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Zhi Y, Dong Y, Li X, Zhong W, Lei X, Tang J, Mao Y. Current Progress and Challenges in the Development of Pharmacotherapy for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis. Diabetes Metab Res Rev 2024; 40:e3846. [PMID: 39329241 DOI: 10.1002/dmrr.3846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 08/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a severe form of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), poses a significant threat to global health. Despite extensive research efforts over the past decade, only one drug has received market approval under accelerated pathways. In this review, we summarise the pathogenesis of MASH and present a comprehensive overview of recent advances in phase 2-3 clinical trials targeting MASH. These trials have highlighted considerable challenges, including low response rates to drugs, limitations of current surrogate histological endpoints, and inadequacies in the design of MASH clinical trials, all of which hinder the progress of MASH pharmacotherapy. We also explored the potential of non-invasive tests to enhance clinical trial design. Furthermore, given the strong association between MASLD and cardiometabolic disorders, we advocate for an integrated approach to disease management to improve overall patient outcomes. Continued investigation into the mechanisms and pharmacology of combination therapies may offer valuable insights for developing innovative MASH treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Shanghai Research Center of Fatty Liver Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinuo Dong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Shanghai Research Center of Fatty Liver Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyun Li
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Shanghai Research Center of Fatty Liver Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zhong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Shanghai Research Center of Fatty Liver Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohong Lei
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Shanghai Research Center of Fatty Liver Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jieting Tang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Shanghai Research Center of Fatty Liver Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yimin Mao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Shanghai Research Center of Fatty Liver Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Tacke F, Horn P, Wai-Sun Wong V, Ratziu V, Bugianesi E, Francque S, Zelber-Sagi S, Valenti L, Roden M, Schick F, Yki-Järvinen H, Gastaldelli A, Vettor R, Frühbeck G, Dicker D. EASL-EASD-EASO Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). J Hepatol 2024; 81:492-542. [PMID: 38851997 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously termed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is defined as steatotic liver disease (SLD) in the presence of one or more cardiometabolic risk factor(s) and the absence of harmful alcohol intake. The spectrum of MASLD includes steatosis, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH, previously NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis and MASH-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This joint EASL-EASD-EASO guideline provides an update on definitions, prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment for MASLD. Case-finding strategies for MASLD with liver fibrosis, using non-invasive tests, should be applied in individuals with cardiometabolic risk factors, abnormal liver enzymes, and/or radiological signs of hepatic steatosis, particularly in the presence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) or obesity with additional metabolic risk factor(s). A stepwise approach using blood-based scores (such as FIB-4) and, sequentially, imaging techniques (such as transient elastography) is suitable to rule-out/in advanced fibrosis, which is predictive of liver-related outcomes. In adults with MASLD, lifestyle modification - including weight loss, dietary changes, physical exercise and discouraging alcohol consumption - as well as optimal management of comorbidities - including use of incretin-based therapies (e.g. semaglutide, tirzepatide) for T2D or obesity, if indicated - is advised. Bariatric surgery is also an option in individuals with MASLD and obesity. If locally approved and dependent on the label, adults with non-cirrhotic MASH and significant liver fibrosis (stage ≥2) should be considered for a MASH-targeted treatment with resmetirom, which demonstrated histological effectiveness on steatohepatitis and fibrosis with an acceptable safety and tolerability profile. No MASH-targeted pharmacotherapy can currently be recommended for the cirrhotic stage. Management of MASH-related cirrhosis includes adaptations of metabolic drugs, nutritional counselling, surveillance for portal hypertension and HCC, as well as liver transplantation in decompensated cirrhosis.
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Qin X, Liu J. Nanoformulations for the diagnosis and treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. Acta Biomater 2024; 184:37-53. [PMID: 38879104 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.06.014] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a progressive phase of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) that develops into irreversible liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, ultimately necessitating liver transplantation as the sole life-saving option. However, given the drawbacks of liver transplantation, including invasiveness, chronic immunosuppression, and a lack of donor livers, prompt diagnosis and effective treatment are indispensable. Due to the limitations of liver biopsy and conventional imaging modalities in diagnosing MASH, as well as the potential hazards associated with liver-protecting medicines, numerous nanoformulations have been created for MASH theranostics. Particularly, there has been significant study interest in artificial nanoparticles, natural biomaterials, and bionic nanoparticles that exhibit exceptional biocompatibility and bioavailability. In this review, we summarized extracellular vesicles (EVs)-based omics analysis and Fe3O4-based functional magnetic nanoparticles as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents for MASH diagnosis. Additionally, artificial nanoparticles such as organic and inorganic nanoparticles, as well as natural biomaterials such as cells and cell-derived EVs and bionic nanoparticles including cell membrane-coated nanoparticles, have also been reported for MASH treatment owing to their specific targeting and superior therapeutic effect. This review has the potential to stimulate advancements in nanoformulation fabrication techniques. By exploring their compatibility with cell biology, it could lead to the creation of innovative material systems for efficient theragnostic uses for MASH. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: People with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) will progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, or even liver cancer. It is imperative to establish effective theragnostic techniques to stop MASH from progressing into a lethal condition. In our review, we summarize the advancement of artificial, natural, and bionic nanoparticles applied in MASH theragnosis. Furthermore, the issues that need to be resolved for these cutting-edge techniques are summarized to realize a more significant clinical impact. We forecast the key fields that will advance further as nanotechnology and MASH research progress. Generally, our discovery has significant implications for the advancement of nanoformulation fabrication techniques, and their potential to be compatible with cell biology could lead to the creation of innovative materials systems for effective MASH theragnostic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueying Qin
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Gastric Cancer of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou, 225001, PR China
| | - Jingjing Liu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Gastric Cancer of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou, 225001, PR China.
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Bril F, Kalavalapalli S, Lomonaco R, Frye R, Godinez Leiva E, Cusi K. Insulin resistance is an integral feature of MASLD even in the presence of PNPLA3 variants. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:101092. [PMID: 39022386 PMCID: PMC11252529 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2024.101092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims It has been postulated that carriers of PNPLA3 I148M (CG [Ile/Met] or GG [Met/Met]) develop metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in the absence of insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome. However, the relationship between insulin resistance and MASLD according to the PNPLA3 allele has not been carefully assessed. Methods A total of 204 participants were recruited and underwent PNPLA3 genotyping, an oral glucose tolerance test, liver proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy and percutaneous liver biopsy if diagnosed with MASLD. A subgroup of patients (n = 55) had an euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp with glucose tracer infusion. Results As expected, patients with the CG/GG genotype had worse intrahepatic triglyceride content and worse liver histology. However, regardless of PNPLA3 genotype, patients with a diagnosis of MASLD had severe whole-body insulin resistance (Matsuda index, an estimation of insulin resistance in glucose metabolic pathways) and fasting and postprandial adipose tissue insulin resistance (Adipo-IR index and free fatty acid suppression during the oral glucose tolerance test, respectively, as measures of insulin resistance in lipolytic metabolic pathways) compared to patients without MASLD. Moreover, for the same amount of liver fat accumulation, insulin resistance was similar in patients with genotypes CC vs. CG/GG. In multiple regression analyses, A1c and Adipo-IR were associated with the presence of MASLD and advanced liver fibrosis, independently of PNPLA3 genotype. Conclusions PNPLA3 variant carriers with MASLD are equally insulin resistant as non-carriers with MASLD at the level of the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue. This calls for reframing "PNPLA3 MASLD" as an insulin-resistant condition associated with increased hepatic susceptibility to metabolic insults, such as obesity or diabetes, wherein early identification and aggressive intervention are warranted to reverse metabolic dysfunction and prevent disease progression. Impact and implications It has been proposed that the PNPLA3 G allele is associated with the presence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in the absence of insulin resistance. However, our results suggest that regardless of PNPLA3 alleles, the presence of insulin resistance is necessary for the development of MASLD. This calls for reframing patients with "PNPLA3 MASLD" not as insulin sensitive, but on the contrary, as an insulin-resistant population with increased hepatic susceptibility to metabolic insults, such as obesity or diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Bril
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Alabama at Birmingham. 510 20 Street South, FOT 825A, 35233, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA. 1600 Archer Road, Room H2, 32610, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Srilaxmi Kalavalapalli
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA. 1600 Archer Road, Room H2, 32610, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Romina Lomonaco
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA. 1600 Archer Road, Room H2, 32610, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Reginald Frye
- Center for Pharmacogenomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Currently at College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, USA
| | - Eddison Godinez Leiva
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA. 1600 Archer Road, Room H2, 32610, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kenneth Cusi
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA. 1600 Archer Road, Room H2, 32610, Gainesville, FL, USA
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EASL-EASD-EASO Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). Obes Facts 2024; 17:374-444. [PMID: 38852583 PMCID: PMC11299976 DOI: 10.1159/000539371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously termed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is defined as steatotic liver disease (SLD) in the presence of one or more cardiometabolic risk factor(s) and the absence of harmful alcohol intake. The spectrum of MASLD includes steatosis, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH, previously NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis and MASH-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This joint EASL-EASD-EASO guideline provides an update on definitions, prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment for MASLD. Case-finding strategies for MASLD with liver fibrosis, using non-invasive tests, should be applied in individuals with cardiometabolic risk factors, abnormal liver enzymes, and/or radiological signs of hepatic steatosis, particularly in the presence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) or obesity with additional metabolic risk factor(s). A stepwise approach using blood-based scores (such as FIB-4) and, sequentially, imaging techniques (such as transient elastography) is suitable to rule-out/in advanced fibrosis, which is predictive of liver-related outcomes. In adults with MASLD, lifestyle modification - including weight loss, dietary changes, physical exercise and discouraging alcohol consumption - as well as optimal management of comorbidities - including use of incretin-based therapies (e.g. semaglutide, tirzepatide) for T2D or obesity, if indicated - is advised. Bariatric surgery is also an option in individuals with MASLD and obesity. If locally approved and dependent on the label, adults with non-cirrhotic MASH and significant liver fibrosis (stage ≥2) should be considered for a MASH-targeted treatment with resmetirom, which demonstrated histological effectiveness on steatohepatitis and fibrosis with an acceptable safety and tolerability profile. No MASH-targeted pharmacotherapy can currently be recommended for the cirrhotic stage. Management of MASH-related cirrhosis includes adaptations of metabolic drugs, nutritional counselling, surveillance for portal hypertension and HCC, as well as liver transplantation in decompensated cirrhosis.
