Non-invasive evaluation of response to obeticholic acid in patients with NASH: Results from the REGENERATE study

ROS-responsive nanoparticle delivery of obeticholic acid mitigate primary sclerosing cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a challenging cholestatic liver disease marked by progressive bile duct inflammation and fibrosis that has no FDA-approved therapy. Although obeticholic acid (OCA) has been sanctioned for PSC, its clinical utility in PSC is constrained by its potential hepatotoxicity. Here, we introduce a novel therapeutic construct consisting of OCA encapsulated within a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive, biodegradable polymer, further cloaked with human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cell (hP-MSC) membrane (MPPFTU@OCA). Using PSC patient-derived organoid models, we assessed its cellular uptake and cytotoxicity. Moreover, using a PSC mouse model induced by 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydro-collidine (DDC), we demonstrated that intravenous administration of MPPFTU@OCA not only improved cholestasis via the FXR-SHP pathway but also reduced macrophage infiltration and the accumulation of intracellular ROS, and alleviated mitochondria-induced apoptosis. Finally, we verified the ability of MPPFTU@OCA to inhibit mitochondrial ROS thereby alleviating apoptosis by measuring the mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration, ROS levels, and membrane potential (ΔΨm) using H2O2-stimulated PSC-derived organoids. These results illuminate the synergistic benefits of integrating an ROS-responsive biomimetic platform with OCA, offering a promising therapeutic avenue for PSC.

Investigation of the mutual crosstalk between ER stress and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in iron overload-induced liver injury in chicks

Iron is an essential element for the normal functioning of living organisms, but excessive iron deposition can lead to organ damage. This study aims to investigate the interaction between the endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling pathway and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in liver injury induced by iron overload in chicks. Rspectively, 150 one-day-old broilers were divided into three groups and supplemented with 50 (C), 500 (E1), and 1000 (E2) mg ferrous sulfate monohydrate/kg in the basal diet. Samples were taken after continuous feeding for 14 days. The results showed that iron overload could upregulate the levels of ALT and AST. Histopathological examination revealed bleeding in the central vein of the liver accompanied by inflammatory cell infiltration. Hoechst staining showed that the iron overload group showed significant bright blue fluorescence, and ultrastructural observations showed chromatin condensation as well as mitochondrial swelling and cristae disorganization in the iron overload group. RT-qPCR and Western blot results showed that iron overload upregulated the expression of Bax, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, GRP78, GRP94, P-PERK, ATF4, eIF2α, IRE1, and ATF6, while downregulating the expression of Bcl-2 and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. XBP-1 splicing experiment showed significant splicing of XBP-1 gene after iron overload. PCA and correlation analysis suggested a potential association between endoplasmic reticulum stress, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, and liver injury in chicks. In summary, iron overload can induce cell apoptosis and liver injury by affecting endoplasmic reticulum stress and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

Farnesoid X receptor: From Structure to Function and Its Pharmacology in Liver Fibrosis

The farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a ligand-activated transcription factor, plays a crucial role in regulating bile acid metabolism within the enterohepatic circulation. Beyond its involvement in metabolic disorders and immune imbalances affecting various tissues, FXR is implicated in microbiota modulation, gut-to-brain communication, and liver disease. The liver, as a pivotal metabolic and detoxification organ, is susceptible to damage from factors such as alcohol, viruses, drugs, and high-fat diets. Chronic or recurrent liver injury can culminate in liver fibrosis, which, if left untreated, may progress to cirrhosis and even liver cancer, posing significant health risks. However, therapeutic options for liver fibrosis remain limited in terms of FDA-approved drugs. Recent insights into the structure of FXR, coupled with animal and clinical investigations, have shed light on its potential pharmacological role in hepatic fibrosis. Progress has been achieved in both fundamental research and clinical applications. This review critically examines recent advancements in FXR research, highlighting challenges and potential mechanisms underlying its role in liver fibrosis treatment.

Effects of luseogliflozin on suspected MASLD in patients with diabetes: a pooled meta-analysis of phase III clinical trials

BACKGROUND

Luseogliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, potentially exerts pleiotropic effects on the liver. However, the sufficient evidence is still lacking. We aimed to investigate the effects of luseogliflozin on hepatic steatosis, fibrosis, and cardiometabolic risk factors in diabetic patients by a pooled meta-analysis.

METHODS

In this pooled meta-analysis, we enrolled diabetic patients who participated in phase III clinical trials of luseogliflozin (luseogliflozin group n = 302, placebo group n = 191). The primary outcomes were changes in fatty liver index (FLI) and Hepamet fibrosis score (HFS) after 24 weeks. The secondary outcomes were changes in cardiometabolic risk factors after 24 weeks. Statistical analysis was performed using propensity scoring analysis by the inverse probability of treatment weighting method.

RESULTS

Primary outcomes: Luseogliflozin significantly decreased FLI compared to placebo after 24 weeks (adjusted coefficient - 5.423, 95%CI - 8.760 to - 2.086, P = 0.0016). There was no significant difference in changes in HFS between the two groups. However, luseogliflozin significantly decreased HFS compared to placebo in diabetic patients with ALT > 30 U/L (adjusted coefficient - 0.039, 95%CI - 0.077 to - 0.001, P = 0.0438) and with FIB-4 index > 1.3 (adjusted coefficient - 0.0453, 95%CI - 0.075 to - 0.016, P = 0.0026). Secondary outcom8es: Luseogliflozin significantly decreased HbA1c level, HOMA-IR value, BMI, and uric acids level, and increased HDL cholesterol level compared to placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

This pooled meta-analysis demonstrated that 24-week treatment with luseogliflozin improved hepatic steatosis and fibrosis indexes in diabetic patients, especially those with liver injury. Furthermore, luseogliflozin improved various cardiometabolic risk factors. Thus, luseogliflozin may be useful for improving MASLD in diabetic patients.

Noninvasive Tests to Assess Fibrosis and Disease Severity in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease and Metabolic-Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis

Risk of disease progression and clinical outcomes in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is associated with fibrosis stage and presence of "at-risk metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)." Although liver biopsy is considered the gold standard to diagnose MASH and stage of fibrosis, biopsy is infrequently performed in clinical practice and has associated sampling error, lack of interrater reliability, and risk for procedural complications. Noninvasive tests (NITs) are routinely used in clinical practice for risk stratification of patients with MASLD. Several NITs are being developed for detecting "at-risk MASH" and cirrhosis. Clinical care guidelines apply NITs to identify patients needing subspecialty referral. With recently approved Food and Drug Administration treatment for MASH and additional emerging pharmacotherapy, NITs will identify patients who will most benefit from treatment, monitor treatment response, and assess risk for long-term clinical outcomes. In this review, we examine the performance of NITs to detect "at-risk MASH," fibrosis stage, response to treatment, and risk of clinical outcomes in MASLD and MASH.

MASLD and MASH at the crossroads of hepatology trials and cardiorenal metabolic trials

Steatotic liver disease (SLD) is a worldwide public health problem, causing considerable morbidity and mortality. Patients with SLD are at increased risk for major adverse cardiovascular (CV) events, type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease. Conversely, patients with cardiometabolic conditions have a high prevalence of SLD. In addition to epidemiological evidence linking many of these conditions, there is evidence of shared pathophysiological processes. In December 2022, a unique multi-stakeholder, multi-specialty meeting, called MOSAIC (Metabolic multi Organ Science Accelerating Innovation in Clinical Trials) was convened to foster collaboration across metabolic, hepatology, nephrology and CV disorders. One of the goals of the meeting was to consider approaches to drug development that would speed regulatory approval of treatments for multiple disorders by combining liver and cardiorenal endpoints within a single study. Non-invasive tests, including biomarkers and imaging, are needed in hepatic and cardiorenal trials. They can be used as trial endpoints, to enrich trial populations, to diagnose and risk stratify patients and to assess treatment efficacy and safety. Although they are used in proof of concept and phase 2 trials, they are often not acceptable for regulatory approval of therapies. The challenge is defining the optimal combination of biomarkers, imaging and morbidity/mortality outcomes and ensuring that they are included in future trials while minimizing the burden on patients, trialists and trial sponsors. This paper provides an overview of some of the wide array of CV, liver and kidney measurements that were discussed at the MOSAIC meeting.

