences, Inc, Foster City, California
| | | | - Ryan S Huss
- Gilead Sciences, Inc, Foster City, California
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17
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Fraser DA, Harrison SA, Schuppan D. Icosabutate: targeting metabolic and inflammatory pathways for the treatment of NASH. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:1269-1278. [PMID: 36527256 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2159804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Via pleiotropic targeting of membrane and nuclear fatty acid receptors regulating key metabolic and inflammatory pathways in the liver, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids could offer a unique therapeutic approach for the treatment of metabolic-inflammatory diseases such as NASH. However, they lack efficacy for the treatment of NASH, likely due to unfavorable distribution, metabolism, and susceptibility to peroxidation. AREAS COVERED Structurally engineered fatty acids (SEFAs), as exemplified by icosabutate, circumvent the inherent limitations of unmodified long-chain fatty acids, and demonstrate markedly enhanced pharmacodynamic effects without sacrificing safety and tolerability. We cover icosabutate's structural modifications, their rationale and the fatty acid receptor and pathway targeting profile. We also provide an overview of the clinical data to date, including interim data from a Phase 2b trial in NASH subjects. EXPERT OPINION Ideally, candidate drugs for NASH and associated liver fibrosis should be pleiotropic in mechanism and work upstream on multiple drivers of NASH, including lipotoxic lipid species, oxidative stress, and key modulators of inflammation, liver cell injury, and fibrosis. Icosabutate has demonstrated the ability to target these pathways in preclinical NASH models with interim data from the ICONA trial supporting, at least noninvasively, the clinical translation of highly promising pre-clinical data.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen A Harrison
- NorthSea Therapeutics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford UK
| | - Detlef Schuppan
- Institute of Translational Immunology and Research Center for Immune Therapy, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany.,Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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18
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Matye DJ, Qin X, Hasan MN, Gu L, Clayton YD, Li F, Li T. Effects of apical sodium-bile acid transporter inhibitor and obeticholic acid co-treatment in experimental non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. LIVER RESEARCH 2022; 6:276-283. [PMID: 36819659 PMCID: PMC9933918 DOI: 10.1016/j.livres.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background and aims Several bile acids-based monotherapies have been developed for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) treatment but clinical trial findings suggest that they do not satisfactorily improve NASH and liver fibrosis in many patients. Recently, we have shown that combining a gut-restricted apical sodium-bile acid transporter (ASBT) inhibitor GSK2330672 (GSK) with adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated liver fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15) overexpression provides significantly improved efficacy than either single treatment against NASH and liver fibrosis in a high fat, cholesterol, and fructose (HFCFr) diet-induced NASH mouse model. The beneficial effects of the combined treatment can be attributed to the markedly reduced bile acid pool that reduces liver bile acid burden and intestinal lipid absorption. The aim of this study is to further investigate if combining GSK treatment with the orally bioavailable obeticholic acid (OCA), which induces endogenous FGF15 and inhibits hepatic bile acid synthesis, can achieve similar anti-NASH effect as the GSK+AAV-FGF15 co-treatment in HFCFr-diet-fed mice. Materials and methods Male C57BL/6J mice were fed HFCFr diet to induce NASH and liver fibrosis. The effect of GSK, OCA, and GSK+OCA treatments on NASH development was compared and contrasted among all groups. Results Findings from this study showed that the GSK+OCA co-treatment did not cause persistent reduction of obesity over a 12-week treatment period. Neither single treatment nor the GSK+OCA co-treatment reduce hepatic steatosis, but all three treatments reduced hepatic inflammatory cytokines and fibrosis by a similar magnitude. The GSK+OCA co-treatment caused a higher degree of total bile acid pool reduction (~55%) than either GSK or OCA treatment alone. However, such bile acid pool reduction was insufficient to cause increased fecal lipid loss. The GSK+OCA co-treatment prevented GSK-mediated induction of hepatic cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase but failed to induce ileal FGF15 expression. GSK did not reduce gallbladder OCA amount in the GSK+OCA group compared to the OCA group, suggesting that ASBT inhibition does not reduce hepatic OCA distribution. Conclusions Unlike the GSK+AAV-FGF15 co-treatment, the GSK+OCA co-treatment does not provide improved efficacy against NASH and liver fibrosis than either single treatment in mice. The lack of synergistic effect may be partly attributed to the moderate reduction of total bile acid pool and the lack of high level of FGF15 exposure as seen in the GSK+AAV-FGF15 co-treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J. Matye
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Xuan Qin
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mohammad Nazmul Hasan
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Lijie Gu
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Yung-dai Clayton
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA,NMR and Drug Metabolism Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tiangang Li
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA,Corresponding author. Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA. (T. Li)
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Marotta C, Ahmad A, Luo E, Oosterhaven J, van Marle S, Adda N. EDP-297: A novel, farnesoid X receptor agonist-Results of a phase I study in healthy subjects. Clin Transl Sci 2022; 16:338-351. [PMID: 36369848 PMCID: PMC9926082 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
EDP-297 is a farnesoid X receptor agonist under development for treating nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. The pharmacokinetic (PK), pharmacodynamic (PD), food effect, and safety were evaluated in a single ascending dose (SAD) and multiple ascending dose (MAD) phase I study. Healthy subjects received single EDP-297 doses of 20-600 μg or once daily doses of 5-90 μg for 14 days. Safety, PKs, and PDs were assessed, including fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF-19) and 7-α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one (C4). Among 82 subjects, EDP-297 was generally well-tolerated. Pruritus was observed in four subjects in the SAD phase and seven subjects in the MAD phase; four severe cases occurred at 90 μg in the MAD phase, including one that led to drug discontinuation. A grade 2 elevation in alanine aminotransferase occurred with 90 μg. Mean lipid values remained within normal range. Plasma exposures of EDP-297 increased with SADs and MADs, with mean half-life following multiple doses of 9-12.5 h. No food effect was observed. Mean FGF-19 increased and C4 decreased up to 95% and 92%, respectively. EDP-297 was generally well-tolerated up to 60 μg MAD, with linear PKs suitable for once daily oral dosing, target engagement, and no food effect.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alaa Ahmad
- Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.WatertownMassachusettsUSA
| | - Ed Luo
- Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.WatertownMassachusettsUSA
| | | | | | - Nathalie Adda
- Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.WatertownMassachusettsUSA
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20
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Chrysavgis L, Giannakodimos I, Chatzigeorgiou A, Tziomalos K, Papatheodoridis G, Cholongitas E. The role of fibroblast growth factor 19 in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 16:835-849. [PMID: 36124827 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2022.2127408] [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] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as the predominant cause of chronic liver injury worldwide. Bile acids and their receptors are profoundly implicated in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and its progression to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and cirrhosis. AREAS COVERED We conducted extensive literature search using PubMed database, and we summarized the relevant literature. We provided an overview of the fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF-19)-farnesoid X receptor (FXR) axis and summarized the latest findings derived from animal and human studies concerning the impact of FGF-19 on NAFLD. EXPERT OPINION FGF-19, a nutritionally regulated endocrine post-prandial hormone, governs bile acid metabolism, lipid oxidation, lipogenesis, and energy homeostasis. As no approved medication for NAFLD exists, FGF-19 seems to be a propitious therapeutic opportunity for NAFLD, since its administration was associated with ameliorated results in hepatic steatosis, liver inflammation and fibrosis. Furthermore, promising results have been derived from clinical trials concerning the beneficial efficacy of FGF-19 on histological findings and laboratory parameters of NAFLD. However, we should bear in mind the pleiotropic effects of FGF-19 on various metabolically active tissues along with its potential tumorigenic reservoir. Further clinical research is required to determine the clinical application of FGF-19-based therapies on NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lampros Chrysavgis
- Department of Physiology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ilias Giannakodimos
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Antonios Chatzigeorgiou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Tziomalos
- First Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - George Papatheodoridis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens "Laiko", Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Cholongitas
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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21
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Duan S, Li X, Fan G, Liu R. Targeting bile acid signaling for the treatment of liver diseases: From bench to bed. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 152:113154. [PMID: 35653887 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver diseases and related complications have become one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, yet effective medicine or approved treatment approach is still limited. Thus, novel therapy is urgently required to prevent or at least slow down the growing burden of liver transplantation or even death caused by malignant liver diseases. As the irreplaceable modulator of hepatic and intestinal signaling cascades, bile acids (BAs) play complex physiological as well as pathological roles in regulating energy and immune homeostasis in various liver diseases, including but not limited to metabolic diseases and cholangiopathies, making them highly attractive therapeutic targets. In the current review, recent progress in the research of enterohepatic circulation of BAs and potential therapeutic targets of BAs signaling, especially the development of currently available treatments, including agonizts of FXR and TGR5, analogs of FGF19, inhibitors of ASBT, and the regulation of gut microbiome through fecal microbiota transplantation were extensively summarized. Their protective effects, molecular mechanisms, and outcomes of clinical trials were highlighted. The structural features of these candidates and perspectives for their future development were further discussed. In conclusion, we believe that pharmacological therapies targeting BAs signaling represent promising and efficient strategies for the treatment of complex and multifactorial liver disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuni Duan
- School of Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 11 Bei San Huan Dong Lu, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xiaojiaoyang Li
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 11 Bei San Huan Dong Lu, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Guifang Fan
- School of Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 11 Bei San Huan Dong Lu, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Runping Liu
- School of Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 11 Bei San Huan Dong Lu, Beijing 100029, China.