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Lonardo A, Ballestri S, Mantovani A, Targher G, Bril F. Endpoints in NASH Clinical Trials: Are We Blind in One Eye? Metabolites 2024; 14:40. [PMID: 38248843 PMCID: PMC10820221 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14010040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
This narrative review aims to illustrate the notion that nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), recently renamed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), is a systemic metabolic disorder featuring both adverse hepatic and extrahepatic outcomes. In recent years, several NASH trials have failed to identify effective pharmacological treatments and, therefore, lifestyle changes are the cornerstone of therapy for NASH. with this context, we analyze the epidemiological burden of NASH and the possible pathogenetic factors involved. These include genetic factors, insulin resistance, lipotoxicity, immuno-thrombosis, oxidative stress, reprogramming of hepatic metabolism, and hypoxia, all of which eventually culminate in low-grade chronic inflammation and increased risk of fibrosis progression. The possible explanations underlying the failure of NASH trials are also accurately examined. We conclude that the high heterogeneity of NASH, resulting from variable genetic backgrounds, exposure, and responses to different metabolic stresses, susceptibility to hepatocyte lipotoxicity, and differences in repair-response, calls for personalized medicine approaches involving research on noninvasive biomarkers. Future NASH trials should aim at achieving a complete assessment of systemic determinants, modifiers, and correlates of NASH, thus adopting a more holistic and unbiased approach, notably including cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic outcomes, without restricting therapeutic perspectives to histological surrogates of liver-related outcomes alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amedeo Lonardo
- AOU—Modena—Ospedale Civile di Baggiovara, 41126 Modena, Italy;
| | | | - Alessandro Mantovani
- Section of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Piazzale Stefani, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Giovanni Targher
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy;
- Metabolic Diseases Research Unit, IRCCS Sacro Cuore—Don Calabria Hospital, 37024 Negrar di Valpolicella, Italy
| | - Fernando Bril
- Department of Medicine, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL 35233, USA;
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Syed-Abdul MM, Moore MP, Wheeler AA, Ganga RR, Diaz-Arias A, Petroski GF, Rector RS, Ibdah JA, Parks EJ. Isotope Labeling and Biochemical Assessment of Liver-Triacylglycerol in Patients with Different Levels of Histologically-Graded Liver Disease. J Nutr 2023; 153:3418-3429. [PMID: 37774841 PMCID: PMC10843901 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) prevalence is rapidly growing, and fatty liver has been found in a quarter of the US population. Increased liver lipids, particularly those derived from the pathway of de novo lipogenesis (DNL), have been identified as a hallmark feature in individuals with high liver fat. This has led to much activity in basic science and drug development in this area. No studies to date have investigated the contribution of DNL across a spectrum of disease, although it is clear that inhibition of DNL has been shown to reduce liver fat. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to determine whether liver lipid synthesis increases across the continuum of liver injury. METHODS Individuals (n = 49) consumed deuterated water for 10 d before their scheduled bariatric surgeries to label DNL; blood and liver tissue samples were obtained on the day of the surgery. Liver lipid concentrations were quantitated, and levels of protein and gene expression assessed. RESULTS Increased liver DNL, measured isotopically, was significantly associated with liver fatty acid synthase protein content (R = 0.470, P = 0.003), total steatosis assessed by histology (R = 0.526, P = 0.0008), and the fraction of DNL fatty acids in plasma very low-density lipoprotein-triacylglycerol (R = 0.747, P < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed a parabolic relationship between fractional liver DNL (percent) and NAFLD activity score (R = 0.538, P = 0.0004). CONCLUSION These data demonstrate that higher DNL is associated with early to mid stages of liver disease, and this pathway may be an effective target for the treatment of NAFLD and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03683589.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid M Syed-Abdul
- Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Mary P Moore
- Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States; Research Services-Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Andrew A Wheeler
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Rama R Ganga
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Alberto Diaz-Arias
- Boyce & Bynum Pathology Professional Services, Division of Gastrointestinal & Hepatobiliary Pathology, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Gregory F Petroski
- Biostatistics Unit, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - R Scott Rector
- Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States; Research Services-Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, United States; Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Jamal A Ibdah
- Research Services-Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, United States; Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Elizabeth J Parks
- Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States; Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.
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Harrison SA, Loomba R, Dubourg J, Ratziu V, Noureddin M. Clinical Trial Landscape in NASH. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 21:2001-2014. [PMID: 37059159 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.03.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease consists of a spectrum starting from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease that may progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, or even liver failure. The prevalence of NASH has increased in parallel with the rising rate of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Given the high prevalence and deadly complications of NASH, there have been significant efforts to develop effective treatments. Phase 2A studies have assessed various mechanisms of action across the spectrum of the disease, while phase 3 studies have focused mainly on NASH and fibrosis stage 2 and higher, as these patients have a higher risk of disease morbidity and mortality. The primary efficacy endpoints also vary, by using noninvasive tests in early-phase trials while relying on liver histological endpoints in phase 3 studies as required by regulatory agencies. Despite initial disappointment due to the failure of several drugs, recent phase 2 and 3 studies have shown promising results, with the first Food and Drug Administration-approved drug for NASH expected to be approved in 2023. In this review, we discuss the various drugs under development for NASH, their mechanisms of action, and the results of their clinical trials. We also highlight the potential challenges in developing pharmacological therapies for NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A Harrison
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Pinnacle Clinical Research, San Antonio, Texas.
| | - Rohit Loomba
- NAFLD Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, University of California San Diego, San Diego California
| | | | - Vlad Ratziu
- Institute for Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, Hospital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Mazen Noureddin
- Houston Research Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas
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Comparison of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors and Thiazolidinediones for Management of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2023; 47:102111. [PMID: 36931466 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2023.102111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pharmacologic treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains unclear. METHODS Two reviewers searched PubMed, SCOPUS, Cochrane Central and clinicaltrials.gov for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of patients with NAFLD with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) receiving TZDs vs SGLT2 inhibitors. The primary outcomes were change in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and improvement in steatosis and fibrosis. The secondary outcomes were changes in lipid profile, body weight and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Random effects models with continuous outcomes as weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used. RESULTS Five studies (n= 311 NAFLD patients) were included. Patients treated with SGLT2 inhibitors (n= 156) showed significant decrease in visceral fat area (VFA; WMD 23.45, p<0.00001) and body weight (WMD 4.22, p<0.00001) as compared to those treated with TZDs (n= 155). Patients from both groups showed improvement in AST (WMD 1.21, p= 0.40), ALT (WMD -0.46, p= 0.81), GGT (WMD -0.47, p= 0.84), hepatic fibrosis (WMD 0.11, p= 0.52), LDL (WMD 2.19, p= 0.35), HbA1c (WMD -0.16%, p= 0.20), HOMA-IR (WMD: -0.04, p= 0.91) and FPG (WMD -7.37, p= 0.28) which was equivalent and non-significant. CONCLUSION The improvement in liver enzymes, steatosis and fibrosis caused by SGLT2 inhibitors and TZDs was similar. SGLT2 inhibitors, however, resulted in a significant decrease in VFA and body weight. As weight loss is found to have a positive effect on the resolution of steatosis and fibrosis in NAFLD patients, SGLT2 inhibitors may have the potential to be considered for long-term management, however, further research needs to be conducted to determine the utility of SGLT2 inhibitor class of antidiabetic drugs for effectively treating NAFLD.
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Hepatic and renal improvements with FXR agonist vonafexor in individuals with suspected fibrotic NASH. J Hepatol 2023; 78:479-492. [PMID: 36334688 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The LIVIFY trial investigated the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of vonafexor, a second-generation, non-bile acid farnesoid X receptor agonist in patients with suspected fibrotic non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). METHODS This double-blind phase IIa study was conducted in two parts. Patients were randomised (1:1:1:1) to receive placebo, vonafexor 100 mg twice daily (VONA-100BID), vonafexor 200 mg once daily (VONA-200QD), or 400 mg vonafexor QD (VONA-400QD) in Part A (safety run-in, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics) or placebo, vonafexor 100 mg QD (VONA-100QD), or VONA-200QD (1:1:1) in Part B. The primary efficacy endpoint was a reduction in liver fat content (LFC) by MRI-proton density fat fraction, while secondary endpoints included reduced corrected T1 values and liver enzymes, from baseline to Week 12. RESULTS One hundred and twenty patients were randomised (Part A, n = 24; Part B, n = 96). In Part B, there was a significant reduction in least-square mean (SE) absolute change in LFC from baseline to Week 12 for VONA-100QD (-6.3% [0.9]) and VONA-200QD (-5.4% [0.9]), vs. placebo (-2.3% [0.9], p = 0.002 and 0.012, respectively). A >30% relative LFC reduction was achieved by 50.0% and 39.3% of patients in the VONA-100QD and VONA-200QD arms, respectively, but only in 12.5% in the placebo arm. Reductions in body weight, liver enzymes, and corrected T1 were also observed with vonafexor. Creatinine-based glomerular filtration rate improved in the active arms but not the placebo arm. Mild to moderate generalised pruritus was reported in 6.3%, 9.7%, and 18.2% of participants in the placebo, VONA-100QD, and VONA-200QD arms, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In patients with suspected fibrotic NASH, vonafexor was safe and induced potent liver fat reduction, improvement in liver enzymes, weight loss, and a possible renal benefit. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER (EUDRACT) 2018-003119-22. CLINICALTRIALS GOV IDENTIFIER NCT03812029. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has become a leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Affected patients are also at higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease. There are no approved therapies and only few options to treat this population. The phase IIa LIVIFY trial results show that single daily administration of oral vonafexor, an FXR agonist, leads in the short term to a reduction in liver fat, liver enzymes, fibrosis biomarkers, body weight and abdominal circumference, and a possible improvement in kidney function, while possible mild moderate pruritus (a peripheral FXR class effect) and an LDL-cholesterol increase are manageable with lower doses and statins. These results support exploration in longer and larger trials, with the aim of addressing the unmet medical need in NASH.