Non-invasive biomarkers prognostic of decompensation events in NASH cirrhosis: a systematic literature review

Liver cirrhosis due to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a life-threatening condition with increasing incidence world-wide. Although its symptoms are unspecific, it can lead to decompensation events such as ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, variceal hemorrhage, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In addition, an increased risk for cardiovascular events has been demonstrated in patients with NASH. Pharmacological treatments for NASH cirrhosis are not yet available, one of the reasons being the lack in surrogate endpoints available in clinical trials of NASH cirrhosis. The feasibility of non-invasive prognostic biomarkers makes them interesting candidates as possible surrogate endpoints if their change following treatment would result in better outcomes for patients in future clinical trials of NASH cirrhosis. In this systematic literature review, a summary of the available literature on the prognostic performance of non-invasive biomarkers in terms of cardiovascular events, liver-related events, and mortality is outlined. Due to the scarcity of data specific for NASH cirrhosis, this review includes studies on NAFLD whose evaluation focuses on cirrhosis. Our search strategy identified the following non-invasive biomarkers with prognostic value in studies of NASH patients: NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS), Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to platelet ratio index (APRI), enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF™), BARD (BMI, AST/ALT (alanine aminotransferase) ratio, diabetes), Hepamet Fibrosis Score (HFS), liver enzymes (AST + ALT), alpha-fetoprotein, platelet count, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), Lysyl oxidase-like (LOXL) 2, miR-122, liver stiffness, MEFIB (liver stiffness measured with magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) + FIB-4), and PNPLA3 GG genotype. The aim of the present systematic literature review is to provide the reader with a summary of the non-invasive biomarkers with prognostic value in NASH cirrhosis and give an evaluation of their utility as treatment monitoring biomarkers in future clinical trials.

MAFLD in adults: non-invasive tests for diagnosis and monitoring of MAFLD

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the liver manifestation of a metabolic syndrome and is highly prevalent in the general population. There has been significant progress in non-invasive tests for MAFLD, from the diagnosis of fatty liver and monitoring of liver fat content in response to intervention, to evaluation of liver fibrosis and its change over time, and from risk stratification of patients within the context of clinical care pathways, to prognostication. Various non-invasive tests have also been developed to assess for fibrotic metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, which has emerged as an important diagnostic goal, particularly in the context of clinical trials. Non-invasive tests can be used to diagnose clinically significant portal hypertension so that intervention can be administered to reduce the risk of decompensation. Furthermore, the use of risk stratification algorithms can identify at-risk patients for hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance. Beyond the liver, various tests that evaluate cardiovascular disease risk, assess sarcopenia and measure patient reported outcomes, can be utilized to improve the care of patients with MAFLD. This review provides an up-to-date overview of these non-invasive tests and the limitations of liver biopsy in the management of patients with MAFLD.

EASL-EASD-EASO Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)

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.

EASL-EASD-EASO Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)

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.

Monitoring disease progression in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

BACKGROUND

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease. Its prevalence is increasing with the epidemic of obesity and metabolic syndrome. MASLD progression into metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and advanced fibrosis may lead to decompensated cirrhosis and development of liver-related events, hepatocellular carcinoma and death. Monitoring disease progression is critical in decreasing morbidity, mortality, need for transplant and economic burden. Assessing for treatment response once FDA-approved medications are available is still an unmet clinical need.

AIMS

To explore the most up-to-date literature on testing used for monitoring disease progression and treatment response METHODS: We searched PubMed from inception to 15 August 2023, using the following MeSH terms: 'MASLD', 'Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease', 'MASH', 'metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis', 'Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease', 'NAFLD', 'non-alcoholic steatohepatitis', 'NASH', 'Biomarkers', 'clinical trial'. Articles were also identified through searches of the authors' files. The final reference list was generated based on originality and relevance to this review's broad scope, considering only papers published in English.

RESULTS

We have cited 101 references in this review detailing methods to monitor MASLD disease progression and treatment response.

CONCLUSION

Various biomarkers can be used in different care settings to monitor disease progression. Further research is needed to validate noninvasive tests more effectively.

Diagnosis and non-invasive assessment of MASLD in type 2 diabetes and obesity

BACKGROUND

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is currently the most common chronic liver disease and an important cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. It is strongly associated with type 2 diabetes and obesity. Because of the huge number of patients at risk of MASLD, it is imperative to use non-invasive tests appropriately.

AIMS

To provide a narrative review on the performance and limitations of non-invasive tests, with a special emphasis on the impact of diabetes and obesity.

METHODS

We searched PubMed and Cochrane databases for articles published from 1990 to August 2023.

RESULTS

Abdominal ultrasonography remains the primary method to diagnose hepatic steatosis, while magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction is currently the gold standard to quantify steatosis. Simple fibrosis scores such as the Fibrosis-4 index are well suited as initial assessment in primary care and non-hepatology settings to rule out advanced fibrosis and future risk of liver-related complications. However, because of its low positive predictive value, an abnormal test should be followed by specific blood (e.g. Enhanced Liver Fibrosis score) or imaging biomarkers (e.g. vibration-controlled transient elastography and magnetic resonance elastography) of fibrosis. Some non-invasive tests of fibrosis appear to be less accurate in patients with diabetes. Obesity also affects the performance of abdominal ultrasonography and transient elastography, whereas magnetic resonance imaging may not be feasible in some patients with severe obesity.

CONCLUSIONS

This article highlights issues surrounding the clinical application of non-invasive tests for MASLD in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Pharmacotherapeutic options for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: where are we today?

INTRODUCTION

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is defined by hepatic steatosis and cardiometabolic risk factors like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Persistent metabolic injury may promote inflammatory processes resulting in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and liver fibrosis. Mechanistic insights helped to identify potential drug targets, thereby supporting the development of novel compounds modulating disease drivers.

AREAS COVERED

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recently approved the thyroid hormone receptor β-selective thyromimetic resmetirom as the first compound to treat MASH and liver fibrosis. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current and potential future pharmacotherapeutic options and their modes of action. Lessons learned from terminated clinical trials are discussed together with the first results of trials investigating novel combinational therapeutic approaches.

EXPERT OPINION

Approval of resmetirom as the first anti-MASH agent may revolutionize the therapeutic landscape. However, long-term efficacy and safety data for resmetirom are currently lacking. In addition, heterogeneity of MASLD reflects a major challenge to define effective agents. Several lead compounds demonstrated efficacy in reducing obesity and hepatic steatosis, while anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects of monotherapy appear less robust. Better mechanistic understanding, exploration of combination therapies, and patient stratification hold great promise for MASLD therapy.

Steatotic Liver Disease: Pathophysiology and Emerging Pharmacotherapies

Steatotic liver disease (SLD) displays a dynamic and complex disease phenotype. Consequently, the metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)/metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) therapeutic pipeline is expanding rapidly and in multiple directions. In parallel, noninvasive tools for diagnosing and monitoring responses to therapeutic interventions are being studied, and clinically feasible findings are being explored as primary outcomes in interventional trials. The realization that distinct subgroups exist under the umbrella of SLD should guide more precise and personalized treatment recommendations and facilitate advancements in pharmacotherapeutics. This review summarizes recent updates of pathophysiology-based nomenclature and outlines both effective pharmacotherapeutics and those in the pipeline for MASLD/MASH, detailing their mode of action and the current status of phase 2 and 3 clinical trials. Of the extensive arsenal of pharmacotherapeutics in the MASLD/MASH pipeline, several have been rejected, whereas other, mainly monotherapy options, have shown only marginal benefits and are now being tested as part of combination therapies, yet others are still in development as monotherapies. Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved resmetirom, additional therapeutic approaches in development will ideally target MASH and fibrosis while improving cardiometabolic risk factors. Due to the urgent need for the development of novel therapeutic strategies and the potential availability of safety and tolerability data, repurposing existing and approved drugs is an appealing option. Finally, it is essential to highlight that SLD and, by extension, MASLD should be recognized and approached as a systemic disease affecting multiple organs, with the vigorous implementation of interdisciplinary and coordinated action plans. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Steatotic liver disease (SLD), including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, is the most prevalent chronic liver condition, affecting more than one-fourth of the global population. This review aims to provide the most recent information regarding SLD pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management according to the latest advancements in the guidelines and clinical trials. Collectively, it is hoped that the information provided furthers the understanding of the current state of SLD with direct clinical implications and stimulates research initiatives.

Noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis and portal hypertension

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The result of ongoing liver injury - and disease, regardless of cause - is fibrosis, and fibrosis appears to be a critically important result of ongoing injury. Further, in a number of different liver diseases, the presence of fibrosis has prognostic value. Therefore, the assessment of fibrosis is of critical clinical importance. Given the importance of fibrosis, there has been a rapid evolution in the use of noninvasive liver tests. This review highlights a number of the core principles surrounding.

RECENT FINDINGS

The use of noninvasive test has progressed rapidly over the last decade and data are rapidly accumulating. New terminology has been adapted by the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD) for noninvasive assessment of liver disease and termed 'NILDA' (Non-Invasive Liver Disease Assessment). Blood based such as APRI and or FIB-4 and imaging tests such as liver stiffness measurement (LSM) have moderate to high degrees of accuracy for detection of advanced liver fibrosis (≥ F2) and even higher accuracy for detection of severe fibrosis (F4 or cirrhosis). NILDA are particularly effective at the ends of the liver disease spectrum. For example, a very low LSM (less than 7 kPa) essentially excludes significant fibrosis or portal hypertension, and a very high LSM (> 25 kPa) makes significant fibrosis with portal hypertension (cirrhosis) highly likely.

