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Zhang J, Li Y, Yang L, Ma N, Qian S, Chen Y, Duan Y, Xiang X, He Y. New advances in drug development for metabolic dysfunction-associated diseases and alcohol-associated liver disease. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:90. [PMID: 38971765 PMCID: PMC11227172 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-024-01267-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic disorders are currently threatening public health worldwide. Discovering new targets and developing promising drugs will reduce the global metabolic-related disease burden. Metabolic disorders primarily consist of lipid and glucose metabolic disorders. Specifically, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatosis liver disease (MASLD) and alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) are two representative lipid metabolism disorders, while diabetes mellitus is a typical glucose metabolism disorder. In this review, we aimed to summarize the new drug candidates with promising efficacy identified in clinical trials for these diseases. These drug candidates may provide alternatives for patients with metabolic disorders and advance the progress of drug discovery for the large disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinming Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yixin Li
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ningning Ma
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shengying Qian
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yingfen Chen
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yajun Duan
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China.
| | - Xiaogang Xiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Yong He
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Ghanem M, Archer G, Crestani B, Mailleux AA. The endocrine FGFs axis: A systemic anti-fibrotic response that could prevent pulmonary fibrogenesis? Pharmacol Ther 2024; 259:108669. [PMID: 38795981 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108669] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and fatal disease for which therapeutic options are limited, with an unmet need to identify new therapeutic targets. IPF is thought to be the consequence of repeated microlesions of the alveolar epithelium, leading to aberrant epithelial-mesenchymal communication and the accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins. The reactivation of developmental pathways, such as Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs), is a well-described mechanism during lung fibrogenesis. Secreted FGFs with local paracrine effects can either exert an anti-fibrotic or a pro-fibrotic action during this pathological process through their FGF receptors (FGFRs) and heparan sulfate residues as co-receptors. Among FGFs, endocrine FGFs (FGF29, FGF21, and FGF23) play a central role in the control of metabolism and tissue homeostasis. They are characterized by a low affinity for heparan sulfate, present in the cell vicinity, allowing them to have endocrine activity. Nevertheless, their interaction with FGFRs requires the presence of mandatory co-receptors, alpha and beta Klotho proteins (KLA and KLB). Endocrine FGFs are of growing interest for their anti-fibrotic action during liver, kidney, or myocardial fibrosis. Innovative therapies based on FGF19 or FGF21 analogs are currently being studied in humans during liver fibrosis. Recent data report a similar anti-fibrotic action of endocrine FGFs in the lung, suggesting a systemic regulation of the pulmonary fibrotic process. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the protective effect of endocrine FGFs during the fibrotic processes, with a focus on pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mada Ghanem
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm, Physiopathologie et Épidémiologie des Maladies Respiratoires, F-75018 Paris, France
| | - Gabrielle Archer
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm, Physiopathologie et Épidémiologie des Maladies Respiratoires, F-75018 Paris, France
| | - Bruno Crestani
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm, Physiopathologie et Épidémiologie des Maladies Respiratoires, F-75018 Paris, France; Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bichat, Service de Pneumologie A, FHU APOLLO, Paris, France
| | - Arnaud A Mailleux
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm, Physiopathologie et Épidémiologie des Maladies Respiratoires, F-75018 Paris, France.
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Ali FEM, Abdel-Reheim MA, Hassanein EHM, Abd El-Aziz MK, Althagafy HS, Badran KSA. Exploring the potential of drug repurposing for liver diseases: A comprehensive study. Life Sci 2024; 347:122642. [PMID: 38641047 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Drug repurposing involves the investigation of existing drugs for new indications. It offers a great opportunity to quickly identify a new drug candidate at a lower cost than novel discovery and development. Despite the importance and potential role of drug repurposing, there is no specific definition that healthcare providers and the World Health Organization credit. Unfortunately, many similar and interchangeable concepts are being used in the literature, making it difficult to collect and analyze uniform data on repurposed drugs. This research was conducted based on understanding general criteria for drug repurposing, concentrating on liver diseases. Many drugs have been investigated for their effect on liver diseases even though they were originally approved (or on their way to being approved) for other diseases. Some of the hypotheses for drug repurposing were first captured from the literature and then processed further to test the hypothesis. Recently, with the revolution in bioinformatics techniques, scientists have started to use drug libraries and computer systems that can analyze hundreds of drugs to give a short list of candidates to be analyzed pharmacologically. However, this study revealed that drug repurposing is a potential aid that may help deal with liver diseases. It provides available or under-investigated drugs that could help treat hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, Wilson disease, liver cancer, and fatty liver. However, many further studies are needed to ensure the efficacy of these drugs on a large scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fares E M Ali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt; Michael Sayegh, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aqaba University of Technology, Aqaba 77110, Jordan
| | - Mustafa Ahmed Abdel-Reheim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Shaqra University, Shaqra 11961, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef 62521, Egypt.