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Harrison SA, Allen AM, Dubourg J, Noureddin M, Alkhouri N. Challenges and opportunities in NASH drug development. Nat Med 2023; 29:562-573. [PMID: 36894650 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02242-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 118.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its more severe form, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), represent a growing worldwide epidemic and a high unmet medical need, as no licensed drugs have been approved thus far. Currently, histopathological assessment of liver biopsies is mandatory as a primary endpoint for conditional drug approval. This requirement represents one of the main challenges in the field, as there is substantial variability in this invasive histopathological assessment, which leads to dramatically high screen-failure rates in clinical trials. Over the past decades, several non-invasive tests have been developed to correlate with liver histology and, eventually, outcomes to assess disease severity and longitudinal changes non-invasively. However, further data are needed to ensure their endorsement by regulatory authorities as alternatives to histological endpoints in phase 3 trials. This Review describes the challenges of drug development in NAFLD-NASH trials and potential mitigating strategies to move the field forward.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alina M Allen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | | | - Naim Alkhouri
- Department of Hepatology, Arizona Liver Health, Chandler, AZ, USA
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12
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Harrison SA, Thang C, Bolze S, Dewitt S, Hallakou-Bozec S, Dubourg J, Bedossa P, Cusi K, Ratziu V, Grouin JM, Moller DE, Fouqueray P. Evaluation of PXL065 - deuterium-stabilized (R)-pioglitazone in patients with NASH: A phase II randomized placebo-controlled trial (DESTINY-1). J Hepatol 2023; 78:914-925. [PMID: 36804402 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Pioglitazone (Pio) is efficacious in NASH, but its utility is limited by PPARγ-driven side effects. Pio is a mixture of two enantiomers (R, S). PXL065, deuterium-stabilized R-Pio, lacks PPARγ activity but retains non-genomic activity. We tested the hypothesis that PXL065 would have similar efficacy but a better safety profile than Pio in patients with NASH. METHODS Patients (≥8% liver fat, NAFLD activity score [NAS] ≥4, F1-F3) received daily doses of PXL065 (7.5, 15, 22.5 mg) or placebo 1:1:1:1 for 36 weeks. The primary endpoint was relative % change in liver fat content (LFC) on MRI-proton density fat fraction; liver histology, non-invasive tests, safety-tolerability, and pharmacokinetics were also assessed. RESULTS One hundred and seventeen patients were evaluated. All PXL065 groups met the primary endpoint (-21 to (-25% LFC, p = 0.008-0.02 vs. placebo); 40% (22.5 mg) achieved a ≥30% LFC reduction. Favorable trends in non-invasive tests including reductions in PIIINP (p = 0.02, 22.5 mg) and NAFLD fibrosis score (p = 0.04, 22.5 mg) were observed. On histology (n = 92), a ≥1 stage fibrosis improvement occurred in 40% (7.5 mg), 50% (15 mg, p = 0.06), and 35% (22.5 mg) vs. 17% for placebo; up to 50% of PXL065-treated patients achieved a ≥2 point NAS improvement without fibrosis worsening vs. 30% with placebo. Metabolic improvements included: HbA1c (-0.41% p = 0.003) and insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IR, p = 0.04; Adipo-IR, p = 0.002). Adiponectin increased (+114%, 22.5 mg, p <0.0001) vs. placebo. There was no dose-dependent effect on body weight or PXL065-related peripheral oedema signal. Overall, PXL065 was safe and well tolerated. Pharmacokinetics confirmed dose-proportional and higher steady state R- vs. S-Pio exposure. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Pioglitazone (Pio) is an approved diabetes medicine with proven efficacy in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH); PXL065 is a novel related oral agent which has been shown to retain Pio's efficacy in preclinical NASH models, with reduced potential for PPARγ-driven side effects. Results of this phase II study are important as PXL065 improved several key NASH disease features with a favorable safety profile - these findings can be applied by researchers seeking to understand pathophysiology and to develop new therapies. These results also indicate that PXL065 warrants further clinical testing in a pivotal NASH trial. Other implications include the potential future availability of a distinct oral therapy for NASH that may be relevant for patients, providers and caregivers seeking to prevent the progression and complications of this disease. CONCLUSIONS PXL065 is a novel molecule which retains an efficacy profile in NASH similar to Pio with reduced potential for PPARγ-driven side effects. A pivotal clinical trial is warranted to confirm the histological benefits reported herein. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Pioglitazone (Pio) is an approved diabetes medicine with proven efficacy in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH); PXL065 is a novel related oral agent which has been shown to retain Pio's efficacy in preclinical NASH models, with reduced potential for PPARγ-driven side effects. Results of this phase II study are important as PXL065 improved several key NASH disease features with a favorable safety profile - these findings can be applied by researchers seeking to understand pathophysiology and to develop new therapies. These results also indicate that PXL065 warrants further clinical testing in a pivotal NASH trial. Other implications include the potential future availability of a distinct oral therapy for NASH that may be relevant for patients, providers and caregivers seeking to prevent the progression and complications of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kenneth Cusi
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Vlad Ratziu
- Sorbonne Université, ICAN, Hospital Pitié-Salpêtrière, INSERM UMRS 1138 CRC, Paris, France
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13
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Lessons on Drug Development: A Literature Review of Challenges Faced in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Clinical Trials. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010158. [PMID: 36613602 PMCID: PMC9820446 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
NAFLD is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide, occurring in both obese and lean patients. It can lead to life-threatening liver diseases and nonhepatic complications, such as cirrhosis and cardiovascular diseases, that burden public health and the health care system. Current care is weight loss through diet and exercise, which is a challenging goal to achieve. However, there are no FDA-approved pharmacotherapies for NAFLD. This review thoroughly examines the clinical trial findings from 22 drugs (Phase 2 and above) and evaluates the future direction that trials should take for further drug development. These trialed drugs can broadly be categorized into five groups-hypoglycemic, lipid-lowering, bile-pathway, anti-inflammatory, and others, which include nutraceuticals. The multitude of challenges faced in these yet-to-be-approved NAFLD drug trials provided insight into a few areas of improvement worth considering. These include drug repurposing, combinations, noninvasive outcomes, standardization, adverse event alleviation, and the need for precision medicine with more extensive consideration of NAFLD heterogenicity in drug trials. Understandably, every evolution of the drug development landscape lies with its own set of challenges. However, this paper believes in the importance of always learning from lessons of the past, with each potential improvement pushing clinical trials an additional step forward toward discovering appropriate drugs for effective NAFLD management.
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14
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Bril F, Pearce RW, Collier TS, McPhaul MJ. Differences in HDL-Bound Apolipoproteins in Patients With Advanced Liver Fibrosis Due to Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 108:42-51. [PMID: 36173828 PMCID: PMC9759171 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT The mechanisms leading to increased cardiovascular disease in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and advanced liver fibrosis remain incompletely understood. OBJECTIVE This study assessed HDL-bound proteins in patients with NAFLD with or without advanced fibrosis. METHODS This cross-sectional study at a university hospital included 185 patients with or without type 2 diabetes (T2D). Patients underwent liver proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure intrahepatic triglyceride accumulation and those with NAFLD underwent a percutaneous liver biopsy. Advanced lipid testing with lipoprotein subfraction measurements and targeted proteomics of HDL-bound proteins was performed. RESULTS Patients with and without advanced fibrosis had similar clinical characteristics, except for lower HDL-C (34 ± 8 vs 38 ± 9 mg/dL, P = 0.024) and higher prevalence of T2D in advanced fibrosis. Patients with advanced fibrosis had lower HDL particle number. A panel of 28 HDL-bound proteins were targeted and quantified by multiple reaction monitoring liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Five proteins were found to be decreased in patients with advanced fibrosis (ApoC-I [P < 0.001], ApoC-IV [P = 0.012], ApoM [P = 0.008], LCAT [P = 0.014], and SAA4 [P = 0.016]). No differences were observed in these proteins in patients with vs without NAFLD or steatohepatitis. The pCAD index, associated with coronary artery disease and cardiovascular mortality, was significantly higher in patients with advanced fibrosis (97 ± 5 vs 86 ± 25, P = 0.04). CONCLUSION Patients with NAFLD with advanced fibrosis showed significant differences in HDL-bound protein levels; this translated into increased cardiovascular risk based on pCAD index. Different lipoprotein composition and function may explain the link between liver disease and increased cardiovascular mortality in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Bril
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Ryan W Pearce
- Quest Diagnostics Cardiometabolic Center of Excellence, Cleveland HeartLab, Cleveland, OH 44103, USA
| | - Timothy S Collier
- Quest Diagnostics Cardiometabolic Center of Excellence, Cleveland HeartLab, Cleveland, OH 44103, USA
| | - Michael J McPhaul
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, USA
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15
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Exosomal microRNAs and Progression of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113501. [PMID: 36362287 PMCID: PMC9654542 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is becoming a public health problem worldwide. Steatosis as the simple form and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) as its progression form are commonly seen in liver biopsy specimens from patients with obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and the use of certain drugs. Patients with NASH and advanced fibrosis were associated with increased risks of liver-related complications, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the mechanisms regarding the progression from simple steatosis to NASH fibrosis remain incompletely understood. Because NASH-caused liver injury is a complex process and multiple cell types are involved, intercellular communication is likely mediated by extracellular vesicles. Exosomes are a type of small extracellular vesicles and contain various cellular molecules, including proteins, messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs). MiRNAs are short, non-coding RNA species that are important post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of NALFD/NASH. In this article, we review the articles about NASH and exosomal miRNAs published in the most recent English literature through PubMed search and discuss the most recent criteria for histological diagnosis, pathogenesis from steatosis to NASH, roles of exosomal miRNAs in NASH pathogenesis and progression, as well as their potential in future clinical diagnosis and treatment for patients with NASH.