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22
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Chew NWS, Ng CH, Truong E, Noureddin M, Kowdley KV. Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Drug Development Pipeline: An Update. Semin Liver Dis 2022; 42:379-400. [PMID: 35709720 DOI: 10.1055/a-1877-9656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a burgeoning global health crisis that mirrors the obesity pandemic. This global health crisis has stimulated active research to develop novel NASH pharmacotherapies targeting dysregulated inflammatory, cellular stress, and fibrogenetic processes that include (1) metabolic pathways to improve insulin sensitivity, de novo lipogenesis, and mitochondrial utilization of fatty acids; (2) cellular injury or inflammatory targets that reduce inflammatory cell recruitment and signaling; (3) liver-gut axis targets that influence bile acid enterohepatic circulation and signaling; and (4) antifibrotic targets. In this review, we summarize several of the therapeutic agents that have been studied in phase 2 and 3 randomized trials. In addition to reviewing novel therapeutic drugs targeting nuclear receptor pathways, liver chemokine receptors, liver lipid metabolism, lipotoxicity or cell death, and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors, we also discuss the rationale behind the use of combination therapy and the lessons learned from unsuccessful or negative clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas W S Chew
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Cheng Han Ng
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Emily Truong
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Mazen Noureddin
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Fatty Liver Program, Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Kris V Kowdley
- Liver Institute Northwest and Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Seattle, Washington
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23
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Role of bile acids and their receptors in gastrointestinal and hepatic pathophysiology. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 19:432-450. [PMID: 35165436 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-021-00566-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Bile acids (BAs) can regulate their own metabolism and transport as well as other key aspects of metabolic homeostasis via dedicated (nuclear and G protein-coupled) receptors. Disrupted BA transport and homeostasis results in the development of cholestatic disorders and contributes to a wide range of liver diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatocellular and cholangiocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, impaired BA homeostasis can also affect the intestine, contributing to the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and colorectal and oesophageal cancer. Here, we provide a summary of the role of BAs and their disrupted homeostasis in the development of gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders and present novel insights on how targeting BA pathways might contribute to novel treatment strategies for these disorders.
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24
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Guthrie G, Vonderohe C, Burrin D. Fibroblast growth factor 15/19 expression, regulation, and function: An overview. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 548:111617. [PMID: 35301051 PMCID: PMC9038700 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Since the discovery of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-19 over 20 years ago, our understanding of the peptide and its role in human biology has moved forward significantly. A member of a superfamily of paracrine growth factors regulating embryonic development, FGF19 is unique in that it is a dietary-responsive endocrine hormone linked with bile acid homeostasis, glucose and lipid metabolism, energy expenditure, and protein synthesis during the fed to fasted state. FGF19 achieves this through targeting multiple tissues and signaling pathways within those tissues. The diverse functional capabilities of FGF19 is due to the unique structural characteristics of the protein and its receptor binding in various cell types. This review will cover the current literature on the protein FGF19, its target receptors, and the biological pathways they target through unique signaling cascades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg Guthrie
- USDA-ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Caitlin Vonderohe
- USDA-ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Douglas Burrin
- USDA-ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.
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25
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Ratziu V, Rinella ME, Neuschwander-Tetri BA, Lawitz E, Denham D, Kayali Z, Sheikh A, Kowdley KV, Desta T, Elkhashab M, DeGrauw J, Goodwin B, Ahmad A, Adda N. EDP-305 in patients with NASH: A phase II double-blind placebo-controlled dose-ranging study. J Hepatol 2022; 76:506-517. [PMID: 34740705 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS EDP-305 is an oral farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist under development for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Herein, we aimed to assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of EDP-305 in patients with fibrotic NASH. METHODS In this double-blind phase II study, patients with fibrotic NASH (without cirrhosis), diagnosed by historical biopsy or phenotypically, were randomized to EDP-305 1 mg, EDP-305 2.5 mg, or placebo, for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was mean change in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) from baseline to Week 12, and the key secondary endpoint was mean change in liver fat content from baseline to Week 12. RESULTS Between January 2018 and July 2019, 134 patients were randomized and 132 were evaluated. At Week 12, the least squares mean reductions from baseline in ALT for patients receiving 2.5 mg EDP-305 and 1 mg EDP-305 were -27.9 U/L (95% CI 0.03 to 24.9; p = 0.049) and -21.7 U/L (-5.8 to 18.3: p = 0.304), respectively, compared to -15.4 U/L for those receiving placebo. Absolute liver fat reduction was -7.1% (2.0-7.5; p = 0.0009) with 2.5 mg EDP-305, -3.3% with EDP-305 1 mg, and -2.4% with placebo. The most common (≥5%) adverse events were pruritus, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and dizziness. Pruritus occurred in 50.9%, 9.1%, and 4.2% of patients in the 2.5 mg, 1 mg, and placebo groups, respectively, and led to study drug discontinuation in 20.8% of patients in the 2.5 mg group and 1.8% in the 1 mg group. CONCLUSIONS EDP-305 reduced ALT levels and liver fat content, providing support for a longer-term trial assessing histological endpoints in patients with NASH. CLINICALTRIALS. GOV NUMBER NCT03421431 LAY SUMMARY: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a chronic hepatic disease that can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is associated with an increased risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. Results from this phase II study support continued development of EDP-305, an oral farnesoid X receptor agonist, for the treatment of patients with NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vlad Ratziu
- Sorbonne Université, ICAN, Hospital Pitié-Salpêtrière, INSERM UMRS 1138 CRC, Paris, France
| | - Mary E Rinella
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | | | - Eric Lawitz
- Texas Liver Institute, San Antonio, TX United States
| | - Douglas Denham
- Clinical Trials of Texas, Inc., San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Zeid Kayali
- Inland Empire Liver Foundation, Rialto, CA, United States
| | - Aasim Sheikh
- GI Specialists of Georgia, Marietta, GA United States
| | - Kris V Kowdley
- Liver Institute Northwest and Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Taddese Desta
- Precision Research Institute, San Diego, CA, United States
| | | | - Jeffery DeGrauw
- Synexus - Wasatch Peak Family Practice, Layton, UT, United States
| | - Bryan Goodwin
- Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Watertown, MA, United States
| | - Alaa Ahmad
- Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Watertown, MA, United States
| | - Nathalie Adda
- Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Watertown, MA, United States.