SUMMARY

NILDA are currently front and center in terms of assessment of the severity of liver disease. In all patients with known or suspected liver disease, noninvasive blood tests, including APRI and or FIB-4, should be the initial choice to assess the severity of liver fibrosis and/or portal hypertension. In most patients, these tests should be followed with imaging evaluation. The most commonly available imaging is LSM, which appears to be more accurate in predicting fibrosis severity, and is superior to blood tests in the assessment of portal hypertension. In situations in which there is diagnostic uncertainly, liver biopsy with or without HVPG remains an important consideration.

Combination Therapy of Endoscopic Gastric Remodeling with GLP-1RA for the Treatment of MASLD

PURPOSE

The mainstay of treatment for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is weight loss. Endoscopic gastric remodeling (EGR) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) are effective weight loss therapies. This study aims to assess the effect of combining EGR with GLP-1RA on liver-related outcomes and weight profile.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective study of a prospectively collected registry of patients with MASLD and compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD) who underwent EGR. Patients were categorized as (1) monotherapy: EGR alone and (2) combination therapy: GLP-1RA prescribed within 6 months prior to or after EGR. Outcomes included changes in noninvasive tests of hepatic fibrosis, weight profile, and insulin resistance status at 12 months.

RESULTS

Thirty patients (body mass index 40.7 ± 9.3 kg/m2) were included. Of these, 12 patients (40%) underwent EGR monotherapy, and 18 patients (60%) underwent EGR + GLP-1RA combination therapy. Combination therapy group experienced greater improvements in fibrosis compared to monotherapy group (alanine aminotransferase: reduction by 55 ± 23% vs 29 ± 22% (p = 0.008), NAFLD fibrosis score: reduction by 181 ± 182% vs 30 ± 83% (p = 0.04), liver stiffness measurement on transient elastography: reduction by 54 ± 12% vs 14 ± 45% (p = 0.05)). There were greater reductions in hemoglobin A1c and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance in combination therapy compared to monotherapy (p < 0.05). At 12 months, the combination therapy group experienced 18.2 ± 6.6% TWL, while monotherapy group experienced 9.6 ± 3.3% TWL (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with MASLD and cACLD, combination of EGR with GLP-1RA is associated with greater improvements in hepatic fibrosis, weight profile, and insulin resistance compared to EGR alone.

Increased hepatoprotective effects of the novel farnesoid X receptor agonist INT-787 versus obeticholic acid in a mouse model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

The nuclear farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a master regulator of bile acid and metabolic homeostasis, is a key target for treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This study compared efficacy of FXR agonists obeticholic acid (OCA) and INT-787 by liver histopathology, plasma biomarkers of liver damage, and hepatic gene expression profiles in the Amylin liver NASH (AMLN) diet-induced and biopsy-confirmed Lepob/ob mouse model of NASH. Lepob/ob mice were fed the AMLN diet for 12 weeks before liver biopsy and subsequent treatment with vehicle, OCA, or INT-787 for 8 weeks. Hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis (liver lipids, galectin-3, and collagen 1a1 [Col1a1], respectively), as well as plasma alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels, were assessed. Hepatic gene expression was assessed in Lepob/ob mice that were fed the AMLN diet for 14 weeks then treated with vehicle, OCA, or INT-787 for 2 weeks. INT-787, which is equipotent to OCA but more hydrophilic, significantly reduced liver lipids, galectin-3, and Col1a1 compared with vehicle, and to a greater extent than OCA. INT-787 significantly reduced plasma ALT and AST levels, whereas OCA did not. INT-787 modulated a substantially greater number of genes associated with FXR signaling, lipid metabolism, and stellate cell activation relative to OCA in hepatic tissue. These findings demonstrate greater efficacy of INT-787 treatment compared with OCA in improving liver histopathology, decreasing liver enzyme levels, and enhancing gene regulation, suggesting superior clinical potential of INT-787 for the treatment of NASH and other chronic liver diseases.

Vibration-Controlled Transient Elastography Scores to Predict Liver-Related Events in Steatotic Liver Disease

Importance

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is currently the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. It is important to develop noninvasive tests to assess the disease severity and prognosis.

Objective

To study the prognostic implications of baseline levels and dynamic changes of the vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE)-based scores developed for the diagnosis of advanced fibrosis (Agile 3+) and cirrhosis (Agile 4) in patients with MASLD.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study included data from a natural history cohort of patients with MASLD who underwent VCTE examination at 16 tertiary referral centers in the US, Europe, and Asia from February 2004 to January 2023, of which the data were collected prospectively at 14 centers. Eligible patients were adults aged at least 18 years with hepatic steatosis diagnosed by histologic methods (steatosis in ≥5% of hepatocytes) or imaging studies (ultrasonography, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, or controlled attenuation parameter ≥248 dB/m by VCTE).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was liver-related events (LREs), defined as hepatocellular carcinoma or hepatic decompensation (ascites, variceal hemorrhage, hepatic encephalopathy, or hepatorenal syndrome), liver transplant, and liver-related deaths. The Agile scores were compared with histologic and 8 other noninvasive tests.

Results

A total of 16 603 patients underwent VCTE examination at baseline (mean [SD] age, 52.5 [13.7] years; 9600 [57.8%] were male). At a median follow-up of 51.7 (IQR, 25.2-85.2) months, 316 patients (1.9%) developed LREs. Both Agile 3+ and Agile 4 scores classified fewer patients between the low and high cutoffs than most fibrosis scores and achieved the highest discriminatory power in predicting LREs (integrated area under the time-dependent receiver-operating characteristic curve, 0.89). A total of 10 920 patients (65.8%) had repeated VCTE examination at a median interval of 15 (IQR, 11.3-27.7) months and were included in the serial analysis. A total of 81.9% of patients (7208 of 8810) had stable Agile 3+ scores and 92.6% of patients (8163 of 8810) had stable Agile 4 scores (same risk categories at both assessments). The incidence of LREs was 0.6 per 1000 person-years in patients with persistently low Agile 3+ scores and 30.1 per 1000 person-years in patients with persistently high Agile 3+ scores. In patients with high Agile 3+ score at baseline, a decrease in the score by more than 20% was associated with substantial reduction in the risk of LREs. A similar trend was observed for the Agile 4 score, although it missed more LREs in the low-risk group.

Conclusions and Relevance

Findings of this study suggest that single or serial Agile scores are highly accurate in predicting LREs in patients with MASLD, making them suitable alternatives to liver biopsy in routine clinical practice and in phase 2b and 3 clinical trials for steatohepatitis.

Understanding the role of ursodeoxycholic acid and gut microbiome in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: current evidence and perspectives

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease, resulting in a huge medical burden worldwide. Accumulating evidence suggests that the gut microbiome and bile acids play pivotal roles during the development of NAFLD. Patients with NAFLD exhibit unique signatures of the intestinal microbiome marked by the priority of Gram-negative bacteria, decreased ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B), and increased Prevotella and Lachnospiraceae. The intestinal microbiota is involved in the metabolism of bile acids. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a key determinant in maintaining the dynamic communication between the host and gut microbiota. It generally shows surprising therapeutic potential in NAFLD with several mechanisms, such as improving cellular autophagy, apoptosis, and mitochondrial functions. This action is based on its direct or indirect effect, targeting the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and various other nuclear receptors. This review aims to discuss the current studies on the involvement of the microbiome-UDCA interface in NAFLD therapy and provide prospective insights into future preventative and therapeutic approaches for NAFLD.

MASH clinical trials and drugs pipeline: An impending tsunami

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, formerly known as NAFLD, has ascended to prominence as the predominant chronic liver disease in Western countries and now stands as a leading cause of liver transplantations. In the more advanced stage, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) may lead to fibrosis, a gateway to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. Despite extensive research and exploration of various drug mechanisms, the anticipation for the inaugural approved drug to materialize by 2024 is palpable, marking a significant milestone. Numerous pathways have been investigated for MASH treatment, exploring thyroid hormone receptors, glucagon-like peptides 1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, and agents influencing hepatic steatosis synthesis, inflammatory pathways, genetic components, fibrosis mechanisms, and an array of other avenues. Over time, key regulatory directions have crystallized, now manifesting in 2 primary endpoints under investigation: resolution of steatohepatitis without worsening fibrosis and/or improvement of fibrosis stage without worsening of steatohepatitis, especially used in phase 3 clinical trials, while alternative noninvasive endpoints are explored in phase 2 trials. The prospect of proving efficacy in clinical trials opens doors to combination therapies, evaluating the ideal combination of drugs to yield comprehensive benefits, extending beyond the liver to other organs. Certain combination drug trials are already underway. In this review, we discuss the forefront of MASH drug research as of 2023/2024, illuminating mechanisms, outcomes, and future trajectories. Furthermore, we tackle the challenges confronting MASH trials and propose potential strategies for surmounting them.