| | - Emad H M Hassanein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt.
| | - Mostafa K Abd El-Aziz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | - Hanan S Althagafy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid S A Badran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt
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Li S, Xiong F, Zhang S, Liu J, Gao G, Xie J, Wang Y. Oligonucleotide therapies for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102184. [PMID: 38665220 PMCID: PMC11044058 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) represents a severe disease subtype of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that is thought to be highly associated with systemic metabolic abnormalities. It is characterized by a series of substantial liver damage, including hepatocellular steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. The end stage of NASH, in some cases, may result in cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nowadays a large number of investigations are actively under way to test various therapeutic strategies, including emerging oligonucleotide drugs (e.g., antisense oligonucleotide, small interfering RNA, microRNA, mimic/inhibitor RNA, and small activating RNA) that have shown high potential in treating this fatal liver disease. This article systematically reviews the pathogenesis of NASH/NAFLD, the promising druggable targets proven by current studies in chemical compounds or biological drug development, and the feasibility and limitations of oligonucleotide-based therapeutic approaches under clinical or pre-clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sixu Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, West China College of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610066, China
| | - Feng Xiong
- Department of Cardiology, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Songbo Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jinghua Liu
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Viral Vector Core, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical, School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jun Xie
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Viral Vector Core, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical, School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, West China College of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610066, China
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Ma Y, Wang J, Xiao W, Fan X. A review of MASLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma: progress in pathogenesis, early detection, and therapeutic interventions. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1410668. [PMID: 38895182 PMCID: PMC11184143 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1410668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The incidence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is continuously rising, evolving into a global health challenge. Concurrently, cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with MASLD are also on the increase. Although traditional risk factors such as age, gender, and metabolic factors play significant roles in the development of HCC, it cannot be overlooked that MASLD, triggered by changes in modern lifestyle and dietary habits, may also exacerbate the risk of HCC, and this phenomenon is common even among non-obese individuals. Regrettably, MASLD often fails to receive timely diagnosis, resulting in a limited number of patients receiving HCC surveillance. Moreover, there is currently a lack of clear definition for the target population for surveillance beyond patients with cirrhosis. Consequently, MASLD-related HCC is often detected at a late stage, precluding the optimal timing for curative treatment. However, our understanding of the pathogenesis and progression of HCC remains limited. Therefore, this paper reviews relevant literature from recent years, delving into multiple dimensions such as pathogenesis, surveillance and diagnosis, prevention, and treatment, aiming to provide new ideas and directions for the prevention and treatment of MASLD-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Ma
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Jinguo Wang
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Wenping Xiao
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Xiaoming Fan
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
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Iwaki M, Yoneda M, Wada N, Otani T, Kobayashi T, Nogami A, Saito S, Nakajima A. Emerging drugs for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2024; 29:127-137. [PMID: 38469871 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2024.2328036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Approved drug therapies for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are lacking, for which various agents are currently being tested in clinical trials. Effective drugs for liver fibrosis, the factor most associated with prognosis in NASH, are important. AREAS COVERED This study reviewed the treatment of NASH with a focus on the effects of existing drugs and new drugs on liver fibrosis. EXPERT OPINION Considering the complex pathophysiology of fibrosis in NASH, drug therapy may target multiple pathways. The method of assessing fibrosis is important when considering treatment for liver fibrosis in NASH. The Food and Drug Administration considers an important fibrosis endpoint to be histological improvement in at least one fibrosis stage while preventing worsening of fatty hepatitis. To obtain approval as a drug for NASH, efficacy needs to be demonstrated on endpoints such as liver-related events and myocardial infarction. Among the current therapeutic agents for NASH, thiazolidinedione, sodium-glucose co-transporter 2, and selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors α modulator have been reported to be effective against fibrosis, although further evidence is required. The effects of pan-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, obeticholic acid, and fibroblast growth factor-21 analogs on liver fibrosis in the development stage therapeutics for NASH are of particular interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michihiro Iwaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Masato Yoneda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Naohiro Wada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Otani