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26
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Rong L, Zou J, Ran W, Qi X, Chen Y, Cui H, Guo J. Advancements in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1087260. [PMID: 36726464 PMCID: PMC9884828 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1087260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a series of diseases, involving excessive lipid deposition in the liver and is often accompanied by obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, abnormal blood pressure, and other metabolic disorders. In order to more accurately reflect its pathogenesis, an international consensus renamed NAFLD in 2020 as metabolic (dysfunction) associated with fatty liver disease (MAFLD). The changes in diet and lifestyle are recognized the non-drug treatment strategies; however, due to the complex pathogenesis of NAFLD, the current drug therapies are mainly focused on its pathogenic factors, key links of pathogenesis, and related metabolic disorders as targets. There is still a lack of specific drugs. In clinical studies, the common NAFLD treatments include the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism to protect the liver and anti-inflammation. The NAFLD treatments based on the enterohepatic axis, targeting gut microbiota, are gradually emerging, and various new metabolism-regulating drugs are also under clinical development. Therefore, this review article has comprehensively discussed the research advancements in NAFLD treatment in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Rong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Bishan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Bishan Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Junyan Zou
- Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Public Health Hospital Affiliated to Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Ran
- Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Public Health Hospital Affiliated to Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaohong Qi
- Department of General surgery, Baoshan People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Baoshan, Yunnan, China
| | - Yaokai Chen
- Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Public Health Hospital Affiliated to Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jinjun Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Bishan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Bishan Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Jinjun Guo,
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27
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Abstract
Cholestatic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) share several key pathophysiological mechanisms which can be targeted by novel therapeutic concepts that are currently developed for both areas. Nuclear receptors (NRs) are ligand-activated transcriptional regulators of key metabolic processes including hepatic lipid and glucose metabolism, energy expenditure and bile acid (BA) homoeostasis, as well as inflammation, fibrosis and cellular proliferation. Dysregulation of these processes contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of cholestatic as well as fatty liver disease, placing NRs at the forefront of novel therapeutic approaches. This includes BA and fatty acid activated NRs such as farnesoid-X receptor (FXR) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, respectively, for which high affinity therapeutic ligands targeting specific or multiple isoforms have been developed. Moreover, novel liver-specific ligands for thyroid hormone receptor beta 1 complete the spectrum of currently available NR-targeted drugs. Apart from FXR ligands, BA signalling can be targeted by mimetics of FXR-activated fibroblast growth factor 19, modulation of their enterohepatic circulation through uptake inhibitors in hepatocytes and enterocytes, as well as novel BA derivatives undergoing cholehepatic shunting (instead of enterohepatic circulation). Other therapeutic approaches more directly target inflammation and/or fibrosis as critical events of disease progression. Combination strategies synergistically targeting metabolic disturbances, inflammation and fibrosis may be ultimately necessary for successful treatment of these complex and multifactorial disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Daniela Fuchs
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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28
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Dark and bright side of targeting fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 in the liver. J Hepatol 2021; 75:1440-1451. [PMID: 34364916 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor 4 (FGFR4) and its cognate ligand, FGF19, are implicated in a range of cellular processes, including differentiation, metabolism and proliferation. Indeed, their aberrant activation has been associated with the development of hepatic tumours. Despite great advances in early diagnosis and the development of new therapies, liver cancer is still associated with a high mortality rate, owing primarily to high molecular heterogeneity and unclear molecular targeting. The development of FGFR4 inhibitors is a promising tool in patients with concomitant supraphysiological levels of FGF19 and several clinical trials are testing these treatments for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Conversely, using FGF19 analogues to activate FGFR4-KLOTHO β represents a novel therapeutic strategy in patients presenting with cholestatic liver disorders and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, which could potentially prevent the development of metabolic HCC. Herein, we provide an overview of the currently available therapeutic options for targeting FGFR4 in HCC and other liver diseases, highlighting the need to carefully stratify patients and personalise therapeutic strategies.
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29
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Qu W, Ma T, Cai J, Zhang X, Zhang P, She Z, Wan F, Li H. Liver Fibrosis and MAFLD: From Molecular Aspects to Novel Pharmacological Strategies. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:761538. [PMID: 34746195 PMCID: PMC8568774 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.761538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a new disease definition, and this nomenclature MAFLD was proposed to renovate its former name, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). MAFLD/NAFLD have shared and predominate causes from nutrition overload to persistent liver damage and eventually lead to the development of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Unfortunately, there is an absence of effective treatments to reverse MAFLD/NAFLD-associated fibrosis. Due to the significant burden of MAFLD/NAFLD and its complications, there are active investigations on the development of novel targets and pharmacotherapeutics for treating this disease. In this review, we cover recent discoveries in new targets and molecules for antifibrotic treatment, which target pathways intertwined with the fibrogenesis process, including lipid metabolism, inflammation, cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and extracellular matrix formation. Although marked advances have been made in the development of antifibrotic therapeutics, none of the treatments have achieved the endpoints evaluated by liver biopsy or without significant side effects in a large-scale trial. In addition to the discovery of new druggable targets and pharmacotherapeutics, personalized medication, and combinatorial therapies targeting multiple profibrotic pathways could be promising in achieving successful antifibrotic interventions in patients with MAFLD/NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyi Qu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tengfei Ma
- Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Neurology, Huanggang Central Hospital, Huanggang, China.,Huanggang Institute of Translational Medicine, Huanggang Central Hospital, Huanggang, China
| | - Jingjing Cai
- Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Cardiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaojing Zhang
- Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhigang She
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng Wan
- Department of Neurology, Huanggang Central Hospital, Huanggang, China
| | - Hongliang Li
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Huanggang Institute of Translational Medicine, Huanggang Central Hospital, Huanggang, China
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30
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Radun R, Trauner M. Role of FXR in Bile Acid and Metabolic Homeostasis in NASH: Pathogenetic Concepts and Therapeutic Opportunities. Semin Liver Dis 2021; 41:461-475. [PMID: 34289507 PMCID: PMC8492195 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1731707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most prevalent cause of liver disease, increasingly contributing to the burden of liver transplantation. In search for effective treatments, novel strategies addressing metabolic dysregulation, inflammation, and fibrosis are continuously emerging. Disturbed bile acid (BA) homeostasis and microcholestasis via hepatocellular retention of potentially toxic BAs may be an underappreciated factor in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) as its progressive variant. In addition to their detergent properties, BAs act as signaling molecules regulating cellular homeostasis through interaction with BA receptors such as the Farnesoid X receptor (FXR). Apart from being a key regulator of BA metabolism and enterohepatic circulation, FXR regulates metabolic homeostasis and has immune-modulatory effects, making it an attractive therapeutic target in NAFLD/NASH. In this review, the molecular basis and therapeutic potential of targeting FXR with a specific focus on restoring BA and metabolic homeostasis in NASH is summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Radun
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Trauner
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
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31
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The complex link between NAFLD and type 2 diabetes mellitus - mechanisms and treatments. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 18:599-612. [PMID: 33972770 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-021-00448-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 360] [Impact Index Per Article: 120.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has reached epidemic proportions worldwide. NAFLD and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are known to frequently coexist and act synergistically to increase the risk of adverse (hepatic and extra-hepatic) clinical outcomes. T2DM is also one of the strongest risk factors for the faster progression of NAFLD to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis. However, the link between NAFLD and T2DM is more complex than previously believed. Strong evidence indicates that NAFLD is associated with an approximate twofold higher risk of developing T2DM, irrespective of obesity and other common metabolic risk factors. This risk parallels the severity of NAFLD, such that patients with more advanced stages of liver fibrosis are at increased risk of incident T2DM. In addition, the improvement or resolution of NAFLD (on ultrasonography) is associated with a reduction of T2DM risk, adding weight to causality and suggesting that liver-focused treatments might reduce the risk of developing T2DM. This Review describes the evidence of an association and causal link between NAFLD and T2DM, discusses the putative pathophysiological mechanisms linking NAFLD to T2DM and summarizes the current pharmacological treatments for NAFLD or T2DM that might benefit or adversely affect the risk of T2DM or NAFLD progression.