FXR agonists for MASH therapy: Lessons and perspectives from obeticholic acid

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, also called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, is the most common liver disease worldwide and has no approved pharmacotherapy. Due to its beneficial effects on metabolic regulation, inflammation suppression, cell death prevention, and fibrogenesis inhibition, farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is widely accepted as a promising therapeutic target for nonalcoholic steatosis (NASH) or called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Many FXR agonists have been developed for NASH/MASH therapy. Obeticholic acid (OCA) is the pioneering frontrunner FXR agonist and the first demonstrating success in clinical trials. Unfortunately, OCA did not receive regulatory approval as a NASH pharmacotherapy because its moderate benefits did not outweigh its safety risks, which may cast a shadow over FXR-based drug development for NASH/MASH. This review summarizes the milestones in the development of OCA for NASH/MASH and discuss its limitations, including moderate hepatoprotection and the undesirable side effects of dyslipidemia, pruritus, cholelithiasis, and liver toxicity risk, in depth. More importantly, we provide perspectives on FXR-based therapy for NASH/MASH, hoping to support a successful bench-to-clinic transition.

NAFLD and NASH: etiology, targets and emerging therapies

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) pose a significant threat to human health and cause a tremendous socioeconomic burden. Currently, the molecular mechanisms of NAFLD and NASH remain incompletely understood, and no effective pharmacotherapies have been approved. In the past five years, significant advances have been achieved in our understanding of the pathomechanisms and potential pharmacotherapies of NAFLD and NASH. Research advances include the investigation of the effects of the fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) analog pegozafermin and the thyroid hormone receptor-β (THRβ) agonist resmetriom on hepatic fat content, NASH resolution and/or fibrosis regression. Future directions of NAFLD and NASH research (including combination therapy, organoids and humanized mouse models) are also discussed in this state-of-the-art review.

Diagnosis and assessment of disease severity in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) includes simple steatosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, and eventually cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The diagnosis of NAFLD is based on the detection of excess fat disposition in the liver, which is the first step to trigger further evaluation of NAFLD, including necroinflammation and fibrosis. In this review, we discuss non-invasive biomarkers and imaging tools that are currently and potentially available for different features (steatosis, necroinflammation and fibrosis) and disease severity assessment of NAFLD. In the past 2 decades, advances in non-invasive tests of fibrosis have transformed the management of NAFLD. Blood and imaging biomarkers have already been evaluated in multiple studies for the diagnosis of fibrosis and cirrhosis. Among the various histological features of NAFLD, the degree of fibrosis has the strongest correlation with liver-related morbidity and mortality. Non-invasive tests of fibrosis have been shown to predict liver-related outcomes, both in the general population and among patients with NAFLD. What is lacking, however, is good data to support the use of non-invasive tests as monitoring and response biomarkers. With the conclusion of several large phase 3 studies in the next few years, the availability of paired liver biopsy, non-invasive test and clinical outcome data will likely advance the field and shed light on new biomarkers and the way to use various non-invasive tests in a longitudinal manner.

Association between circulating biomarkers and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: An integrative Mendelian randomization study of European ancestry

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Circulating biomarkers provide potential diagnostic or prognostic information on disease presentation, progression or both. Early detection of circulating risk biomarkers is critical for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) prevention. We aimed to systematically assess the potential causal relationship of genetically predicted 60 circulatory biomarkers with NAFLD using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) design.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We extracted instrumental variables for 60 circulating biomarkers, and obtained genome-wide association data for NAFLD from 3 sources [(including Anstee, FinnGen and UK Biobank (N ranges: 19264-377988)] among individuals of European ancestry. Our primary method was inverse-variance weighted (IVW) MR, with a series of additional and sensitivity analyses to test the hypothesis of MR. MR results showed that genetically predicted higher density lipoprotein-cholesterol (odds ratio (OR) = 0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.77-0.96) and vitamin D (OR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.19-0.78) levels decreased the risk of NAFLD, whereas genetically predicted higher alanine (OR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.21-2.33), histidine (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.00-1.46), lactate (OR = 2.64, 95% CI: 1.09-6.39), triglycerides (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.05-1.13), ferritin (OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.01-1.37), serum iron (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.07-1.41) and transferrin saturation (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.05-1.29), component 4 (OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01-1.20), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.04-1.21) and interleukin-6 (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.14-2.30) levels increased the risk of NAFLD.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings might aid in elucidating the underlying processes of these causal relationships and provide strong evidence for focusing on high-risk populations and the therapeutic management of specific biomarkers.

Therapeutic Role of Polyphenol Extract from Prunus cerasifera Ehrhart on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver

Prunus cerasifera Ehrhart (P. cerasifera) flourishes uniquely in the arid landscapes of Xinjiang, China. Preliminary studies have revealed the therapeutic potential of its polyphenol extract (PPE) in mitigating liver lipid accumulation in mice fed a high-fat diet. We established a mouse model that was subjected to a continuous high-fat diet for 24 weeks and administered PPE to investigate the effects of PPE on cholesterol and BA metabolism in NAFLD mice. The results showed that PPE administration (200 and 400 mg/kg/day, BW) led to a reduction in liver TC, an increase in liver T-BAs, and normalization of the disrupted fecal BA profile. Concurrently, it decreased levels of lipotoxic BAs and inhibited hepatic cholesterol synthesis (evidenced by reduced HMGCR activity) and intestinal cholesterol absorption (indicated by lower ACAT2 levels) while enhancing intestinal cholesterol efflux (via LXRα, ABCA1, ABCG5, and ABCG8) and stimulating hepatic BA synthesis (CYP7A1, CYP27A1) and secretion (BSEP). PPE thus led to a significant reduction in lipotoxic BAs metabolized by gut microbiota and a downregulation of the BA secretion pathway under its influence. Our findings reveal the therapeutic effect of PPE on NAFLD mice via regulating cholesterol and BA metabolism, providing a theoretical basis for exploring the potential functions of P. cerasifera.

Discovery of 4-aminophenylacetamide derivatives as intestine-specific farnesoid X receptor antagonists for the potential treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) plays a key role in bile acid homeostasis, inflammation, fibrosis, lipid and glucose metabolism and is emerging as a promising therapeutic target for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Emerging evidence suggested that intestine-specific FXR antagonists exhibited remarkable metabolic improvements and slowed NASH progression. In this study, we discovered several potent FXR antagonists using a multistage ligand- and structure-based virtual screening approach. Notably, compound V023-9340, which possesses a 4-aminophenylacetamide scaffold, emerged as the most potent FXR antagonist with an IC50 value of 4.27 μM. In vivo, V023-9340 demonstrated selective accumulation in the intestine, substantially ameliorating high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NASH in mice by mitigating hepatic steatosis and inflammation. Mechanistic studies revealed that V023-9340 strongly inhibited intestinal FXR while concurrently feedback-activated hepatic FXR. Further structure-activity relationship optimization employing V023-9340 has resulted in the synthesis of a more efficacious compound V02-8 with an IC50 value of 0.89 μM, which exhibited a 4.8-fold increase in FXR antagonistic activity compared to V023-9340. In summary, 4-aminophenylacetamide derivative V023-9340 represented a novel intestine-specific FXR antagonist and showed improved effects against HFD-induced NASH in mice, which may serve as a promising lead in discovering potential therapeutic drugs for NASH treatment.

The effect of endoscopic gastric plication on portosystemic pressure gradient in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and compensated advanced chronic liver disease

BACKGROUND

 The goals of therapy for patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and compensated advanced chronic liver disease include weight loss and reduction of the portosystemic pressure gradient (PPG) to decrease the risk of hepatic decompensation. Endoscopic gastric plication (EGP) is an effective endoscopic weight loss procedure. This study aimed to assess the effect of EGP on PPG.

METHODS

 In this prospective pilot study, patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and compensated advanced chronic liver disease underwent endoscopic ultrasound-guided PPG measurement prior to and at 6 months following EGP. Primary outcomes were the change in PPG and proportion of patients experiencing ≥ 20 % reduction in PPG at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included percent total weight loss (TWL) and changes in noninvasive tests of fibrosis.