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16
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Yu S, Jiang J, Li Q, Liu X, Wang Z, Yang L, Ding L. Schisantherin A alleviates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by restoring intestinal barrier function. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:855008. [PMID: 36132991 PMCID: PMC9483129 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.855008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is intricately linked to dysregulation of the gut–liver axis, and correlated with intestinal inflammation and barrier disruption. Objectives To investigate the protective effects and possible molecular mechanism of Schisantherin A (Sin A) in a high-fat diet (HFD) induced NAFLD mouse model. Methods HFD-fed NAFLD mice were treated with the vehicle and 80 mg/kg Sin A every day for 6 weeks. The gut permeability of the NAFLD mice was assessed by intestinal permeability assays in vivo and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements in vitro were also used to evaluate the function of the gut barrier. TLR4 inhibitor was then used to investigate the impact of Sin A in the LPS- TLR4 signaling pathway. Alternatively, the composition of the microbiome was assessed using 16S rRNA amplification. Finally, the experiment of antibiotic treatment was performed to elucidate the roles of the gut microbiome mediating Sin A induced metabolic benefits in the NAFLD mice. Results We found that Sin A potently ameliorated HFD-induced hepatic steatosis and inflammation, alleviated gut inflammation, and restored intestinal barrier function. We also observed that Sin A improved gut permeability and reduced the release of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into circulation and further found that Sin A can suppress LPS-TLR4 signaling to protect against HFD-induced NAFLD. Sin A treatment altered the composition of the microbiome in NAFLD mice compared to vehicle controls. Conclusions Sin A is an effective and safe hepatoprotective agent against HFD-induced NAFLD by partly ameliorating gut inflammation, restoring intestinal barrier function, and regulating intestinal microbiota composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenglan Yu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Complex Prescription and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Phamcological Research Department, Shanghai Research and Development Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiarui Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Complex Prescription and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Phamcological Research Department, Shanghai Research and Development Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai, China
| | - Qinqin Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Complex Prescription and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Phamcological Research Department, Shanghai Research and Development Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- Research and Development Department, Xuzhou Wanwusheng Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Xuzhou, China
| | - Zhengtao Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Complex Prescription and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Phamcological Research Department, Shanghai Research and Development Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Complex Prescription and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Phamcological Research Department, Shanghai Research and Development Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Lili Ding, ; Li Yang,
| | - Lili Ding
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Complex Prescription and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Phamcological Research Department, Shanghai Research and Development Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Lili Ding, ; Li Yang,
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Abstract
Initially a condition that received limited recognition and whose clinical impact was controversial, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has become a leading cause of chronic liver disease. Although there are no approved therapies, major breakthroughs, which will be reviewed here, have paved the way for future therapeutic successes. The unmet medical need in NASH is no longer disputed, and progress in the understanding of its pathogenesis has resulted in the identification of many pharmacological targets. Key surrogate outcomes for therapeutic trials are now accepted by regulatory agencies, thus creating a path for drug registration. A set of non-invasive measurements enabled early-stage trials to be conducted expeditiously, thus providing early indications on the biological and possibly clinical actions of therapeutic candidates. This generated efficacy results for a number of highly promising compounds that are now in late-stage development. Intense research aimed at further improving the assessment of histological endpoints and in developing non-invasive predictive biomarkers is underway. This will help improve the design and feasibility of successful trials, ultimately providing patients with therapeutic options that can change the course of the disease.
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Gastaldelli A, Cusi K, Fernández Landó L, Bray R, Brouwers B, Rodríguez Á. Effect of tirzepatide versus insulin degludec on liver fat content and abdominal adipose tissue in people with type 2 diabetes (SURPASS-3 MRI): a substudy of the randomised, open-label, parallel-group, phase 3 SURPASS-3 trial. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2022; 10:393-406. [PMID: 35468325 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(22)00070-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 96.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tirzepatide is a novel dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist under development for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The aim of this substudy was to characterise the changes in liver fat content (LFC), volume of visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (ASAT) in response to tirzepatide or insulin degludec in a subpopulation of the SURPASS-3 study. METHODS This substudy of the randomised, open-label, parallel-group, phase 3 SURPASS-3 trial was done at 45 medical research centres and hospitals across eight countries (Argentina, Austria, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Romania, Spain, and the USA). Eligible participants were adults with type 2 diabetes, a baseline HbA1c 7·0-10·5% (53-91 mmol/mol), a BMI of at least 25 kg/m2, stable weight, were insulin-naive, and on treatment with metformin alone or in combination with a SGLT2 inhibitor for at least 3 months before screening. In addition to the main study inclusion criteria, substudy participants had a fatty liver index of at least 60. Participants had an MRI scan and were randomised (1:1:1:1) in the main study to subcutaneous injection once per week of tirzepatide 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg, or subcutaneous injection once per day of titrated insulin degludec, using an interactive web-response system, and were stratified by country, HbA1c, and concomitant oral anti-hyperglycaemic medication. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change from baseline in LFC (as measured by MRI-proton density fat fraction [MRI-PDFF]) at week 52 using pooled data from the tirzepatide 10 mg and 15 mg groups versus insulin degludec. Analyses were assessed in the enrolled MRI population, which consisted of participants in the modified intention-to-treat population of the main study who also had a valid MRI at either baseline or after baseline. This is a substudy of the trial registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT03882970, and is complete. FINDINGS From April 1, 2019, to Nov 15, 2019, 502 participants were assessed for eligibility to participate in this substudy, 296 (59%) of whom were included in the enrolled MRI population and randomly assigned to treatment (tirzepatide 5 mg, n=71; tirzepatide 10 mg, n=79; tirzepatide 15 mg, n=72; and insulin degludec, n=74). Baseline demographics and clinical characteristics were similar across all treatment groups. From an overall mean baseline LFC of 15·71% (SD 8·93), the absolute reduction in LFC at week 52 was significantly greater for the pooled tirzepatide 10 mg and 15 mg groups (-8·09%, SE 0·57) versus the insulin degludec group (-3·38%, 0·83). The estimated treatment difference versus insulin degludec was -4·71% (95% CI -6·72 to -2·70; p<0·0001). The reduction in LFC was significantly correlated (p≤0·0006) with baseline LFC (ρ=-0·71), reductions in VAT (ρ=0·29), reductions in ASAT (ρ=0·33), and reductions in body weight (ρ=0·34) in the tirzepatide groups. INTERPRETATION Tirzepatide showed a significant reduction in LFC and VAT and ASAT volumes compared with insulin degludec in this subpopulation of patients with type 2 diabetes in the SURPASS-3 study. These data provide additional evidence on the metabolic effects of this novel dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. FUNDING Eli Lilly and Company.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalia Gastaldelli
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - Kenneth Cusi
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, The University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | - Ross Bray
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Lavynenko O, Abdul-Ghani M, Alatrach M, Puckett C, Adams J, Abdelgani S, Alkhouri N, Triplitt C, Clarke GD, Vasquez JA, Li J, Cersosimo E, Gastaldelli A, DeFronzo RA. Combination therapy with pioglitazone/exenatide/metformin reduces the prevalence of hepatic fibrosis and steatosis: The efficacy and durability of initial combination therapy for type 2 diabetes (EDICT). Diabetes Obes Metab 2022; 24:899-907. [PMID: 35014145 DOI: 10.1111/dom.14650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIM To compare the efficacy of triple therapy (metformin/exenatide/pioglitazone) versus stepwise conventional therapy (metformin → glipizide → glargine insulin) on liver fat content and hepatic fibrosis in newly diagnosed, drug-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS Sixty-eight patients completed the 6-year follow-up and had an end-of-study (EOS) FibroScan to provide measures of steatosis (controlled attenuation parameter [CAP] in dB/m) and fibrosis (liver stiffness measurement [LSM] in kPa); 59 had magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) to measure liver fat. RESULTS At EOS, HbA1c was 6.8% and 6.0% in triple and conventional therapy groups, respectively (P = .0006). Twenty-seven of 39 subjects (69%) receiving conventional therapy had grade 2/3 steatosis (CAP, FibroScan) versus nine of 29 (31%) in triple therapy (P = .0003). Ten of 39 (26%) subjects receiving conventional therapy had stage 3/4 fibrosis (LSM) versus two of 29 (7%) in triple therapy (P = .04). Conventional therapy subjects had more liver fat (MRI-PDFF) than triple therapy (12.9% vs. 8.8%, P = .03). The severity of steatosis (CAP) (r = 0.42, P < .001) and fibrosis (LSM) (r = -0.48, P < .001) correlated inversely with the Matsuda Index of insulin sensitivity, but not with percentage body fat. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score (NFS), plasma AST, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) all decreased significantly with triple therapy, but only the decrease in plasma AST and ALT correlated with the severity of steatosis and fibrosis at EOS. CONCLUSIONS At EOS, subjects with type 2 diabetes treated with triple therapy had less hepatic steatosis and fibrosis versus conventional therapy; the severity of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis were both strongly and inversely correlated with insulin resistance; and changes in liver fibrosis scores (APRI, NFS, Fibrosis-4, and AST/ALT ratio) have limited value in predicting response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Lavynenko
- University of Texas Health Science Center and Texas Diabetes Institute, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Muhammad Abdul-Ghani
- University of Texas Health Science Center and Texas Diabetes Institute, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Mariam Alatrach
- University of Texas Health Science Center and Texas Diabetes Institute, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Curtiss Puckett
- University of Texas Health Science Center and Texas Diabetes Institute, San Antonio, Texas
| | - John Adams
- University of Texas Health Science Center and Texas Diabetes Institute, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Siham Abdelgani
- University of Texas Health Science Center and Texas Diabetes Institute, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Naim Alkhouri
- University of Texas Health Science Center and Texas Diabetes Institute, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Curtis Triplitt
- University of Texas Health Science Center and Texas Diabetes Institute, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Geoffrey D Clarke
- University of Texas Health Science Center and Texas Diabetes Institute, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Juan A Vasquez
- University of Texas Health Science Center and Texas Diabetes Institute, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Jinqi Li
- University of Texas Health Science Center and Texas Diabetes Institute, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Eugenio Cersosimo
- University of Texas Health Science Center and Texas Diabetes Institute, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Amalia Gastaldelli
- University of Texas Health Science Center and Texas Diabetes Institute, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Ralph A DeFronzo
- University of Texas Health Science Center and Texas Diabetes Institute, San Antonio, Texas