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Takashi Kobayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Asako Nogami
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Satoru Saito
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sanno Hospital, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Nakajima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
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Marey MM, Belal M, Awad AA, Rabea EM, Hassan MA, Abbas AW, Nashwan AJ. Efficacy and safety of aldafermin in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2024; 48:102357. [PMID: 38688423 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2024.102357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an advanced subtype of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NASH prevalence is increasing exponentially and carries a high risk for disease progression, cirrhosis, and liver-related mortality. Aldafermin, a fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) analog, is one of the evolving therapeutic agents with the potential to regulate multiple pathways involved in the pathogenesis of NASH. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of aldafermin in patients with NASH. METHODS PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched till November 2023 to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Continuous data were pooled as mean difference (MD), while dichotomous data were pooled as risk ratios (RR) with a 95 % confidence interval. A subgroup meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the two doses (1 mg and 3 mg) of aldafermin. RESULTS Four RCTs with a total of 491 patients were included. Aldafermin showed a dose-dependent improvement in the ≥30 % reduction in the liver fat content (RR: 2.16, 95 % CI [1.41 to 3.32]) and (RR: 5.00, 95 % CI [1.34 to 18.64]), alanine aminotransferase levels (MD: -19.79, 95 % CI [-30.28 to -9.3]) and (MD: -21.91, 95 % CI [-29.62 to -14.21]), aspartate aminotransferase levels (MD: -11.79, 95 % CI [-18.06 to -5.51]) and (MD: -13.9, 95 % CI [-18.59 to -9.21]), and enhanced liver fibrosis score (ELF) (MD: -0.13, 95 % CI [-0.29 to 0.02]) and (MD: -0.33, 95 % CI [-0.50 to -0.17]), in the 1 mg and 3 mg subgroups respectively. No significant differences were detected in the aldafermin group regarding histologic endpoints, lipid profile, metabolic parameters, and overall adverse effects, except for the increased occurrence of diarrhea in the aldafermin 3 mg subgroup. CONCLUSION Aldafermin is a promising well-tolerated therapeutic agent for NASH with evidence supporting its ability to reduce liver fat content, fibrosis serum biomarkers, and liver enzymes. However, its effectiveness in improving histologic fibrosis, while showing numerical trends, still lacks statistical significance. Larger and longer NASH trials are warranted to enhance the robustness of the evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Mahmoud Marey
- Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt; Medical Research Group of Egypt (MRGE), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Belal
- Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt; Medical Research Group of Egypt (MRGE), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Abdelaziz A Awad
- Medical Research Group of Egypt (MRGE), Cairo, Egypt; Faculty of Medicine, Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eslam Mohammed Rabea
- Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt; Medical Research Group of Egypt (MRGE), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Malak A Hassan
- Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ahmed W Abbas
- Medical Research Group of Egypt (MRGE), Cairo, Egypt; Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Abdulqadir J Nashwan
- Department of Nursing, Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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Harrison SA, Rolph T, Knot M, Dubourg J. FGF21 Agonists: An Emerging Therapeutic for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis and Beyond. J Hepatol 2024:S0168-8278(24)00332-5. [PMID: 38710230 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The worldwide epidemics of obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) / metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) represents a major economic burden on healthcare systems. At-risk MASH patients, defined as MASH with moderate or significant fibrosis are at higher risk of comorbidity / mortality with a significant risk of cardiovascular diseases and/or major adverse liver outcomes. Despite a high unmet medical need, there is no approved therapy to date. Several drug candidates have reached the phase 3 development stage and could lead to several potential conditional drug approvals in the coming years. Within the armamentarium of future treatment options, FGF21 analogs exhibit an interesting positioning thanks to their pleiotropic effects in addition to their significant effect on both MASH resolution and fibrosis improvement. In this review, we summarize preclinical and clinical data from FGF21 analogs for MASH and explore additional potential therapeutic indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A Harrison