RESULTS

 20 patients were included. Baseline median body mass index and liver stiffness measurement were 40.2 kg/m2 (range 30.1-56.7) and 14.7 kPa (range 8.2-36), respectively. At 6 months, median PPG decreased from 5.4 mmHg (range 0.7-19.6) to 1.8 mmHg (range 0.4-17.6) (P = 0.002), with 79 % (11/14) experiencing ≥ 20 % reduction. Patients experienced 12.5 % (6.5 %-26.1 %) TWL (P < 0.001) at 6 months, with 89 % (17/19) achieving ≥ 7 % and 68 % (13/19) achieving ≥ 10 % TWL. There were significant improvements in noninvasive tests of fibrosis.

CONCLUSION

 EGP appeared to be effective at reducing PPG in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and compensated advanced chronic liver disease.

Utility of pathologist panels for achieving consensus in NASH histologic scoring in clinical trials: Data from a phase 3 study

BACKGROUND

Liver histopathologic assessment is the accepted surrogate endpoint in NASH trials; however, the scoring of NASH Clinical Research Network (CRN) histologic parameters is limited by intraobserver and interobserver variability. We designed a consensus panel approach to minimize variability when using this scoring system. We assessed agreement between readers, estimated linear weighted kappas between 2 panels, compared them with published pairwise kappa estimates, and addressed how agreement or disagreement might impact the precision and validity of the surrogate efficacy endpoint in NASH trials.

METHODS

Two panels, each comprising 3 liver fellowship-trained pathologists who underwent NASH histology training, independently evaluated scanned whole slide images, scoring fibrosis, inflammation, hepatocyte ballooning, and steatosis from baseline and month 18 biopsies for 100 patients from the precirrhotic NASH study REGENERATE. The consensus score for each parameter was defined as agreement by ≥2 pathologists. If consensus was not reached, all 3 pathologists read the slide jointly to achieve a consensus score.

RESULTS

Between the 2 panels, the consensus was 97%-99% for steatosis, 91%-93% for fibrosis, 88%-92% for hepatocyte ballooning, and 84%-91% for inflammation. Linear weighted kappa scores between panels were similar to published NASH CRN values.

CONCLUSIONS

A panel of 3 trained pathologists independently scoring 4 NASH CRN histology parameters produced high consensus rates. Interpanel kappa values were comparable to NASH CRN metrics, supporting the accuracy and reproducibility of this method. The high concordance for fibrosis scoring was reassuring, as fibrosis is predictive of liver-specific outcomes and all-cause mortality.

A scientifically validated combination of garcinol, curcuminoids, and piperine for mild to moderate nonalcoholic steatohepatitis patients-results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Background

Garcinol is a naturally occurring compound from the fruit rind of the Garcinia indica, with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Curcuminoids are the active molecule from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, studied extensively for its health benefits as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the progressive form of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis characterized by liver fat and inflammation.

Objective

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Garcinol, Curcuminoids and piperine (GCP) combination in patients with mild to moderate NASH in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Methods

The patients received one tablet (450 mg) of GCP containing garcinol-50 mg, curcuminoids -250 mg and piperine 5 mg or a placebo (450 mg of microcrystalline cellulose) twice daily for 90 days. Changes in circulating aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) levels, liver stiffness measurement (LSM), and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) using Fibroscan were compared from baseline to day 90. Anthropometric parameters, serum levels of lipids, Interleukin (IL-6), hsCRP, and adiponectin were estimated. Safety was evaluated by laboratory parameters and by monitoring adverse events.

Results

Seventy-two patients were randomized and 63 (GCP = 32, Placebo = 31) completed the study. The mean age of the patients was 48.3 ± 8.7 years (36 males and 27 females). The mean reduction in AST (U/L) was 9.53 in GCP and 3.16 in placebo (p < 0.001) and that of ALT (U/L) was 13.47 in GCP and 7.43 in Placebo (p = 0.002). The liver stiffness and CAP scores showed a better reduction in GCP (0.56 kPa and 12.38 db/m) compared to placebo (0.064 kPa and 10.42 db/m) p < 0.05. Consequently, the noninvasive Fibroscan-AST (FAST) score reduction was also found to be significant in GCP compared to placebo. Additionally, body weight, lipid levels, hsCRP, and IL-6 in serum decreased, while adiponectin levels increased in GCP-supplemented participants compared to placebo. The combination of garcinol and curcuminoids was well tolerated with no significant changes in hematological and clinical laboratory parameters during the 90-day supplementation.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that GCP could be a possible supplement for the management of NASH.Clinical trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier CTRI/2019/11/022147.

MASLD treatment-a shift in the paradigm is imminent

MASLD prevalence is growing towards the leading cause of end-stage liver disease. Up to today, the most effective treatment is weight loss. Weight loss interventions are moving from lifestyle changes to bariatric surgery or endoscopy, and, more recently, to a new wave of anti-obesity drugs that can compete with bariatric surgery. Liver-targeted therapy is a necessity for those patients who already present liver fibrosis. The field is moving fast, and in the near future, we will testify to a disruptive change in MASLD treatment, similar to the paradigm-shift that occurred for hepatitis C almost one decade ago with direct antiviral agents.

Effect on lipid profile and clinical outcomes of obeticholic acid for the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Obeticholic acid (OCA) is the second-line therapy for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), as well as an attractive candidate as a treatment for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). This meta-analysis aims to assess the impact of OCA on lipid profiles and clinical outcomes in patients with PBC and MASH. A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from five major databases were conducted. Changes in lipid profiles from baseline were compared between groups receiving placebo and OCA. Efficacy outcomes were evaluated separately for PBC and MASH trials, while safety outcomes included pruritus, gastrointestinal disturbances, and headache. OCA treatment exhibited a significant increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.39; 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 0.15 to 0.63) and a decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (SMD = -0.80; 95 % CI = -1.13 to -0.47) in both PBC and MASH patients compared to placebo. OCA demonstrated superior efficacy to placebo in treating PBC and MASH, evident in both primary and secondary outcomes. The incidence of pruritus was significantly higher with OCA compared to placebo (risk ratio = 1.78, 95 % CI = 1.42 to 2.25). OCA is more efficacious than a placebo in the treatment of PBC and MASH. However, caution is needed given the association of OCA use with a significant increase in LDL-C levels and a decrease in HDL-C levels among patients with these conditions.

Obeticholic acid-loaded exosomes attenuate liver fibrosis through dual targeting of the FXR signaling pathway and ECM remodeling

End-stage of liver fibrosis as a precancerous state could lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma which liver transplantation is the only effective treatment. Previous studies have indicated that farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonists, such as obeticholic acid (OCA) protect against hepatic injuries. However, free OCA administration results in side effects in clinical trials that could be alleviated by applying bio carriers such as MSC-derived exosomes (Exo) with the potential to mimic the biological regenerative effect of their parent cells, as proposed in this study. Loading OCA into the Exo was conducted via water bath sonication. Ex vivo bio distribution studies validated the Exo-loaded OCA more permanently accumulated in the liver. Using CCL4-induced liver fibrosis, we proposed whether Exo isolated from human Warton's Jelly mesenchymal stem cells loaded with a minimal dosage of OCA can facilitate liver recovery. Notably, Exo-loaded OCA exerted additive anti-fibrotic efficacy on histopathological features in CCL4-induced fibrotic mice. Compared to baseline, Exo-mediated delivery OCA results in marked improvements in the fibrotic-related indicators as well as serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations. Accordingly, the synergistic impact of Exo-loaded OCA as a promising approach is associated with the inactivation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, and Fxr-Cyp7a1 cascade on CCL4-induced liver fibrosis mice. In conclusion, our data confirmed the additive protective effects of Exo-loaded OCA in fibrotic mice, which suggests a valuable therapeutic strategy to combat liver fibrosis. Furthermore, the use of Exo for accurate drug delivery to the liver tissue can be inspiring.

FibroScan-aspartate aminotransferase (FAST) score for monitoring histological improvement in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis activity during semaglutide treatment: post-hoc analysis of a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2b trial

Background

Currently, assessment of candidate pharmacotherapies in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) involves invasive liver biopsy. Non-invasive scores, such as the FibroScan-aspartate aminotransferase (FAST) score, are used to identify candidates for therapy, but their ability to assess disease progression or treatment effect is unknown. We aimed to assess the association between FAST score and histological endpoints.

Methods

We conducted a post-hoc analysis using data from a prior randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2b trial at 143 sites across 16 countries. Patients (aged 18-75 years) with biopsy-confirmed NASH, fibrosis stage 1-3, and a Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease Activity Score (NAS) ≥4 were enrolled between January 2017 and September 2018, and randomly assigned to receive once-daily subcutaneous semaglutide 0.1, 0.2, or 0.4 mg or placebo for 72 weeks. A subgroup analysis of patients with FAST score and histological data in the pooled semaglutide treatment and placebo arms at baseline and week 72 was performed. The original trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02970942.