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20
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Hsueh RC, Wu WJ, Lin CL, Liu CJ, Huang YW, Hu JT, Wu CF, Sung FY, Liu WJ, Yu MW. Impact of PNPLA3 p.I148M and Hepatic Steatosis on Long-Term Outcomes for Hepatocellular Carcinoma and HBsAg Seroclearance in Chronic Hepatitis B. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2022; 9:301-313. [PMID: 35433529 PMCID: PMC9012500 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s355540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Coexistence of hepatitis B and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is common; however, little is known about the impact of hepatic steatosis and its major genetic determinants on the natural history of HBV infection. We aimed to study the effects of hepatic steatosis and PNPLA3 variant p.I148M on the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the lifetime probability of HBsAg seroclearance, which is associated with functional remission and improved long-term outcome of HBV infection. Methods We conducted a cohort study of 2385 male, HBsAg-positive Taiwanese civil servants recruited in 1989–1992, and followed up until 2019. Cox regression with competing-risk models was used to estimate sub-distribution hazard ratios (sHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Of 2385 participants, 628 experienced HBsAg seroclearance and 217 developed HCC. Hepatic steatosis, excess body-mass index, and the PNPLA3-148M variant were significantly associated with higher HBsAg seroclearance rate. However, multivariate analyses accounting for HBsAg seroclearance and various HCC risk factors showed that, while steatosis was associated with decreased HCC risk (sHR [95% CI]: 0.49 [0.36–0.66]), carriage of the PNPLA3-148M variant allele (vs II homozygotes: 1.64 [1.20–2.25] for MI heterozygotes; 1.83 [1.20–2.78] for MM homozygotes) and obesity (1.51 [1.07–2.13]) were associated with increased risk. The inverse hepatic steatosis-HCC association persisted after additional adjustment for other viral factors or using different follow-up time cut-offs to account for reverse causality. Moreover, the PNPLA3 MM genotype was positively associated with elevations of ALT and AST and liver cirrhosis, while hepatic steatosis was positively associated with ALT but inversely associated with AST and liver cirrhosis. Conclusion Hepatic steatosis and PNPLA3-148M variant appeared to have distinct impacts on the development of HBV-related progressive liver disease and HCC. PNPLA3 p.I148M, but not a diagnosis of hepatic steatosis, can help to identify HBV carriers with high-risk fatty liver disease in the progression to HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rei-Chi Hsueh
- Graduate Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Jung Wu
- Graduate Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Lin Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ren-Ai Branch, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Wen Huang
- Clinical Research Center, Liver Center and Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Ting Hu
- Liver Center, Cathay General Hospital Medical Center, School of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Feng Wu
- Graduate Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Feng-Yu Sung
- Graduate Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Jie Liu
- Graduate Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Whei Yu
- Graduate Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Correspondence: Ming-Whei Yu, Graduate Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Room 522 No. 17, Xuzhou Road Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, 10055, Taiwan, Email
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21
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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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22
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Li G, Zhang X, Lin H, Liang LY, Wong GLH, Wong VWS. Non-invasive tests of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Chin Med J (Engl) 2022; 135:532-546. [PMID: 35089884 PMCID: PMC8920457 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT For the detection of steatosis, quantitative ultrasound imaging techniques have achieved great progress in past years. Magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction is currently the most accurate test to detect hepatic steatosis. Some blood biomarkers correlate with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, but the accuracy is modest. Regarding liver fibrosis, liver stiffness measurement by transient elastography (TE) has high accuracy and is widely used across the world. Magnetic resonance elastography is marginally better than TE but is limited by its cost and availability. Several blood biomarkers of fibrosis have been used in clinical trials and hold promise for selecting patients for treatment and monitoring treatment response. This article reviews new developments in the non-invasive assessment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Accumulating evidence suggests that various non-invasive tests can be used to diagnose NAFLD, assess its severity, and predict the prognosis. Further studies are needed to determine the role of the tests as monitoring tools. We cannot overemphasize the importance of context in selecting appropriate tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanlin Li
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Medical Data Analytics Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xinrong Zhang
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Medical Data Analytics Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Huapeng Lin
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Medical Data Analytics Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lilian Yan Liang
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Medical Data Analytics Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Grace Lai-Hung Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Medical Data Analytics Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Vincent Wai-Sun Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Medical Data Analytics Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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23
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Tamaki N, Ajmera V, Loomba R. Non-invasive methods for imaging hepatic steatosis and their clinical importance in NAFLD. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2022; 18:55-66. [PMID: 34815553 PMCID: PMC9012520 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-021-00584-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic steatosis is a key histological feature of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The non-invasive quantification of liver fat is now possible due to advances in imaging modalities. Emerging data suggest that high levels of liver fat and its temporal change, as measured by quantitative non-invasive methods, might be associated with NAFLD progression. Ultrasound-based modalities have moderate diagnostic accuracy for liver fat content and are suitable for screening. However, of the non-invasive imaging modalities, MRI-derived proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) has the highest diagnostic accuracy and is used for trial enrolment and to evaluate therapeutic effects in early-phase clinical trials in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In patients with NAFLD without advanced fibrosis, high levels of liver fat are associated with rapid disease progression. Furthermore, changes on MRI-PDFF (≥30% decline relative to baseline) are associated with NAFLD activity score improvement and fibrosis regression. However, an inverse association exists between liver fat and complications of cirrhosis. Liver fat decreases as liver fibrosis progresses towards cirrhosis, and the clinical importance of quantitative measurements of liver fat differs by NAFLD status. As such, patients with NAFLD should be stratified by fibrosis severity to investigate the utility of quantitative measurements of liver fat for assessing NAFLD progression and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuharu Tamaki
- NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Veeral Ajmera
- NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Rohit Loomba
- NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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24
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Lai J, Wang HL, Zhang X, Wang H, Liu X. Pathologic Diagnosis of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2021; 146:940-946. [PMID: 34871361 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2021-0339-ra] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT.— Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses steatosis and steatohepatitis. The cause may be multifactorial, and diagnosis requires correlation with clinical information and laboratory results. OBJECTIVE.— To provide an overview of the status of histology diagnosis of steatosis, steatohepatitis, and associated conditions. DATA SOURCES.— A literature search was performed using the PubMed search engine. The terms ''steatosis,'' ''steatohepatitis,'' ''nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD),'' ''nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH),'' "alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH)," ''type 2 diabetes (T2DM),'' "cryptogenic cirrhosis," "drug-induced liver injury (DILI)," "immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy," and "COVID-19 and liver" were used. CONCLUSIONS.— Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease has become the most common chronic liver disease in the United States. NASH is the progressive form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The hallmarks of steatohepatitis are steatosis, ballooned hepatocytes, and lobular inflammation. NASH and alcoholic steatohepatitis share similar histologic features, but some subtle differences may help their distinction. NASH is commonly seen in patients with metabolic dysfunction but can also be caused by other etiologies. Examples are medications including newly developed immune checkpoint inhibitors and viral infections such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). NASH is also a common cause of cryptogenic cirrhosis but can be reversed. The results from recent clinical trials for NASH treatment are promising in reducing the severity of steatosis, ballooning, and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinping Lai
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Sacramento Medical Center, Sacramento, California (Lai)
| | - Hanlin L Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California (HL Wang)
| | - Xuchen Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (Zhang)
| | - Huamin Wang
- Departments of Anatomic Pathology and Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston (H Wang)
| | - Xiuli Liu
- The Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville (Liu)
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25
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Ratziu V, de Guevara L, Safadi R, Poordad F, Fuster F, Flores-Figueroa J, Arrese M, Fracanzani AL, Ben Bashat D, Lackner K, Gorfine T, Kadosh S, Oren R, Halperin M, Hayardeny L, Loomba R, Friedman S, Sanyal AJ. Aramchol in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2b trial. Nat Med 2021; 27:1825-1835. [PMID: 34621052 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-021-01495-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a chronic liver disease without an approved therapy, is associated with lipotoxicity and insulin resistance and is a major cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Aramchol, a partial inhibitor of hepatic stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD1) improved steatohepatitis and fibrosis in rodents and reduced steatosis in an early clinical trial. ARREST, a 52-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2b trial randomized 247 patients with NASH (n = 101, n = 98 and n = 48 in the Aramchol 400 mg, 600 mg and placebo arms, respectively; NCT02279524 ). The primary end point was a decrease in hepatic triglycerides by magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 52 weeks with a dose of 600 mg of Aramchol. Key secondary end points included liver histology and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Aramchol 600 mg produced a placebo-corrected decrease in liver triglycerides without meeting the prespecified significance (-3.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) -6.4 to 0.2, P = 0.066), precluding further formal statistical analysis. NASH resolution without worsening fibrosis was achieved in 16.7% (13 out of 78) of Aramchol 600 mg versus 5% (2 out of 40) of the placebo arm (odds ratio (OR) = 4.74, 95% CI = 0.99 to 22.7) and fibrosis improvement by ≥1 stage without worsening NASH in 29.5% versus 17.5% (OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 0.7 to 5.0), respectively. The placebo-corrected decrease in ALT for 600 mg was -29.1 IU l-1 (95% CI = -41.6 to -16.5). Early termination due to adverse events (AEs) was <5%, and Aramchol 600 and 400 mg were safe, well tolerated and without imbalance in serious or severe AEs between arms. Although the primary end point of a reduction in liver fat did not meet the prespecified significance level with Aramchol 600 mg, the observed safety and changes in liver histology and enzymes provide a rationale for SCD1 modulation as a promising therapy for NASH and fibrosis and are being evaluated in an ongoing phase 3 program.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Ratziu
- Sorbonne Université, Institute for Cardiometabolism and Nutrition and Hôpital Pitié- Salpêtrière, INSERM UMRS 1138 CRC, Paris, France.