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32
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Maliha S, Guo GL. Farnesoid X receptor and fibroblast growth factor 15/19 as pharmacological targets. LIVER RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livres.2021.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
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33
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Ferguson D, Finck BN. Emerging therapeutic approaches for the treatment of NAFLD and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2021; 17:484-495. [PMID: 34131333 PMCID: PMC8570106 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-021-00507-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 241] [Impact Index Per Article: 80.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as the most prevalent liver disease in the world, yet there are still no approved pharmacological therapies to prevent or treat this condition. NAFLD encompasses a spectrum of severity, ranging from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Although NASH is linked to an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis and has now become the leading cause of liver failure-related transplantation, the majority of patients with NASH will ultimately die as a result of complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiometabolic diseases. Importantly, NAFLD is closely linked to obesity and tightly interrelated with insulin resistance and T2DM. Thus, targeting these interconnected conditions and taking a holistic attitude to the treatment of metabolic disease could prove to be a very beneficial approach. This Review will explore the latest relevant literature and discuss the ongoing therapeutic options for NAFLD focused on targeting intermediary metabolism, insulin resistance and T2DM to remedy the global health burden of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ferguson
- Division of Geriatrics and Nutritional Sciences, Center for Human Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Brian N Finck
- Division of Geriatrics and Nutritional Sciences, Center for Human Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA.
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34
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Gastaldelli A, Stefan N, Häring HU. Liver-targeting drugs and their effect on blood glucose and hepatic lipids. Diabetologia 2021; 64:1461-1479. [PMID: 33877366 PMCID: PMC8187191 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-021-05442-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The global epidemic of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and steatohepatitis (NASH) and the high prevalence among individuals with type 2 diabetes has attracted the attention of clinicians specialising in liver disorders. Many drugs are in the pipeline for the treatment of NAFLD/NASH, and several glucose-lowering drugs are now being tested specifically for the treatment of liver disease. Among these are nuclear hormone receptor agonists (e.g. peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonists, farnesoid X receptor agonists and liver X receptor agonists), fibroblast growth factor-19 and -21, single, dual or triple incretins, sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors, drugs that modulate lipid or other metabolic pathways (e.g. inhibitors of fatty acid synthase, diacylglycerol acyltransferase-1, acetyl-CoA carboxylase and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type-1) or drugs that target the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier. We have reviewed the metabolic effects of these drugs in relation to improvement of diabetic hyperglycaemia and fatty liver disease, as well as peripheral metabolism and insulin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalia Gastaldelli
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council-CNR, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Norbert Stefan
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- Institute of Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich, Tübingen, Germany.
- German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Hans-Ulrich Häring
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Institute of Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany
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35
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Li H, Yu XH, Ou X, Ouyang XP, Tang CK. Hepatic cholesterol transport and its role in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and atherosclerosis. Prog Lipid Res 2021; 83:101109. [PMID: 34097928 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2021.101109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a quickly emerging global health problem representing the most common chronic liver disease in the world. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease represents the leading cause of mortality in NAFLD patients. Cholesterol metabolism has a crucial role in the pathogenesis of both NAFLD and atherosclerosis. The liver is the major organ for cholesterol metabolism. Abnormal hepatic cholesterol metabolism not only leads to NAFLD but also drives the development of atherosclerotic dyslipidemia. The cholesterol level in hepatocytes reflects the dynamic balance between endogenous synthesis, uptake, esterification, and export, a process in which cholesterol is converted to neutral cholesteryl esters either for storage in cytosolic lipid droplets or for secretion as a major constituent of plasma lipoproteins, including very-low-density lipoproteins, chylomicrons, high-density lipoproteins, and low-density lipoproteins. In this review, we describe decades of research aimed at identifying key molecules and cellular players involved in each main aspect of hepatic cholesterol metabolism. Furthermore, we summarize the recent advances regarding the biological processes of hepatic cholesterol transport and its role in NAFLD and atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Li
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Xiao-Hua Yu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 460106, China
| | - Xiang Ou
- Department of Endocrinology, the First Hospital of Changsha, Changsha, Hunan 410005, China
| | - Xin-Ping Ouyang
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience Research, Hengyang Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration and Cognitive Impairment, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.
| | - Chao-Ke Tang
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.