Findings

A total of 122 patients were included in this post-hoc analysis (93 received semaglutide and 29 received placebo). FAST score reduction was associated with achieving the primary endpoint of NASH resolution without worsening of fibrosis in the pooled semaglutide group (area under the receiver operating curve 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.58, 0.81). Mean FAST score reduction from baseline to week 72 was greatest in patients who met the primary endpoint vs those who did not in both the semaglutide (-0.40 [95% CI -0.84, 0.04] vs -0.22 [95% CI -0.74, 0.30] points; p = 0.002) and placebo groups (-0.25 [95% CI -0.72, 0.23] vs 0.00 [95% CI -0.50, 0.50] points; p = 0.047). Similarly, mean reductions in FAST score at week 72 were greater in those with NAS improvement vs those without in the semaglutide and placebo groups (≥1 point, -0.36 [95% CI -0.82, 0.11] vs -0.08 [95% CI -0.53, 0.38] points [p < 0.001] and -0.25 [95% CI -0.64, 0.14] vs -0.06 [95% CI -0.40, 0.53] points [p = 0.001]; ≥2 points, -0.40 [95% CI -0.86, 0.06] vs -0.14 [95% CI -0.56, 0.28] points [p < 0.001] and -0.29 [95% CI -0.67, 0.09] vs -0.05 [95% CI -0.40, 0.50] points; [p < 0.001]). A FAST score reduction of more than 0.22 points after semaglutide treatment was associated with meeting the primary endpoint (sensitivity 78%; specificity 60%; positive likelihood ratio 1.26; negative likelihood ratio 0.25; odds ratio 4.93).

Interpretation

The potential of the FAST score as a non-invasive monitoring tool to identify histological changes following treatment requires further evaluation and validation.

Funding

Novo Nordisk A/S.

[Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: aspects of management of a comorbid patient. A review]

Against the background of the rapid increase in the prevalence of obesity worldwide, the frequency of the development of metabolic disorders associated with it is increasing. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is recognized as the main hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. Currently, NAFLD affects about 25-30% of the world's population and, in most cases, is associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes, as well as with increased cardiovascular risk. Diagnosis of NAFLD includes laboratory and instrumental research methods, various non-invasive tests, and the "gold standard" for confirming the diagnosis is a liver biopsy. Due to the greater availability and sufficient information content, ultrasound methods of research come to the fore in the examination of patients at risk. Lifestyle modification remains the cornerstone in the management of such patients, however, given the complex pathogenesis of the disease, treatment of NAFLD may include several therapeutic strategies. In the treatment of comorbid patients, some groups of hypoglycemic drugs are used, including ar-GLP-1, i-NGL-2, pioglitazone, lipid-lowering drugs, drugs for the treatment of obesity. The so-called hepatoprotectors, including essential phospholipids (EFL), have demonstrated their effectiveness in reducing liver damage due to antioxidant, antifibrotic, and lipid-regulating effects. According to a number of studies, EFL helps to reduce the severity of steatosis, improving both objective and subjective manifestations of hepatic dysfunction. In this connection, the guidelines of various countries include EFL group drugs in the protocol of treatment of patients with NAFLD both in monotherapy and in combination with other drugs.

Identification and multicentric validation of soluble CDCP1 as a robust serological biomarker for risk stratification of NASH in obese Chinese

The definitive diagnosis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) currently relies on invasive and labor-intensive liver biopsy. Here, we identified soluble CUB domain-containing protein 1 (sCDCP1) as a top-ranked non-invasive biomarker for NASH using Olink-based proteomics in 238 obese individuals with liver biopsies. Both the circulating concentration and hepatic mRNA abundance of sCDCP1 were significantly elevated in patients with NASH and correlated closely with each histological feature of NASH. In the pooled multicenter validation cohort, sCDCP1 as a standalone biomarker achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) of 0.838 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.789-0.887) for diagnosing NASH, which is better than those achieved with cytokeratin-18 and other non-invasive tests. Furthermore, the C-DAG model established by the combination of sCDCP1 with diabetes, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gender accurately rules in and rules out both NASH and fibrotic NASH (gray zones <20%). Thus, sCDCP1-based non-invasive tests can be potentially implemented for screening and early diagnosis of NASH and for ruling out low-risk individuals to avoid unnecessary liver biopsies.

From Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) to Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): Epidemiology, Incidence, Predictions, Risk Factors, and Prevention

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects up to a quarter of the adult population in many developed and developing countries. This spectrum of liver disease ranges from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis. The incidence of NASH is projected to increase by up to 56% over the next 10 years. There is growing epidemiological evidence that NAFLD has become the fastest-growing cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in industrialized countries. The annual incidence of HCC varies between patients with NASH cirrhosis and patients with noncirrhotic NAFLD. In this review, NAFLD/NASH-associated HCC will be described, including its epidemiology, risk factors promoting hepatocarcinogenesis, and management of HCC in patients with obesity and associated metabolic comorbidities, including preventive strategies and therapeutic approaches to address this growing problem.

Liver disease is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular outcomes - A UK Biobank study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Chronic liver disease (CLD) is associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. We investigated whether early signs of liver disease (measured by iron-corrected T1-mapping [cT1]) were associated with an increased risk of major CVD events.

METHODS

Liver disease activity (cT1) and fat (proton density fat fraction [PDFF]) were measured using LiverMultiScan® between January 2016 and February 2020 in the UK Biobank imaging sub-study. Using multivariable Cox regression, we explored associations between liver cT1 (MRI) and primary CVD (coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation [AF], embolism/vascular events, heart failure [HF] and stroke), and CVD hospitalisation and all-cause mortality. Liver blood biomarkers, general metabolism biomarkers, and demographics were also included. Subgroup analysis was conducted in those without metabolic syndrome (defined as at least three of: a large waist, high triglycerides, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, increased systolic blood pressure, or elevated haemoglobin A1c).

RESULTS

A total of 33,616 participants (mean age 65 years, mean BMI 26 kg/m2, mean haemoglobin A1c 35 mmol/mol) had complete MRI liver data with linked clinical outcomes (median time to major CVD event onset: 1.4 years [range: 0.002-5.1]; follow-up: 2.5 years [range: 1.1-5.2]). Liver disease activity (cT1), but not liver fat (PDFF), was associated with higher risk of any major CVD event (hazard ratio 1.14; 95% CI 1.03-1.26; p = 0.008), AF (1.30; 1.12-1.51; p <0.001); HF (1.30; 1.09-1.56; p= 0.004); CVD hospitalisation (1.27; 1.18-1.37; p <0.001) and all-cause mortality (1.19; 1.02-1.38; p = 0.026). FIB-4 index was associated with HF (1.06; 1.01-1.10; p = 0.007). Risk of CVD hospitalisation was independently associated with cT1 in individuals without metabolic syndrome (1.26; 1.13-1.4; p <0.001).

CONCLUSION

Liver disease activity, by cT1, was independently associated with a higher risk of incident CVD and all-cause mortality, independent of pre-existing metabolic syndrome, liver fibrosis or fat.

IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS

Chronic liver disease (CLD) is associated with a twofold greater incidence of cardiovascular disease. Our work shows that early liver disease on iron-corrected T1 mapping was associated with a higher risk of major cardiovascular disease (14%), cardiovascular disease hospitalisation (27%) and all-cause mortality (19%). These findings highlight the prognostic relevance of a comprehensive evaluation of liver health in populations at risk of CVD and/or CLD, even in the absence of clinical manifestations or metabolic syndrome, when there is an opportunity to modify/address risk factors and prevent disease progression. As such, they are relevant to patients, carers, clinicians, and policymakers.

FXR agonists in NASH treatment

The farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a bile acid (BA)-activated nuclear receptor highly expressed in the liver and intestine, regulates the expression of genes involved in cholesterol and bile acid homeostasis, hepatic gluconeogenesis, lipogenesis, inflammation and fibrosis, in addition to controlling intestinal barrier integrity, preventing bacterial translocation and maintaining gut microbiota eubiosis. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an advanced stage of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is characterized by hepatic steatosis, hepatocyte damage (ballooning) and inflammation, leading to fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. NASH represents a major unmet medical need, but no pharmacological treatments have yet been approved. The pleiotropic mechanisms involved in NASH development offer a range of therapeutic opportunities and among them FXR activation has emerged as an established pharmacological target. Various FXR agonists with different physicochemical properties, which can be broadly classified as BA derivatives, non-BA-derived steroidal FXR agonists, non-steroidal FXR agonists, and partial FXR agonists, are in advanced clinical development. In this review we will summarize key preclinical and clinical features of the most advanced FXR agonists and critically evaluate their potential in NASH treatment.