| | - L de Guevara
- Hospital Ángeles Clínica Londres, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - R Safadi
- Hadassah Medical Organization, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem. The Holy Family Hospital, Nazareth, Israel
| | - F Poordad
- Texas Liver Institute/UT Health San Antonio San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - F Fuster
- Centro de Investigaciones Clinicas Viña del Mar, Viña del Mar, Chile
| | | | - M Arrese
- Departamento de Gastroenterología Facultad de Medicina Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Santiago Chile and Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Anna L Fracanzani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ca' Granda IRCCS Foundation, Policlinico Maggiore Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - D Ben Bashat
- Sagol Brain Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine & Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - K Lackner
- Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - T Gorfine
- Galmed Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - S Kadosh
- Statexcellence Ltd, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - R Oren
- Galmed Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - M Halperin
- Galmed Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - L Hayardeny
- Galmed Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - R Loomba
- NAFLD Research Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - S Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Arun J Sanyal
- Department of Gastroenterology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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26
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Cusi K, Alkhouri N, Harrison SA, Fouqueray P, Moller DE, Hallakou-Bozec S, Bolze S, Grouin JM, Jeannin Megnien S, Dubourg J, Ratziu V. Efficacy and safety of PXL770, a direct AMP kinase activator, for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (STAMP-NAFLD): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2a study. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 6:889-902. [PMID: 34560015 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(21)00300-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AMP kinase (AMPK) is an energy sensor implicated in regulation of lipid metabolism, inflammation, and insulin sensitivity. We aimed to assess efficacy and safety of PXL770, a novel direct AMPK activator, in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS STAMP-NAFLD, a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2a study, was done across 15 US clinical sites. Patients aged 18-75 years with liver fat content of at least 10% at baseline when assessed by MRI-proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) were eligible. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1), via an interactive web response system, to receive oral PXL770 250 mg once daily, 250 mg twice daily, or 500 mg once daily, or matched placebo. Patients were stratified according to type 2 diabetes status and study site. The primary endpoint was relative change in liver fat content from baseline compared with placebo at week 12, assessed by MRI-PDFF. The primary endpoint was analysed in an ANCOVA model with treatment and stratification criteria as factors and baseline liver fat content as a covariate in the modified intention-to-treat population, defined as all as-randomised patients who received at least one dose of study treatment. Safety was analysed in the safety population, defined as all as-treated patients receiving at least one dose of the study treatment. The trial has been completed and the final results are reported. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03763877. FINDINGS Between March 29, 2019, and March 13, 2020, 387 patients were screened, of whom 120 were included in the modified intention-to-treat and safety analyses (30 in the 250 mg once daily group, 30 in the 250 mg twice daily group, 29 in the 500 mg once daily group, and 31 in the placebo group). The mean relative change from baseline in liver fat content at week 12 was -1·1% in the placebo group, -1·0% in the 250 mg once daily group (mean difference versus placebo 0·1% [95% CI -15·4 to 15·7], p=0·99), -14·3% in the 250 mg twice daily group (-13·1% [-28·1 to 1·8], p=0·084), and -14·7% in the 500 mg once daily group (-13·5% [-28·5 to 1·4], p=0·076). At least one treatment-emergent adverse event occurred in 23 (77%) of 30 patients in the 250 mg once daily group, 20 (67%) of 30 patients in the 250 mg twice daily group, 21 (72%) of 29 patients in the 500 mg once daily group, and 21 (68%) of 31 patients in the placebo group. The most common treatment-emergent adverse event was diarrhoea (five [17%] of patients in the 250 mg once daily group, seven [23%] in the 250 mg twice daily group, six [21%] in the 500 mg once daily group, and none in the placebo group). No life-threatening events or treatment-related deaths occurred. INTERPRETATION PXL770 treatment did not meet the primary outcome of liver fat improvement compared with placebo. Treatment was well tolerated. Given indications that metabolic features improved with PXL770 treatment, AMPK activation might be a promising pharmacological target for patients with type 2 diabetes and NAFLD, and could also be considered for further assessment in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. FUNDING Poxel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Cusi
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Malcom Randall Veterans Administration Medical Center, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Vlad Ratziu
- Institute for Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
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27
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Albert SG, Wood EM. Meta-analysis of trials in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with therapeutic interventions for metabolic syndrome. Diabetes Metab Syndr 2021; 15:102232. [PMID: 34352720 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2021.102232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD] is associated with metabolic syndrome [MS]. Current guidelines restrict therapy for NAFLD, other than weight loss, in early non-fibrotic disease. It was postulated that intervention with therapies for MS may improve liver fat content. METHODS A systematic evaluation of Cochrane and PubMed databases was performed for NAFLD or NASH if they were: 1) interventions for metabolic syndrome or diabetes mellitus 2) randomized controlled trials [RCT], with 3) primary outcomes of liver fat content [LFC] (by magnetic resonance spectroscopy [MRS] or liver biopsy (Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Activity Score [NAS]). RESULTS There were 30 RCT (in 24 publications) of 2409 subjects. LFC decreased with pioglitazone (MRS, -8.0 ± 1.0 %, p < 0.001), diet and exercise (-7.8 ± 1.7 %, p < 0.001) and omega-3 fatty acids (-6.0 ± 2.5 %, p = 0.02). Decreases in NAS scores were significant for pioglitazone (-1.4 ± 0.4 units, p < 0.001) and D&E (-1.0 ± 0.1 units, p < 0.001). Weight loss correlated with improvement in LFC (p < 0.001) and NAS (p < 0.001). Lowered serum triglycerides correlated with final LFC (p < 0.001) and NAS scores (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Therapies of MS with weight loss, antiglycemic and triglyceride lowering medicines improved LFC and NAS scores. Further studies are necessary to demonstrate if these therapies would pre-emptively limit progression of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stewart G Albert
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, USA.
| | - Emily M Wood
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, USA
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28
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EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on non-invasive tests for evaluation of liver disease severity and prognosis - 2021 update. J Hepatol 2021; 75:659-689. [PMID: 34166721 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 763] [Impact Index Per Article: 254.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Non-invasive tests are increasingly being used to improve the diagnosis and prognostication of chronic liver diseases across aetiologies. Herein, we provide the latest update to the EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on the use of non-invasive tests for the evaluation of liver disease severity and prognosis, focusing on the topics for which relevant evidence has been published in the last 5 years.