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Matye DJ, Wang H, Luo W, Sharp RR, Chen C, Gu L, Jones KL, Ding WX, Friedman JE, Li T. Combined ASBT Inhibitor and FGF15 Treatment Improves Therapeutic Efficacy in Experimental Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 12:1001-1019. [PMID: 33965587 PMCID: PMC8346663 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2021.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Pharmacologic agents targeting bile acid signaling show promise for treating nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, clinical findings suggest that new treatment strategies with enhanced therapeutic efficacy and minimized undesired effects are needed. This preclinical study investigates whether combining an apical sodium-bile acid transporter (ASBT) inhibitor GSK233072 (GSK672) and fibroblast growth factor-15 (FGF15) signaling activation improves anti-NASH efficacy. METHODS Mice with high fat, cholesterol, and fructose (HFCFr) diet-induced NASH and stage 2 fibrosis are used as a NASH model. GSK672 or AAV8-TBG-FGF15 interventions are administered alone or in combination to HFCFr diet-fed mice. RESULTS The combined treatment significantly enhances therapeutic efficacy against steatosis, inflammation, ballooning, and fibrosis than either single treatment. Mechanistically, the synergistic actions of GSK672 and FGF15 on inhibiting gut bile acid reuptake and hepatic bile acid synthesis achieve greater magnitude of bile acid pool reduction that not only decreases bile acid burden in NASH livers but also limits intestinal lipid absorption, which, together with FGF15 signaling activation, produces weight loss, reduction of adipose inflammation, and attenuated hepatocellular organelle stress. Furthermore, the combined treatment attenuates increased fecal bile acid excretion and repressed bile acid synthesis, which underlie diarrhea and hypercholesterolemia associated with ASBT inhibition and FGF19 analogue, respectively, in clinical settings. CONCLUSIONS Concomitant ASBT inhibition and FGF15 signaling activation produce metabolic changes that partially mimic the bariatric surgery condition whereby lipid malabsorption and increased FGF15/19 signaling synergistically mediate weight loss and metabolic improvement. Further clinical studies may be warranted to investigate whether combining ASBT inhibitor and FGF19 analogue enhances anti-NASH efficacy and reduced treatment-associated adverse events in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Matye
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Huaiwen Wang
- Laboratory for Molecular Biology and Cytometry Research, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Wenyi Luo
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Rachel R Sharp
- Laboratory for Molecular Biology and Cytometry Research, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Cheng Chen
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Lijie Gu
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Kenneth L Jones
- Laboratory for Molecular Biology and Cytometry Research, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Wen-Xing Ding
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Jacob E Friedman
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Tiangang Li
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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Tacke F, Weiskirchen R. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-related liver fibrosis: mechanisms, treatment and prevention. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:729. [PMID: 33987427 PMCID: PMC8106094 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-4354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the excessive expression and accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins in the liver. Fibrotic scarring occurs as the consequence of chronic injury and inflammation. While the successful treatment of hepatitis B and C reduced the burden of liver disease related to viral hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are nowadays the leading causes of hepatic fibrosis worldwide. Although basic research activities have significantly advanced our understanding of the molecular disease pathogenesis, the present therapeutic options for fibrosis are still limited. In advanced disease stages, liver transplantation often remains the only curative treatment. This highlights the necessity of preventive strategies to avoid complications of fibrosis, particularly cirrhosis, portal hypertension and liver cancer. Lifestyle modifications (weight loss, exercise, healthy diet) are the basis for prevention and treatment of NAFLD-associated fibrosis. In the present review, we discuss recent advances in antifibrotic prevention and therapy. In particular, we review the current concepts for antifibrotic drug candidates in the treatment of NAFLD and NASH. While some compounds aim at reverting pathogenic liver metabolism, an alternative approach is to disconnect the injury (e.g., NAFLD) from inflammation and/or fibrosis. Investigational drugs typically target metabolic pathways, insulin resistance, hepatocyte death, inflammatory cell recruitment or activation, the gut-liver axis, matrix expression or matrix turnover. While several promising drug candidates failed in phase 2 or 3 clinical trials (including elafibranor, emricasan and selonsertib), promising results with the farnesoid X receptor agonist obeticholic acid, the pan-PPAR agonist lanifibranor and the chemokine receptor CCR2/CCR5 inhibitor cenicriviroc support the expectation of an effective pharmacological therapy for liver fibrosis in the near future. Tackling NAFLD-associated fibrosis from different directions by combinatorial drug treatment and effective lifestyle changes hold the greatest prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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Sanyal AJ, Ling L, Beuers U, DePaoli AM, Lieu HD, Harrison SA, Hirschfield GM. Potent suppression of hydrophobic bile acids by aldafermin, an FGF19 analogue, across metabolic and cholestatic liver diseases. JHEP Rep 2021; 3:100255. [PMID: 33898959 PMCID: PMC8056274 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Higher serum bile acid levels are associated with an increased risk of cirrhosis and liver-related morbidity and mortality. Herein, we report secondary analyses of aldafermin, an engineered analogue of the gut hormone fibroblast growth factor 19, on the circulating bile acid profile in prospective, phase II studies in patients with metabolic or cholestatic liver disease. Methods One hundred and seventy-six patients with biopsy-confirmed non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis and elevated liver fat content (≥8% by magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction) received 0.3 mg (n = 23), 1 mg (n = 49), 3 mg (n = 49), 6 mg (n = 28) aldafermin or placebo (n = 27) for 12 weeks. Sixty-two patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and elevated alkaline phosphatase (>1.5× upper limit of normal) received 1 mg (n = 21), 3 mg (n = 21) aldafermin or placebo (n = 20) for 12 weeks. Serum samples were collected on day 1 and week 12 for determination of bile acid profile and neoepitope-specific N-terminal pro-peptide of type III collagen (Pro-C3), a direct measure of fibrogenesis. Results Treatment with aldafermin resulted in significant dose-dependent reductions in serum bile acids. In particular, bile acids with higher hydrophobicity indices, such as deoxycholic acid, lithocholic acid, glycodeoxycholic acid, glycochenodeoxycholic acid, and glycocholic acid, were markedly lowered by aldafermin in both NASH and PSC populations. Moreover, aldafermin predominantly suppressed the glycine-conjugated bile acids, rather than the taurine-conjugated bile acids. Changes in levels of bile acids correlated with changes in the novel fibrogenesis marker Pro-C3, which detects a neo-epitope of the type III collagen during its formation, in the pooled NASH and PSC populations. Conclusions Aldafermin markedly reduced major hydrophobic bile acids that have greater detergent activity and cytotoxicity. Our data provide evidence that bile acids may contribute to sustaining a pro-fibrogenic microenvironment in the liver across metabolic and cholestatic liver diseases. Lay summary Aldafermin is an analogue of a gut hormone, which is in development as a treatment for patients with chronic liver disease. Herein, we show that aldafermin can potently and robustly suppress the toxic, hydrophobic bile acids irrespective of disease aetiology. The therapeutic strategy utilising aldafermin may be broadly applicable to other chronic gastrointestinal and liver disorders. Clinical Trials Registration The study is registered at Clinicaltrials.govNCT02443116 and NCT02704364. Higher serum bile acid levels are associated with an increased risk of liver-related morbidity and mortality. Aldafermin produces significant dose-dependent reductions in toxic hydrophobic bile acids in NASH and PSC. Changes in bile acids correlate with changes in the novel fibrogenesis marker Pro-C3. Bile acids may contribute to a pro-fibrogenic microenvironment in the liver.