Canagliflozin and Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus: New Insights From CANVAS

CONTEXT

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is highly prevalent among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); however, there is still no approved pharmacological treatment. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors have been suggested to beneficially modify liver-related outcomes in patients with diabetes.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the effects of the SGLT-2 inhibitor canagliflozin on liver-related outcomes in patients with advanced T2DM and high cardiovascular risk.

METHODS

We performed a secondary post hoc analysis of 2 large double-blind randomized controlled trials, CANVAS (NCT01032629) and CANVAS-R (NCT01989754), which included patients with T2DM and high cardiovascular risk who were randomized to receive either canagliflozin or placebo once daily. The primary endpoint was a composite of improvement of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels >30% or normalization of ALT levels. Secondary endpoints included change in noninvasive tests of fibrosis and weight reduction of >10%.

RESULTS

In total, 10 131 patients were included, with a median follow-up of 2.4 years (mean age 62 years; mean duration of diabetes 13.5 years; 64.2% male). Of those patients, 8967 (88.5%) had MAFLD according to hepatic steatosis index and 2599 (25.7%) exhibited elevated liver biochemistry at baseline. The primary composite endpoint occurred in 35.2% of patients receiving canagliflozin and in 26.4% with placebo (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.51; 95% CI, 1.38-1.64; P < .001). Canagliflozin led to improvements in some noninvasive tests of fibrosis (NFS, APRI, FNI). Significant weight reduction of >10% (within 6 years) was achieved in 12.7% with canagliflozin compared to 4.1% with placebo (aOR 3.45; 95% CI, 2.91-4.10; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

In patients with T2DM, treatment with canagliflozin vs placebo resulted in improvements in liver biochemistry and metabolism and might beneficially affect liver fibrosis.

AGA Clinical Practice Update on the Role of Noninvasive Biomarkers in the Evaluation and Management of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Expert Review

DESCRIPTION

The purpose of this American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Clinical Practice Update Expert Review is to provide clinicians with guidance on the use of noninvasive tests (NITs) in the evaluation and management of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD affects nearly 30% of the global population and is a growing cause of end-stage liver disease and liver-related health care resource utilization. However, only a minority of all patients with NAFLD experience a liver-related outcome. It is therefore critically important for clinicians to assess prognosis and identify those with increased risk of disease progression and negative clinical outcomes at the time of initial assessment. It is equally important to assess disease trajectory over time, particularly in response to currently available therapeutic approaches. The reference standard for assessment of prognosis and disease monitoring is histologic examination of liver biopsy specimens. There are, however, many limitations of liver biopsies and their reading that have limited their use in routine practice. The utilization of NITs facilitates risk stratification of patients and longitudinal assessment of disease progression for patients with NAFLD. This clinical update provides best practice advice based on a review of the literature on the utilization of NITs in the management of NAFLD for clinicians. Accordingly, a combination of available evidence and consensus-based expert opinion, without formal rating of the strength and quality of the evidence, was used to develop these best practice advice statements.

METHODS

This Expert Review was commissioned and approved by the AGA Institute Clinical Practice Updates Committee and the AGA Governing Board to provide timely guidance on a topic of high clinical importance to the AGA membership and underwent internal peer review by the Clinical Practice Updates Committee and external peer review through standard procedures of Gastroenterology. These best practice advice statements were drawn from a review of the published literature and from expert opinion. Because systematic reviews were not performed, these best practice advice statements do not carry formal ratings of the quality of evidence or strength of the presented considerations. Best Practice Advice Statements BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 1: NITs can be used for risk stratification in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with NAFLD. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 2: A Fibrosis 4 Index score <1.3 is associated with strong negative predictive value for advanced hepatic fibrosis and may be useful for exclusion of advanced hepatic fibrosis in patients with NAFLD. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 3: A combination of 2 or more NITs combining serum biomarkers and/or imaging-based biomarkers is preferred for staging and risk stratification of patients with NAFLD whose Fibrosis 4 Index score is >1.3. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 4: Use of NITs in accordance with manufacturer's specifications (eg, not in patients with ascites or pacemakers) can minimize risk of discordant results and adverse events. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 5: NITs should be interpreted with context and consideration of pertinent clinical data (eg, physical examination, biochemical, radiographic, and endoscopic) to optimize positive predictive value in the identification of patients with advanced fibrosis. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 6: Liver biopsy should be considered for patients with NIT results that are indeterminate or discordant; conflict with other clinical, laboratory, or radiologic findings; or when alternative etiologies for liver disease are suspected. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 7: Serial longitudinal monitoring using NITs for assessment of disease progression or regression may inform clinical management (ie, response to lifestyle modification or therapeutic intervention). BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 8: Patients with NAFLD and NITs results suggestive of advanced fibrosis (F3) or cirrhosis (F4) should be considered for surveillance of liver complications (eg, hepatocellular carcinoma screening and variceal screening per Baveno criteria). Patients with NAFLD and NITs suggestive of advanced hepatic fibrosis (F3) or (F4), should be monitored with serial liver stiffness measurement; vibration controlled transient elastography; or magnetic resonance elastography, given its correlation with clinically significant portal hypertension and clinical decompensation.

NASH drug treatment development: challenges and lessons

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. Although NAFLD is tightly linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes, this liver disease also affects individuals who do not have obesity. NAFLD increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and certain extrahepatic cancers. There is currently no licensed pharmacotherapy for NAFLD, despite numerous clinical trials in the past two decades. Currently, the reason so few drugs have been successful in the treatment of NAFLD in a trial setting is not fully understood. As cardiovascular disease is the predominant cause of mortality in people with NAFLD, future pharmacotherapies for NAFLD must consider associated cardiometabolic risk factors. The successful use of glucose-lowering drugs in the treatment of type 2 diabetes in patients with NAFLD indicates that this strategy is important, and worth developing further. Greater public awareness of NAFLD is needed because collaboration between all stakeholders is vital to enable a holistic approach to successful treatment.

Palmitoyltransferase ZDHHC3 Aggravates Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis by Targeting S-Palmitoylated IRHOM2

Underestimation of the complexity of pathogenesis in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) significantly encumbers development of new drugs and targeted therapy strategies. Inactive rhomboid protein 2 (IRHOM2) has a multifunctional role in regulating inflammation, cell survival, and immunoreaction. Although cytokines and chemokines promote IRHOM2 trafficking or cooperate with partner factors by phosphorylation or ubiquitin ligases-mediated ubiquitination to perform physiological process, it remains unknown whether other regulators induce IRHOM2 activation via different mechanisms in NASH progression. Here the authors find that IRHOM2 is post-translationally S-palmitoylated at C476 in iRhom homology domain (IRHD), which facilitates its cytomembrane translocation and stabilization. Fatty-acids challenge can directly promote IRHOM2 trafficking by increasing its palmitoylation. Additionally, the authors identify Zinc finger DHHC-type palmitoyltransferase 3 (ZDHHC3) as a key acetyltransferase required for the IRHOM2 palmitoylation. Fatty-acids administration enhances IRHOM2 palmitoylation by increasing the direct association between ZDHHC3 and IRHOM2, which is catalyzed by the DHHC (C157) domain of ZDHHC3. Meanwhile, a metabolic stresses-triggered increase of ZDHHC3 maintains palmitoylated IRHOM2 accumulation by blocking its ubiquitination, consequently suppressing its ubiquitin-proteasome-related degradation mediated by tripartite motif containing 31 (TRIM31). High-levels of ZDHHC3 protein abundance positively correlate with the severity of NASH phenotype in patient samples. Hepatocyte-specific dysfunction of ZDHHC3 significantly inhibits palmitoylated IRHOM2 deposition, therefore suppressing the fatty-acids-mediated hepatosteatosis and inflammation in vitro, as well as NASH pathological phenotype induced by two different high-energy diets (HFHC & WTDF) in the in vivo rodent and rabbit model. Inversely, specific restoration of ZDHHC3 in hepatocytes markedly provides acceleration over the course of NASH development via increasing palmitoylation of IRHOM2 along with suppression of ubiquitin degradation. The current work uncovers that ZDHHC3-induced palmitoylation is a novel regulatory mechanism and signal that regulates IRHOM2 trafficking, which confers evidence associating the regulation of palmitoylation with NASH progression.