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29
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Amerikanou C, Kanoni S, Kaliora AC, Barone A, Bjelan M, D'Auria G, Gioxari A, Gosalbes MJ, Mouchti S, Stathopoulou MG, Soriano B, Stojanoski S, Banerjee R, Halabalaki M, Mikropoulou EV, Kannt A, Lamont J, Llorens C, Marascio F, Marascio M, Roig FJ, Smyrnioudis I, Varlamis I, Visvikis‐Siest S, Vukic M, Milic N, Medic‐Stojanoska M, Cesarini L, Campolo J, Gastaldelli A, Deloukas P, Trivella MG, Francino MP, Dedoussis GV. Effect of Mastiha supplementation on NAFLD: The MAST4HEALTH Randomised, Controlled Trial. Mol Nutr Food Res 2021; 65:e2001178. [DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202001178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Charalampia Amerikanou
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science and Education Harokopio University Athens Greece
| | - Stavroula Kanoni
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry Queen Mary University of London London EC1M 6BQ UK
| | - Andriana C. Kaliora
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science and Education Harokopio University Athens Greece
| | | | - Mladen Bjelan
- Faculty of Medicine University of Novi Sad Novi Sad Serbia
| | - Giuseppe D'Auria
- Sequencing and Bioinformatics Service Fundació per al Foment de la Investigació Sanitària i Biomèdica de la Comunitat Valenciana (FISABIO‐Salut Pública) Avda. Catalunya 21 València 46020 Spain
- CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública Av. Monforte de Lemos 3–5 Madrid 28029 Spain
| | - Aristea Gioxari
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science and Education Harokopio University Athens Greece
| | - María José Gosalbes
- CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública Av. Monforte de Lemos 3–5 Madrid 28029 Spain
- Joint Research Unit in Genomics and Health Fundació per al Foment de la Investigació Sanitària i Biomèdica de la Comunitat Valenciana (FISABIO) and Institut de Biologia Integrativa de Sistemes (Universitat de València / Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas) Avda. Catalunya 21 València 46020 Spain
| | | | | | - Beatriz Soriano
- Biotechvana, Parc Científic Universitat de València Paterna Valencia Spain
| | - Stefan Stojanoski
- Faculty of Medicine University of Novi Sad Novi Sad Serbia
- Centre for Imaging Diagnostics Oncology Insitute of Vojvodina Sremska Kamenica Serbia
| | | | - Maria Halabalaki
- Division of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry Department of Pharmacy National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Athens Greece
| | - Eleni V. Mikropoulou
- Division of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry Department of Pharmacy National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Athens Greece
| | - Aimo Kannt
- Sanofi Research and Development Industriepark Hoechst Frankfurt 65926 Germany
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology Goethe University Frankfurt Frankfurt 60590 Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP Frankfurt 60596 Germany
| | - John Lamont
- Randox Laboratories Limited, Crumlin, Co. Antrim Northern Ireland UK
| | - Carlos Llorens
- Biotechvana, Parc Científic Universitat de València Paterna Valencia Spain
| | | | | | - Francisco J. Roig
- Biotechvana, Parc Científic Universitat de València Paterna Valencia Spain
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Universidad San Jorge Zaragoza 50830 Spain
| | | | - Iraklis Varlamis
- Department of Informatics and Telematics Harokopio University Athens Greece
| | | | - Milan Vukic
- Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Technology Zvornik University of East Sarajevo Zvornik 75400 Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Natasa Milic
- Faculty of Medicine University of Novi Sad Novi Sad Serbia
| | - Milica Medic‐Stojanoska
- Faculty of Medicine University of Novi Sad Novi Sad Serbia
- Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases Clinical Centre of Vojvodina Novi Sad Serbia
| | - Lucia Cesarini
- Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology Niguarda Ca' Grande Hospital Milan Italy
| | | | - Amalia Gastaldelli
- Cardiometabolic Risk Unit Institute of Clinical Physiology, CNR Pisa Italy
| | - Panos Deloukas
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry Queen Mary University of London London EC1M 6BQ UK
- Centre for Genomic Health, Life Sciences Queen Mary University of London London UK
| | - Maria Giovanna Trivella
- Institute of Clinical Physiology CNR Milan Italy
- Cardiometabolic Risk Unit Institute of Clinical Physiology, CNR Pisa Italy
| | - M. Pilar Francino
- CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública Av. Monforte de Lemos 3–5 Madrid 28029 Spain
- Joint Research Unit in Genomics and Health Fundació per al Foment de la Investigació Sanitària i Biomèdica de la Comunitat Valenciana (FISABIO) and Institut de Biologia Integrativa de Sistemes (Universitat de València / Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas) Avda. Catalunya 21 València 46020 Spain
| | - George V. Dedoussis
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science and Education Harokopio University Athens Greece
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Romualdo GR, Da Silva TC, de Albuquerque Landi MF, Morais JÁ, Barbisan LF, Vinken M, Oliveira CP, Cogliati B. Sorafenib reduces steatosis-induced fibrogenesis in a human 3D co-culture model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2021; 36:168-176. [PMID: 32918399 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects around 25% of the worldwide population. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the more progressive variant of NAFLD, is characterized by steatosis, cellular ballooning, lobular inflammation, and may culminate on hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, thus increasing the risk for fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC development. Conversely, the antifibrotic effects of sorafenib, an FDA-approved drug for HCC treatment, have been demonstrated in 2D cell cultures and animal models, but its mechanisms in a NAFLD-related microenvironment in vitro requires further investigation. Thus, a human 3D co-culture model of fatty hepatocytes and HSC was established by culturing hepatoma C3A cells, pre-treated with 1.32 mM oleic acid, with HSC LX-2 cells. The fatty C3A/LX-2 spheroids showed morphological and molecular hallmarks of altered lipid metabolism and steatosis-induced fibrogenesis, similarly to the human disease. Sorafenib (15 μM) for 72 hours reduced fatty spheroid viability, and upregulated the expression of lipid oxidation- and hydrolysis-related genes, CPT1 and LIPC, respectively. Sorafenib also inhibited steatosis-induced fibrogenesis by downregulating COL1A1, TGFB1, PDGF, and TIMP1 and by decreasing protein levels of IL-6, TGF-β1, and TNF-α in fatty spheroids. The demonstration of the antifibrotic properties of sorafenib on steatosis-induced fibrogenesis in a 3D in vitro model of NAFLD supports its clinical use as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of NAFLD/NASH patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Ribeiro Romualdo
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Tereza Cristina Da Silva
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Juliana Ávila Morais
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luis Fernando Barbisan
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of in vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cláudia Pinto Oliveira
- Department of Gastroenterology (LIM07), School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
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Common Transcriptional Program of Liver Fibrosis in Mouse Genetic Models and Humans. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020832. [PMID: 33467660 PMCID: PMC7830925 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Multifactorial metabolic diseases, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, are a major burden to modern societies, and frequently present with no clearly defined molecular biomarkers. Herein we used system medicine approaches to decipher signatures of liver fibrosis in mouse models with malfunction in genes from unrelated biological pathways: cholesterol synthesis-Cyp51, notch signaling-Rbpj, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling-Ikbkg, and unknown lysosomal pathway-Glmp. Enrichment analyses of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Reactome and TRANScription FACtor (TRANSFAC) databases complemented with genome-scale metabolic modeling revealed fibrotic signatures highly similar to liver pathologies in humans. The diverse genetic models of liver fibrosis exposed a common transcriptional program with activated estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) signaling, and a network of interactions between regulators of lipid metabolism and transcription factors from cancer pathways and the immune system. The novel hallmarks of fibrosis are downregulated lipid pathways, including fatty acid, bile acid, and steroid hormone metabolism. Moreover, distinct metabolic subtypes of liver fibrosis were proposed, supported by unique enrichment of transcription factors based on the type of insult, disease stage, or potentially, also sex. The discovered novel features of multifactorial liver fibrotic pathologies could aid also in improved stratification of other fibrosis related pathologies.
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Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors for Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Metabolites 2020; 11:metabo11010022. [PMID: 33396949 PMCID: PMC7823667 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11010022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) tested the efficacy of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors to specifically treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We systematically searched three electronic databases (up to 31 October 2020) for identifying placebo-controlled or head-to-head RCTs that used SGLT-2 inhibitors for treatment of NAFLD. No published RCTs with paired liver biopsy data were available for the meta-analysis. Primary outcome measures were changes in serum liver enzyme levels and liver fat content on imaging techniques. Overall, we included a total of twelve RCTs testing the efficacy of dapagliflozin (n = six RCTs), empagliflozin (n = three RCTs), ipragliflozin (n = two RCTs) or canagliflozin (n = one RCT) to specifically treat NAFLD for a median period of 24 weeks with aggregate data on 850 middle-aged overweight or obese individuals with NAFLD (90% with type 2 diabetes). Compared to placebo/reference therapy, treatment with SGLT-2 inhibitors significantly decreased serum alanine aminotransferase (weighted mean differences (WMD): −10.0 IU/L, 95%CI −12.2 to −7.79 IU/L; I2 = 10.5%) and gamma-glutamyltransferase levels (WMD: −14.49 IU/L, 95%CI −19.35 to −9.63 IU/L, I2 = 38.7%), as well as the absolute percentage of liver fat content on magnetic resonance-based techniques (WMD: −2.05%, 95%CI −2.61 to −1.48%; I2 = 0%). In conclusion, SGLT-2 inhibitors seem to be a promising treatment option for NAFLD.
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33
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Godinez-Leiva E, Bril F. Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) for Primary Care Providers: Beyond the Liver. Curr Hypertens Rev 2020; 17:94-111. [DOI: 10.2174/1573402116999201209203534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract::
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has consolidated as a major public health problem, affecting ~25% of the global population. This percentage is significantly higher in the setting of obesity and/or type 2 diabetes. Presence of NAFLD is associated with severe liver complications, such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH; i.e., presence of inflammation and necrosis), cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the majority of these patients die of cardiovascular disease. For this reason, management of this condition requires a multidisciplinary team, where primary care providers are at center stage. However, important misconceptions remain among primary care providers, preventing them from appropriately approach these patients. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease should be understood as part of a systemic disease, characterized for abnormal accumulation of fat in tissues other than the adipose tissue. This, in turn, produces dysfunction of those organs or tissues (process sometimes referred to as lipotoxicity). Therefore, due to the systemic nature of this condition, it should not surprise that NAFLD is closely related to other metabolic conditions. In this review, we will focus on the extrahepatic manifestations of NAFLD and its metabolic and cardiovascular implications. We believe these are the most important issues primary care providers should understand, in order to effectively manage these complicated patients. In addition, we have provided a simple and straightforward approach to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with NAFLD and/or NASH. We hope this review will serve as a guide for primary care providers to approach their patients with NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eddison Godinez-Leiva
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL;, United States
| | - Fernando Bril
- Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama in Birmingham, Birmingham, AL., United States
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Burhans MS, Balu N, Schmidt KA, Cromer G, Utzschneider KM, Schur EA, Holte SE, Randolph TW, Kratz M. Impact of the Analytical Approach on the Reliability of MRI-Based Assessment of Hepatic Fat Content. Curr Dev Nutr 2020; 4:nzaa171. [PMID: 33381677 PMCID: PMC7751946 DOI: 10.1093/cdn/nzaa171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
MRI is a popular noninvasive method for the assessment of liver fat content. After MRI scan acquisition, there is currently no standardized image analysis procedure for the most accurate estimate of liver fat content. We determined intraindividual reliability of MRI-based liver fat measurement using 10 different MRI slice analysis methods in normal-weight, overweight, and obese individuals who underwent 2 same-day abdominal MRI scans. We also compared the agreement in liver fat content between analytical methods and assessed the variability in fat content across the entire liver. Our results indicate that liver fat content varies across the liver, with some slices averaging 54% lower and others 75% higher fat content than the mean of all slices (gold standard). Our data suggest that the entire liver should be contoured on at least every 10th slice to achieve close agreement with the gold standard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie S Burhans
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Niranjan Balu
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kelsey A Schmidt
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Gail Cromer
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kristina M Utzschneider
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, WA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ellen A Schur
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sarah E Holte
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Timothy W Randolph
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mario Kratz
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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35
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Eslam M, Sarin SK, Wong VWS, Fan JG, Kawaguchi T, Ahn SH, Zheng MH, Shiha G, Yilmaz Y, Gani R, Alam S, Dan YY, Kao JH, Hamid S, Cua IH, Chan WK, Payawal D, Tan SS, Tanwandee T, Adams LA, Kumar M, Omata M, George J. The Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of metabolic associated fatty liver disease. Hepatol Int 2020; 14:889-919. [PMID: 33006093 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-020-10094-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 432] [Impact Index Per Article: 108.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the principal worldwide cause of liver disease and affects nearly a quarter of the global population. The objective of this work was to present the clinical practice guidelines of the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) on MAFLD. The guidelines cover various aspects of MAFLD including its epidemiology, diagnosis, screening, assessment, and treatment. The document is intended for practical use and for setting the stage for advancing clinical practice, knowledge, and research of MAFLD in adults, with specific reference to special groups as necessary. The guidelines also seek to improve patient care and awareness of the disease and assist stakeholders in the decision-making process by providing evidence-based data. The guidelines take into consideration the burden of clinical management for the healthcare sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Eslam
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia.