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Key Words
- ALP, alkaline phosphatase
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- AST, aspartate aminotransferase
- BAAT, bile acid-CoA:amino acid N-acyltransferase
- Bile acid synthesis
- CA, cholic acid
- CDCA, chenodeoxycholic acid
- DCA, deoxycholic acid
- ELF test, Enhanced Liver Fibrosis test
- FGF19, fibroblast growth factor 19
- FXR, farnesoid X receptor
- Fibroblast growth factor
- Fibrogenesis
- G/T ratio, ratio of glycine to taurine conjugates of bile acids
- GCA, glycocholic acid
- GCDCA, glycochenodeoxycholic acid
- GDCA, glycodeoxycholic acid
- GLCA, glycolithocholic acid
- LCA, lithocholic acid
- MRI-PDFF, magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction
- NAFLD, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- NAS, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score
- NASH CRN, NASH Clinical Research Network
- NASH, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
- Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
- PSC, primary sclerosing cholangitis
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis
- Pro-C3
- Pro-C3, neoepitope-specific N-terminal pro-peptide of type III collagen
- TCA, taurocholic acid
- TCDCA, taurochenodeoxycholic acid
- TDCA, taurodeoxycholic acid
- TLCA, taurolithocholic acid
- UDCA, ursodeoxycholic acid
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lei Ling
- NGM Biopharmaceuticals, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ulrich Beuers
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Hsiao D Lieu
- NGM Biopharmaceuticals, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stephen A Harrison
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Pinnacle Clinical Research, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Gideon M Hirschfield
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Loomba R, Ling L, Dinh DM, DePaoli AM, Lieu HD, Harrison SA, Sanyal AJ. The Commensal Microbe Veillonella as a Marker for Response to an FGF19 Analog in NASH. Hepatology 2021; 73:126-143. [PMID: 32794259 PMCID: PMC7898628 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The composition of the human gut microbiota is linked to health and disease, and knowledge of the impact of therapeutics on the microbiota is essential to decipher their biological roles and to gain new mechanistic insights. Here we report the effect of aldafermin, an analog of the gut hormone FGF19, versus placebo on the gut microbiota in a prospective, phase 2 study in patients with NASH. APPROACH AND RESULTS A total of 176 patients with biopsy-confirmed nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score ≥ 4), fibrosis (F1-F3 by NASH Clinical Research Network criteria), and elevated liver fat content (≥ 8% by magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction) received 0.3 mg (n = 23), 1 mg (n = 49), 3 mg (n = 49), and 6 mg (n = 28) aldafermin or placebo (n = 27) for 12 weeks. Stool samples were collected on day 1 and week 12 and profiled using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing; 122 patients had paired stool microbiome profiles at both day 1 and week 12. Overall, the state of the gut microbial community was distinctly stable in patients treated with aldafermin, with all major phyla and genera unaltered during therapy. Patients treated with aldafermin showed a significant, dose-dependent enrichment in the rare genus Veillonella, a commensal microbe known to have lactate-degrading and performance-enhancing properties, which correlated with changes in serum bile acid profile. CONCLUSIONS Veillonella may be a bile acid-sensitive bacteria whose enrichment is enabled by aldafermin-mediated suppression of bile acid synthesis and, in particular, decreases in toxic bile acids. This study provides an integrated analysis of gut microbiome, serum bile acid metabolome, imaging, and histological measurements in clinical trials testing aldafermin for NASH. Our results provide a better understanding of the intricacies of microbiome-host interactions (clinicaltrials.gov trial No. NCT02443116).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Loomba
- NAFLD Research CenterUniversity of California, San DiegoLa JollaCA
| | - Lei Ling
- Clinical ResearchNGM Biopharmaceuticals Inc.South San FranciscoCA
| | | | - Alex M. DePaoli
- Clinical ResearchNGM Biopharmaceuticals Inc.South San FranciscoCA
| | - Hsiao D. Lieu
- Clinical ResearchNGM Biopharmaceuticals Inc.South San FranciscoCA
| | - Stephen A. Harrison
- Radcliffe Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordLondonUnited Kingdom,Pinnacle Clinical ResearchSan AntonioCA
| | - Arun J. Sanyal
- Department of Internal MedicineVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVA
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Harrison SA, Neff G, Guy CD, Bashir MR, Paredes AH, Frias JP, Younes Z, Trotter JF, Gunn NT, Moussa SE, Kohli A, Nelson K, Gottwald M, Chang WCG, Yan AZ, DePaoli AM, Ling L, Lieu HD. Efficacy and Safety of Aldafermin, an Engineered FGF19 Analog, in a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Patients With Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. Gastroenterology 2021; 160:219-231.e1. [PMID: 32781086 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Aldafermin, an engineered analog of fibroblast growth factor 19, inhibits bile acid synthesis and regulates metabolic homeostasis. We report results from a 24-week, phase 2 study, with serial liver biopsies, of patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). METHODS We performed a double-blind study of 78 patients with NASH at 9 centers in the United States. Key inclusion criteria were biopsy-proven NASH with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Activity Score ≥4, stage 2 or 3 fibrosis by NASH Clinical Research Network classification, and absolute liver fat content ≥8%, measured by magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction. Patients were randomly assigned (1:2) to groups given subcutaneous placebo (n = 25) or aldafermin 1 mg (n = 53) daily for 24 weeks. The primary outcome was change in absolute liver fat content from baseline at week 24. Secondary outcomes included serum markers and histologic measures of fibrosis improvement and NASH resolution. RESULTS At week 24, the aldafermin group had a significant reduction in absolute liver fat content (reduction of 7.7%) compared with placebo (reduction of 2.7%; difference, reduction of 5.0%; 95% confidence interval, reduction of 8.0%-1.9%; P = .002). Aldafermin produced significantly greater decreases in levels of 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one, bile acids, alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, and neoepitope-specific N-terminal pro-peptide of type III collagen (Pro-C3) than placebo. Fibrosis improvement (≥1 stage) with no worsening of NASH was achieved in 38% of patients receiving aldafermin vs 18% of patients receiving placebo (P = .10). NASH resolution with no worsening of fibrosis was observed in 24% of patients given aldafermin vs 9% of patients given placebo (P = .20). Discontinuations due to adverse events occurred in no patients in the aldafermin group and 4% of patients in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS In a phase 2 trial of patients with NASH, aldafermin reduced liver fat and produced a trend toward fibrosis improvement. ClinicalTrials.gov, Number: NCT02443116.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A Harrison
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; Pinnacle Clinical Research, San Antonio, Texas.
| | - Guy Neff
- Covenant Research, Sarasota, Florida
| | | | - Mustafa R Bashir
- Radiology and Medicine (Gastroenterology), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - Juan P Frias
- National Research Institute, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - James F Trotter
- Clinical Research and Education, Texas Digestive Disease Consultants, Dallas, Texas
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Andrew Z Yan
- NGM Biopharmaceuticals, South San Francisco, California
| | | | - Lei Ling
- NGM Biopharmaceuticals, South San Francisco, California.
| | - Hsiao D Lieu
- NGM Biopharmaceuticals, South San Francisco, California
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Talukdar S, Kharitonenkov A. FGF19 and FGF21: In NASH we trust. Mol Metab 2020; 46:101152. [PMID: 33383173 PMCID: PMC8085573 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2020.101152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective FGF19 and FGF21 have shown therapeutic promise since their discovery, attested by the fact there are at least 5 assets that activate the FGFR/KLB pathway and one FGF19 analog in clinical development. Methods We performed a detailed analyses of published preclinical and clinical data to offer insights into the mechanism of action, as well as PK/PD and efficacy data of the clinical assets. Results Scouring the literature, we offer mechanistic insights from preclinical data using rodents and non-human primates and pharmacodynamic data from clinical studies. Conclusion The basic and applied science around endocrine FGFs has evolved exponentially over the years with FGF19 and FGF21 analogs are now entering Phase 3 clinical research. Fibroblast Growth Factors 19 and 21 (FGF19 and FGF21) are novel endocrine messengers that regulate multiple aspects of energy homeostasis. The magnitude and pleiotropic character of their beneficial pharmacology led to coordinated efforts to design novel FGF19/21-based therapeutics. The robust effects of FGF19 and FGF21 on lipid metabolism transformed clinical emphasis for these factors toward their use for NASH. In this review, we communicate an overview of FGF19 and FGF21 biology and the recent clinical developments with FGF21/19-based analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saswata Talukdar
- Merck & Co., Inc., 213 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, United States.
| | - Alexei Kharitonenkov
- AK Biotechnologies, LLC 3812 Verdure Lane, Zionsville, IN, 46077, United States.