Long-term and liver-selected ginsenoside C-K nanoparticles retard NAFLD progression by restoring lipid homeostasis

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent hepatic disease characterized as lipid accumulation, yet without any approved drug. And development of therapeutic molecules is obstructed by low efficiency and organ toxicity. Herein, we develop a long-term, low-toxic and liver-selected nano candidate, nabCK, to alleviate NAFLD. NabCK is simply composed by natural compound ginsenoside compound K (CK) and albumin. As a major metabolite of ginseng, ginsenoside CK has excellently modulating functions for lipid metabolism, but accompanied by an extremely poor bioavailability <1%. Albumin is a key lipid carrier secreted and metabolized by livers. Thereby, it can improve solubility and liver-localization of CK. In adipocytes and hepatocytes, nabCK prevents lipid deposition and eliminates lipid droplets. Transcriptomic analysis reveals that nabCK rectifies various pathways that involved in steatosis development, including lipid absorption, lipid export, fatty acid biosynthesis, lipid storage and inflammation. All these pathways are modulated by mTOR, the pivotal feedback sensor that is hyperactive in NAFLD. NabCK suppresses mTOR activation to restores lipid homeostasis. In high-fat diet (HFD) induced NAFLD mice, nabCK retards development of steatosis and fibrosis, coupling a protective effect on cardiac tissues from lipotoxicity. Together, nabCK is a safe and potent candidate to offer benefits for NAFLD treatment.

The emerging significance of mitochondrial targeted strategies in NAFLD treatment

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide, ranging from liver steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, which ultimately progresses to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Individuals with NAFLD have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular and extrahepatic cancers. Despite the great progress being made in understanding the pathogenesis and the introduction of new pharmacological targets for NAFLD, no drug or intervention has been accepted for its management. Recent evidence suggests that NAFLD may be a mitochondrial disease, as mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in the pathological processes that lead to NAFLD. In this review, we describe the recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in NAFLD progression. Moreover, we discuss recent advances in the efficacy of mitochondria-targeted compounds (e.g., Mito-Q, MitoVit-E, MitoTEMPO, SS-31, mitochondrial uncouplers, and mitochondrial pyruvate carrier inhibitors) for treating NAFLD. Furthermore, we present some medications currently being tested in clinical trials for NAFLD treatment, such as exercise, mesenchymal stem cells, bile acids and their analogs, and antidiabetic drugs, with a focus on their efficacy in improving mitochondrial function. Based on this evidence, further investigations into the development of mitochondria-based agents may provide new and promising alternatives for NAFLD management.

Noninvasive tests in the evaluation of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A review

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Pyroptosis and gasdermins-Emerging insights and therapeutic opportunities in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis

In recent years, there has been a rapid expansion in our understanding of regulated cell death, leading to the discovery of novel mechanisms that govern diverse cell death pathways. One recently discovered type of cell death is pyroptosis, initially identified in the 1990s as a caspase-1-dependent lytic cell death. However, further investigations have redefined pyroptosis as a regulated cell death that relies on the activation of pore-forming proteins, particularly the gasdermin family. Among the key regulators of pyroptosis is the inflammasome sensor NOD-like receptor 3 (NLRP3), a critical innate immune sensor responsible for regulating the activation of caspase-1 and gasdermin D. A deeper understanding of pyroptosis and its interplay with other forms of regulated cell death is emerging, shedding light on a complex regulatory network controlling pore-forming proteins and cell fate. Cell death processes play a central role in diseases such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, autoinflammatory disorders, and cancer. Cell death often acts as a starting point in these diseases, making it an appealing target for drug development. Yet, the complete molecular mechanisms are not fully understood, and new discoveries reveal promising novel avenues for therapeutic interventions. In this review, we summarize recent evidence on pathways and proteins controlling pyroptosis and gasdermins. Furthermore, we will address the role of pyroptosis and the gasdermin family in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and steatohepatitis. Additionally, we highlight new potential therapeutic targets for treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis and other inflammatory-associated diseases.

Current Therapeutical Approaches Targeting Lipid Metabolism in NAFLD

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD, including nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)) is a high-prevalence disorder, affecting about 1 billion people, which can evolve to more severe conditions like cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD is often concomitant with conditions of the metabolic syndrome, such as central obesity and insulin-resistance, but a specific drug able to revert NAFL and prevent its evolution towards NASH is still lacking. With the liver being a key organ in metabolic processes, the potential therapeutic strategies are many, and range from directly targeting the lipid metabolism to the prevention of tissue inflammation. However, side effects have been reported for the drugs tested up to now. In this review, different approaches to the treatment of NAFLD are presented, including newer therapies and ongoing clinical trials. Particular focus is placed on the reverse cholesterol transport system and on the agonists for nuclear factors like PPAR and FXR, but also drugs initially developed for other conditions such as incretins and thyromimetics along with validated natural compounds that have anti-inflammatory potential. This work provides an overview of the different therapeutic strategies currently being tested for NAFLD, other than, or along with, the recommendation of weight loss.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: pathophysiological concepts and treatment options

The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is continually increasing due to the global obesity epidemic. NAFLD comprises a systemic metabolic disease accompanied frequently by insulin resistance and hepatic and systemic inflammation. Whereas simple hepatic steatosis is the most common disease manifestation, a more progressive disease course characterized by liver fibrosis and inflammation (i.e. non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) is present in 10-20% of affected individuals. NAFLD furthermore progresses in a substantial number of patients towards liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Whereas this disease now affects almost 25% of the world's population and is mainly observed in obesity and type 2 diabetes, NAFLD also affects lean individuals. Pathophysiology involves lipotoxicity, hepatic immune disturbances accompanied by hepatic insulin resistance, a gut dysbiosis, and commonly hepatic and systemic insulin resistance defining this disorder a prototypic systemic metabolic disorder. Not surprisingly many affected patients have other disease manifestations, and indeed cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and extrahepatic malignancies are all contributing substantially to patient outcome. Weight loss and lifestyle change reflect the cornerstone of treatment, and several medical treatment options are currently under investigation. The most promising treatment strategies include glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor antagonists, sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors, Fibroblast Growth Factor analogues, Farnesoid X receptor agonists, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonists. Here, we review epidemiology, pathophysiology, and therapeutic options for NAFLD.

Analytical performance of the Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) Test on the Atellica IM Analyzer

BACKGROUND

The Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELFTM) Test comprises 3 direct serum markers of fibrosis-hyaluronic acid (HA), amino-terminal pro-peptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP), and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1)-whose results are combined in an algorithm to generate the ELF score. Outside the U.S., the ELF Test and score are CE marked for assessment of liver fibrosis severity in patients with signs, symptoms, or risk factors of chronic liver disease to support diagnosis of fibrosis staging or prognosis for likelihood of progression to cirrhosis and liver-related clinical events. In the U.S., the FDA granted de novo marketing authorization to aid prognostic evaluation of disease progression (to cirrhosis and liver-related clinical events) in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis patients with advanced liver fibrosis. We describe the analytical performance of the ELF analytes and score on the Atellica® IM Analyzer.

METHODS

Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute protocols were followed for detection capability (limits of blank [LoB], detection [LoD], and quantitation [LoQ]), precision, interference, linearity, hook effect, and ELF reference interval.

RESULTS

All parameters met predetermined requirements: HA (LoB 1.00 ng/mL, LoD 2.00 ng/mL, LoQ 3.00 ng/mL); PIIINP (LoB 0.50 ng/mL, LoD 0.75 ng/mL, LoQ 1.00 ng/mL); TIMP-1 (LoB 3.0 ng/mL, LoD 4.0 ng/mL, LoQ 5.0 ng/mL). Across the 3 assays, repeatability was ≤5.4% CV; within-lab precision was ≤8.5% CV. ELF score repeatability was ≤0.6% CV, within-lab precision ≤1.3% CV, and reproducibility ≤1.1% CV. Good correlation was obtained between the Atellica IM ELF and ADVIA Centaur ELF Tests (y = 1.01x - 0.22, r = 0.997). Assays were linear across analytical measuring ranges.

CONCLUSIONS

Analytical performance validation results for the ELF Test and ELF score were excellent making the test acceptable for routine clinical use.

Noninvasive Assessment of Liver Fibrosis in NAFLD

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as a leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality worldwide, afflicting approximately a billion individuals. NAFLD is a slowly progressive disease that may evolve in a subset of patients toward cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and end-stage liver disease. Liver fibrosis severity is the strongest predictor of clinical outcomes. The emergence of effective therapeutics on the horizon highlights the need to identify among patients with NAFLD, those with severe fibrosis or cirrhosis, who are the most at risk of developing complications and target them for therapy. Liver biopsy has been the reference standard for this purpose. However, it is not suitable for large-scale population evaluation, given its well-known limitations (invasiveness, rare but severe complications, and sampling variability). Thus, there have been major efforts to develop simple noninvasive tools that can be used in routine clinical settings and in drug development. Noninvasive approaches are based on the quantification of biomarkers in serum samples or on the measurement of liver stiffness, using either ultrasound- or magnetic resonance-based elastography techniques. This review provides a roadmap for future development and integration of noninvasive tools in clinical practice and in drug development in NAFLD. We discuss herein the principles for their development and validation, their use in clinical practice, including for diagnosis of NAFLD, risk stratification in primary care and hepatology settings, prediction of long-term liver-related and non-liver-related outcomes, monitoring of fibrosis progression and regression, and response to future treatment.