| | - Shiv K Sarin
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India.
| | - Vincent Wai-Sun Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jian-Gao Fan
- Center for Fatty Liver, Department of Gastroenterology, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated To Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Lab of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Shanghai, China
| | - Takumi Kawaguchi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Sang Hoon Ahn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ming-Hua Zheng
- Department of Hepatology, MAFLD Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Institute of Hepatology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Gamal Shiha
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
- Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH), Sherbin, El Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Yusuf Yilmaz
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Rino Gani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary Division, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Universitas Indonesia, Pangeran Diponegoro Road No. 71st, Central Jakarta, 10430, Indonesia
| | - Shahinul Alam
- Department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Shahbag, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Yock Young Dan
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, 1 Chang-Te Street, Taipei, 10002, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Saeed Hamid
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Ian Homer Cua
- Institute of Digestive and Liver Diseases, St. Luke's Medical Center, Global City, Philippines
| | - Wah-Kheong Chan
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Diana Payawal
- Department of Medicine, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Mandaluyong, Philippines
| | - Soek-Siam Tan
- Department of Hepatology, Selayang Hospital, Batu Caves, Malaysia
| | - Tawesak Tanwandee
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Leon A Adams
- Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Masao Omata
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yamanashi Central Hospital, Yamanashi, Japan
- University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia.
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36
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Perakakis N, Stefanakis K, Mantzoros CS. The role of omics in the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Metabolism 2020; 111S:154320. [PMID: 32712221 PMCID: PMC7377759 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2020.154320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a multifaceted metabolic disorder, whose spectrum covers clinical, histological and pathophysiological developments ranging from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and liver fibrosis, potentially evolving into cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and liver failure. Liver biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosing NAFLD, while there are no specific treatments. An ever-increasing number of high-throughput Omics investigations on the molecular pathobiology of NAFLD at the cellular, tissue and system levels produce comprehensive biochemical patient snapshots. In the clinical setting, these applications are considerably enhancing our efforts towards obtaining a holistic insight on NAFLD pathophysiology. Omics are also generating non-invasive diagnostic modalities for the distinct stages of NAFLD, that remain though to be validated in multiple, large, heterogenous and independent cohorts, both cross-sectionally as well as prospectively. Finally, they aid in developing novel therapies. By tracing the flow of information from genomics to epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics and glycomics, the chief contributions of these techniques in understanding, diagnosing and treating NAFLD are summarized herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Perakakis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Boston VA Healthcare system and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA..
| | - Konstantinos Stefanakis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Boston VA Healthcare system and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Christos S Mantzoros
- Department of Internal Medicine, Boston VA Healthcare system and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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Hamilton G, Schlein AN, Wolfson T, Cunha GM, Fowler KJ, Middleton MS, Loomba R, Sirlin CB. The relationship between liver triglyceride composition and proton density fat fraction as assessed by 1 H MRS. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2020; 33:e4286. [PMID: 32128921 PMCID: PMC7211117 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.4286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to estimate parameters determining liver triglyceride composition (TC) using 1 H MRS and to assess how TC estimability is affected by proton density fat fraction (PDFF) in adults with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this prospective single-site study, 199 adults with known or suspected NAFLD in whom other causes of liver disease were excluded underwent two 1 H MRS STimulated Echo Acquisition Method (STEAM) sequences at 3 T. A respiratory-gated water-suppressed free breathing sequence (TE 10 ms, 16 signal averages) was used to assess TC in terms of the number of double bonds (ndb) and methylene-interrupted double bonds (nmidb), and a single breath-hold-long TR, multi-TE sequence (TR 3500 ms), which acquired five single average spectra over TE 10-30 ms, was used to estimate liver PDFF. Ndb and nmidb estimability was qualitatively assessed for each case and summarized descriptively. The consistency of ndb and nmidb estimation was examined using ROC analysis. The relationship between ndb and nmidb values and PDFF was presented graphically. Quality-of-fit of ndb and nmidb versus PDFF was evaluated by Pearson-r correlation. A significance level of 0.05 was used. In 263 1 H MRS examinations performed on 199 adult participants, ndb and nmidb were successfully estimated in 7/53 (13.2%) examinations with PDFF < 4%, 13/30 (43.3%) examinations with PDFF between 4% and 7%, 33/41 (80.5%) examinations with PDFF between 7% and 10%, and 124/139 (89.2%) examinations with PDFF > 10% (maximum PDFF 38.1%). Liver TC could be estimated consistently for PDFF > 6.7%. Both ndb and nmidb decreased with increasing PDFF (ndb = 2.83-0.0160·PDFF, r = -0.449, P < 0.0001); nmidb = 0.75-0.0088·PDFF, r = -0.350, P < 0.0001). In a cohort of adults with known or suspected NAFLD, liver TC becomes more saturated as PDFF increases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin Hamilton
- Liver Imaging Group, Department of Radiology, University of
California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Alex N. Schlein
- Liver Imaging Group, Department of Radiology, University of
California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Tanya Wolfson
- Computational and Applied Statistic Laboratory, San Diego
Supercomputing Center, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California,
USA
| | - Guilherme M. Cunha
- Liver Imaging Group, Department of Radiology, University of
California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Kathryn J. Fowler
- Liver Imaging Group, Department of Radiology, University of
California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Michael S. Middleton
- Liver Imaging Group, Department of Radiology, University of
California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Rohit Loomba
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Family Medicine and
Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology,
Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California,
USA
| | - Claude B. Sirlin
- Liver Imaging Group, Department of Radiology, University of
California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION NAFLD has grown to become the most prevalent liver disease in the world, with a quarter of the general population estimated to have the disease. NASH, characterized as NAFLD with inflammation, is associated with worsening fibrosis along with increased incidence of HCC. Despite high prevalence of this disease, no pharmacologic treatments approved by regulatory agencies are available. AREAS COVERED This review briefly discusses present understanding of NASH pathology and currently available treatments. We also discuss data on the role of OCA as an FXR agonist in modulating disease in NASH. A comprehensive literature search of review articles, original research articles, and prospective clinical trials from 1998 to the present was performed. EXPERT OPINION Based on 18-month interim findings of the REGENERATE trial, OCA likely improves fibrosis in NASH and therefore may have a beneficial effect in delaying or even preventing cirrhosis. The side effect of an atherogenic lipoprotein profile may adversely affect long-term outcomes, though studies have shown that co-administration of statins is able to mitigate this effect. OCA is likely to become an option for treatment, but the specific context within which it may be prescribed still needs to be clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj A Shah
- Liver Institute Northwest , Seattle, WA, USA
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39
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Predicting NASH response with liver fat: Are we back to square one? J Hepatol 2020; 72:386-388. [PMID: 31813574 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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40
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Cusi K. Time to Include Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in the Management of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care 2020; 43:275-279. [PMID: 31959644 DOI: 10.2337/dci19-0064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Cusi
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL .,Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Gainesville, FL
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41
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Noureddin N, Schattenberg JM, Alkhouri N, Noureddin M. Noninvasive Testing Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging Techniques as Outcomes in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Trials: How Full Is the Glass? Hepatol Commun 2020; 4:141-144. [PMID: 32025600 PMCID: PMC6996378 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nabil Noureddin
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Nevada Las Vegas School of MedicineLas VegasNV
| | - Jörn M. Schattenberg
- Department of MedicineUniversity Medical CentreJohannes Gutenberg UniversityMainzGermany
| | - Naim Alkhouri
- Texas Liver InstituteUniversity of Texas Health Science CenterSan AntonioTX
| | - Mazen Noureddin
- Fatty Liver ProgramDivision of Digestive and Liver DiseasesComprehensive Transplant ProgramCedars Sinai Medical CenterLos AngelesCA
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Wai JW, Fu C, Wong VWS. Confounding factors of non-invasive tests for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. J Gastroenterol 2020; 55:731-741. [PMID: 32451628 PMCID: PMC7376510 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-020-01686-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects at least 25% of the general adult population worldwide. Because only a fraction of the patients would develop liver-related complications, it is preferable to perform non-invasive tests as the initial assessment. This review summarizes the known and potential confounding factors that affect the performance of non-invasive tests of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in patients with NAFLD. Clinicians may apply the knowledge and exercise caution in selecting investigations and interpreting test results when confounding factors are present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janae Wentong Wai
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 9/F, Prince of Wales Hospital, 30-32 Ngan Shing Street, Hong Kong, China
| | - Charmaine Fu
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 9/F, Prince of Wales Hospital, 30-32 Ngan Shing Street, Hong Kong, China
| | - Vincent Wai-Sun Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 9/F, Prince of Wales Hospital, 30-32 Ngan Shing Street, Hong Kong, China ,State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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