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Stokman G, van den Hoek AM, Denker Thorbekk D, Pieterman EJ, Skovgård Veidal S, Basta B, Iruarrizaga‐Lejarreta M, van der Hoorn JW, Verschuren L, Berbée JFP, Rensen PCN, Skjæret T, Alonso C, Feigh M, Kastelein JJP, Friedman SL, Princen HMG, Fraser DA. Dual targeting of hepatic fibrosis and atherogenesis by icosabutate, an engineered eicosapentaenoic acid derivative. Liver Int 2020; 40:2860-2876. [PMID: 32841505 PMCID: PMC7702170 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS While fibrosis stage predicts liver-associated mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is still the major overall cause of mortality in patients with NASH. Novel NASH drugs should thus ideally reduce both liver fibrosis and CVD. Icosabutate is a semi-synthetic, liver-targeted eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) derivative in clinical development for NASH. The primary aims of the current studies were to establish both the anti-fibrotic and anti-atherogenic efficacy of icosabutate in conjunction with changes in lipotoxic and atherogenic lipids in liver and plasma respectively. METHODS The effects of icosabutate on fibrosis progression and lipotoxicity were investigated in amylin liver NASH (AMLN) diet (high fat, cholesterol and fructose) fed ob/ob mice with biopsy-confirmed steatohepatitis and fibrosis and compared with the activity of obeticholic acid. APOE*3Leiden.CETP mice, a translational model for hyperlipidaemia and atherosclerosis, were used to evaluate the mechanisms underlying the lipid-lowering effect of icosabutate and its effect on atherosclerosis. RESULTS In AMLN ob/ob mice, icosabutate significantly reduced hepatic fibrosis and myofibroblast content in association with downregulation of the arachidonic acid cascade and a reduction in both hepatic oxidised phospholipids and apoptosis. In APOE*3Leiden.CETP mice, icosabutate reduced plasma cholesterol and TAG levels via increased hepatic uptake, upregulated hepatic lipid metabolism and downregulated inflammation pathways, and effectively decreased atherosclerosis development. CONCLUSIONS Icosabutate, a structurally engineered EPA derivative, effectively attenuates both hepatic fibrosis and atherogenesis and offers an attractive therapeutic approach to both liver- and CV-related morbidity and mortality in NASH patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Brittany Basta
- Division of Liver DiseasesIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
| | | | | | | | - Jimmy F. P. Berbée
- Department. of MedicineDivision of EndocrinologyEinthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular MedicineLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Patrick C. N. Rensen
- Department. of MedicineDivision of EndocrinologyEinthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular MedicineLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Tore Skjæret
- NorthSea Therapeutics BVAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Cristina Alonso
- Division of Liver DiseasesIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
| | | | - John J. P. Kastelein
- Department of Vascular MedicineAcademic Medical CenterUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Scott L. Friedman
- Division of Liver DiseasesIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
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Deprince A, Haas JT, Staels B. Dysregulated lipid metabolism links NAFLD to cardiovascular disease. Mol Metab 2020; 42:101092. [PMID: 33010471 PMCID: PMC7600388 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2020.101092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rapidly becoming a global health problem. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the most common cause of mortality in NAFLD patients. NAFLD and CVD share several common risk factors including obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Atherogenic dyslipidemia, characterized by plasma hypertriglyceridemia, increased small dense low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles, and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, is often observed in NAFLD patients. Scope of review In this review, we highlight recent epidemiological studies evaluating the link between NAFLD and CVD risk. We further focus on recent mechanistic insights into the links between NAFLD and altered lipoprotein metabolism. We also discuss current therapeutic strategies for NAFLD and their potential impact on NAFLD-associated CVD risk. Major conclusions Alterations in hepatic lipid and lipoprotein metabolism are major contributing factors to the increased CVD risk in NAFLD patients, and many promising NASH therapies in development also improve dyslipidemia in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Deprince
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Joel T Haas
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, F-59000, Lille, France.
| | - Bart Staels
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, F-59000, Lille, France.
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Noureddin M, Muthiah MD, Sanyal AJ. Drug discovery and treatment paradigms in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Endocrinol Diabetes Metab 2020; 3:e00105. [PMID: 33102791 PMCID: PMC7576222 DOI: 10.1002/edm2.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in western populations, and is closely associated with features of the metabolic syndrome. The burden of disease is set to rise exponentially, and this is further compounded by the lack of good medications. In addition, these patients tend to have multiple comorbidities that may not be adequately managed. In this article, we review the biological basis of potential therapies in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the current drugs being tested in clinical trials, as well some practical considerations in managing patients in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mazen Noureddin
- Division of Digestive and Liver DiseasesComprehensive Transplant CenterCedars Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCalifornia
| | - Mark D. Muthiah
- Department of MedicineYong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyNational University HospitalNational University Health SystemSingapore
| | - Arun J. Sanyal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and NutritionVirginia Commonwealth University School of MedicineRichmondVirginia
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Gut-Pancreas-Liver Axis as a Target for Treatment of NAFLD/NASH. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165820. [PMID: 32823659 PMCID: PMC7461212 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents the most common form of chronic liver disease worldwide. Due to its association with obesity and diabetes and the fall in hepatitis C virus morbidity, cirrhosis in NAFLD is becoming the most frequent indication to liver transplantation, but the pathogenetic mechanisms are still not completely understood. The so-called gut-liver axis has gained enormous interest when data showed that its alteration can lead to NAFLD development and might favor the occurrence of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Moreover, several therapeutic approaches targeting the gut-pancreas-liver axis, e.g., incretins, showed promising results in NASH treatment. In this review, we describe the role of incretin hormones in NAFLD/NASH pathogenesis and treatment and how metagenomic/metabolomic alterations in the gut microbiota can lead to NASH in the presence of gut barrier modifications favoring the passage of bacteria or bacterial products in the portal circulation, i.e., bacterial translocation.
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Connelly MA, Velez Rivera J, Guyton JR, Siddiqui MS, Sanyal AJ. Review article: the impact of liver-directed therapies on the atherogenic risk profile in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2020; 52:619-636. [PMID: 32638417 PMCID: PMC7497003 DOI: 10.1111/apt.15935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common cause of chronic liver disease, are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and associated mortality. Therefore, it is important to understand how new therapies for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) may impact CVD risk factors in these patients. AIMS To summarise the effects of drug therapies on lipid and lipoprotein levels in patients with NASH and provide insight into the potential mechanisms for the observed changes. METHODS PubMed searches of the literature were performed and results were compiled. RESULTS Recent clinical trials have highlighted the safety and efficacy of drug candidates for the treatment of NASH. Several agents have shown improvements in the histological features of NASH and liver function. Pioglitazone, a drug that is currently available for type 2 diabetes and may be useful for NASH, exhibits beneficial effects on lipids. However, agents such as farnesoid X receptor agonists, which are in development for NASH, may adversely affect circulating lipids and lipoproteins. CONCLUSIONS NASH is a multi-system disease with a disproportionate CVD burden. Current and future drugs for NASH have had variable impact on the atherogenic risk profile. Potential co-administration of a statin may help mitigate the negative impact of some of these therapies on lipid and lipoprotein levels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jonathan Velez Rivera
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and NutritionDepartment of MedicineDuke University Medical CenterDurhamNCUSA
| | - John R. Guyton
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and NutritionDepartment of MedicineDuke University Medical CenterDurhamNCUSA
| | | | - Arun J. Sanyal
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVAUSA
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Neuschwander-Tetri BA. Therapeutic Landscape for NAFLD in 2020. Gastroenterology 2020; 158:1984-1998.e3. [PMID: 32061596 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2020.01.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Lifestyle modifications focused on healthy eating and regular exercise are the primary recommendations for patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, for multiple societal, psychological, physical, genetic, and epigenetic reasons, the ability of people to adopt and sustain such changes is challenging and typically not successful. To end the epidemic of NASH and prevent its complications, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, pharmacological interventions are now being evaluated in clinical trials. Treatments include drugs targeting energy intake, energy disposal, lipotoxic liver injury, and the resulting inflammation and fibrogenesis that lead to cirrhosis. It is likely that patients develop the phenotype of NASH by multiple mechanisms, and thus the optimal treatments of NASH will likely evolve to personalized therapy once we understand the mechanistic underpinnings of NASH in each patient. Reviewed here is the treatment landscape in this rapidly evolving field with an emphasis on drugs in Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials.
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Li T, Chiang JYL. Bile acid-based therapies for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and alcoholic liver disease. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr 2020; 9:152-169. [PMID: 32355674 PMCID: PMC7188552 DOI: 10.21037/hbsn.2019.09.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Bile acids are synthesized from cholesterol only in hepatocytes. Bile acids circulating in the enterohepatic system act as physiological detergent molecules to help solubilize biliary cholesterol and emulsify dietary lipids and fat-soluble vitamins in small intestine. Bile acids are signaling molecules that activate nuclear receptor farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and cell surface G protein-coupled receptor TGR5. FXR critically regulates bile acid homeostasis by mediating bile acid feedback inhibition of hepatic bile acid synthesis. In addition, bile acid-activated cellular signaling pathways regulate metabolic homeostasis, immunity, and cell proliferation in various metabolically active organs. In the small and large intestine, gut bacterial enzymes modify primary bile acids to generate secondary bile acids to help shape the bile acid pool composition and subsequent biological effects. In turn, bile acids exhibit anti-microbial properties and modulate gut microbiota to influence host metabolism and immunity. Currently, bile acid-based therapies including systemic and intestine-restricted FXR agonists, TGR5 agonists, fibroblast growth factor 19 analogue, intestine FXR antagonists, and intestine apical sodium-bile acid transporter (ASBT) inhibitors have been developed as promising treatments for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). These pharmacological agents improved metabolic and inflammatory disorders via distinct mechanisms of action that are subjects of extensive research interest. More recently, human and experimental alcoholic liver disease (ALD) has been associated with disrupted bile acid homeostasis. In additional, new findings showed that targeting bile acid metabolism and signaling may be promising therapeutic approaches for treating ALD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiangang Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - John Y. L. Chiang
- Department of Integrative Medical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA
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Harrison SA, Rossi SJ, Paredes AH, Trotter JF, Bashir MR, Guy CD, Banerjee R, Jaros MJ, Owers S, Baxter BA, Ling L, DePaoli AM. NGM282 Improves Liver Fibrosis and Histology in 12 Weeks in Patients With Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. Hepatology 2020; 71:1198-1212. [PMID: 30805949 PMCID: PMC7187438 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
NGM282, an engineered fibroblast growth factor 19 analogue, rapidly and significantly reduced liver fat content in a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in patients with biopsy-confirmed nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, it is unclear whether these changes would be accompanied by histological improvement. In this open-label study, we assessed the histological efficacy of NGM282 in patients with biopsy-confirmed nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Paired liver biopsies from 43 patients who received subcutaneous NGM282 (1 mg, n = 24; 3 mg, n = 19) once daily for 12 weeks were evaluated blinded to time point, subject, and clinical information. At week 12, NGM282 significantly reduced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score (NAS; -1.9; 95% confidence interval, -2.6 to -1.2; P < 0.001 in the 1 mg group; -2.2, -3.1 to -1.3; P < 0.001 in the 3 mg group) and fibrosis (-0.5; -0.9 to 0; P = 0.035 in the 3 mg group) scores. Overall, 50% and 63% of the patients receiving NGM282 1 mg or 3 mg, respectively, improved NAS by 2 or more points without fibrosis worsening. Of the patients receiving NGM282 1 mg or 3 mg, 25% and 42%, respectively, improved liver fibrosis by one stage or more without worsening of steatohepatitis. Treatment with NGM282 led to relative reductions in liver fat content (-58% and -67% in the 1 mg and 3 mg groups, respectively), corrected T1 (cT1; -8% and -9%), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (-67% and -60%), aspartate aminotransferase (-57% and -52%), and fibrogenesis biomarkers neoepitope-specific N-terminal propeptide of type III collagen (Pro-C3; -22% and -33%) and enhanced liver fibrosis score (ELF; -3% and -6%) at week 12. Greater reductions in Pro-C3, ELF, and cT1, but not in liver fat content, 7alpha-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one, or ALT, were observed in histological responders than in nonresponders. Conclusion: In this open-label study, NGM282 improved the histological features of NASH in 12 weeks with significant reductions in NAS and fibrosis scores, accompanied by improvements in noninvasive imaging and serum markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A. Harrison
- Radcliffe Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordUK,Pinnacle Clinical ResearchSan AntonioTX
| | | | | | - James F. Trotter
- Clinical Research and EducationTexas Digestive Disease ConsultantsDallasTX
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lei Ling
- NGM BiopharmaceuticalsSouth San FranciscoCA
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Sumida Y, Yoneda M, Ogawa Y, Yoneda M, Okanoue T, Nakajima A. Current and new pharmacotherapy options for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2020; 21:953-967. [PMID: 32237916 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2020.1744564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is an unmet medical need for an effective anti-fibrotic treatment for NASH with advanced fibrosis. AREAS COVERED The authors review the current and novel agents for the treatment of NASH with fibrosis. They also consider the potential future strategies of combination therapies. EXPERT OPINION Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist (obeticholic acid [OCA]) significantly ameliorated hepatic fibrosis in NASH stage 2/3 fibrosis in an interim analysis of phase 3 trial. Because OCA has several drawbacks such as itching and elevated low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), non-bile acid FXR agonists are now under development. Selonsertib (apoptosis signaling kinase 1 inhibitor), emricasan (an irreversible pan-caspase inhibitor), and simtsuzumab (a monoclonal antibody against lysyl oxidase-like 2) were discontinued because of no efficacy over placebo. Peroxisome proliferator-activator receptor α/δ agonists, C-C motif chemokine receptor-2/5 antagonists, and thyroid β receptor agonist are ongoing in phase 3 trials. A variety of agents including fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-21 and FGF-19 agonists, as well as acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitors, are also expected. Among antidiabetic agents, semaglutide, a novel GLP-1 RA, is ongoing for NASH stage 1-3 fibrosis in a phase 2 trial. Furthermore, the combination of GLP-RA/glucagon receptor agonist and GLP-RA/gastrointestinal peptide agonist are promising future options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshio Sumida
- Division of Hepatology and Pancreatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University , Kasugai, Japan
| | - Masato Yoneda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University , Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yuji Ogawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University , Yokohama, Japan
| | - Masashi Yoneda
- Division of Hepatology and Pancreatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University , Kasugai, Japan
| | - Takeshi Okanoue
- Department of Gastroenterology, Suita Hospital , Osaka, Japan
| | - Atsushi Nakajima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University , Yokohama, Japan
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