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford Oxford, UK OX3 9DU; Pinnacle Clinical Research, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
| | - Tim Rolph
- Akero Therapeutics, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Maddie Knot
- Pinnacle Clinical Research, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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Cheng Z, Chen Y, Schnabl B, Chu H, Yang L. Bile acid and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: Molecular insights and therapeutic targets. J Adv Res 2024; 59:173-187. [PMID: 37356804 PMCID: PMC11081971 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.06.009] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has been the second most common cause of liver transplantation in the United States. To date, NASH pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated but is multifactorial, involving insulin resistance, obesity, metabolic disorders, diet, dysbiosis, and gene polymorphism. An effective and approved therapy for NASH has also not been established. Bile acid is long known to have physiological detergent function in emulsifying and absorbing lipids and lipid-soluble molecules within the intestinal lumen. With more and more in-depth understandings of bile acid, it has been deemed to be a pivotal signaling molecule, which is capable of regulating lipid and glucose metabolism, liver inflammation, and fibrosis. In recent years, a plethora of studies have delineated that disrupted bile acid homeostasis is intimately correlated with NASH disease severity. AIMS The review aims to clarify the role of bile acid in hepatic lipid and glucose metabolism, liver inflammation, as well as liver fibrosis, and discusses the safety and efficacy of some pharmacological agents targeting bile acid and its associated pathways for NASH. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW Bile acid has a salutary effect on hepatic metabolic disorders, which can ameliorate liver fat accumulation and insulin resistance mainly through activating Takeda G-protein coupled receptor 5 and farnesoid X receptor. Moreover, bile acid also exerts anti-inflammation and anti-fibrosis properties. Furthermore, bile acid has great potential in nonalcoholic liver disease stratification and treatment of NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilu Cheng
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430022, China
| | - Yixiong Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430022, China
| | - Bernd Schnabl
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Huikuan Chu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430022, China.
| | - Ling Yang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430022, China.
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Zhang L, Shi Y, Liang B, Li X. An overview of the cholesterol metabolism and its proinflammatory role in the development of MASLD. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0434. [PMID: 38696365 PMCID: PMC11068152 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000434] [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: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol is an essential lipid molecule in mammalian cells. It is not only involved in the formation of cell membranes but also serves as a raw material for the synthesis of bile acids, vitamin D, and steroid hormones. Additionally, it acts as a covalent modifier of proteins and plays a crucial role in numerous life processes. Generally, the metabolic processes of cholesterol absorption, synthesis, conversion, and efflux are strictly regulated. Excessive accumulation of cholesterol in the body is a risk factor for metabolic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). In this review, we first provide an overview of the discovery of cholesterol and the fundamental process of cholesterol metabolism. We then summarize the relationship between dietary cholesterol intake and the risk of developing MASLD, and also the animal models of MASLD specifically established with a cholesterol-containing diet. In the end, the role of cholesterol-induced inflammation in the initiation and development of MASLD is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linqiang Zhang
- Institute of Life Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yongqiong Shi
- Institute of Life Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bin Liang
- Center for Life Sciences, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Cell Metabolism and Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xi Li
- Institute of Life Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Fleishman JS, Kumar S. Bile acid metabolism and signaling in health and disease: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:97. [PMID: 38664391 PMCID: PMC11045871 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01811-6] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Bile acids, once considered mere dietary surfactants, now emerge as critical modulators of macronutrient (lipid, carbohydrate, protein) metabolism and the systemic pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory balance. Bile acid metabolism and signaling pathways play a crucial role in protecting against, or if aberrant, inducing cardiometabolic, inflammatory, and neoplastic conditions, strongly influencing health and disease. No curative treatment exists for any bile acid influenced disease, while the most promising and well-developed bile acid therapeutic was recently rejected by the FDA. Here, we provide a bottom-up approach on bile acids, mechanistically explaining their biochemistry, physiology, and pharmacology at canonical and non-canonical receptors. Using this mechanistic model of bile acids, we explain how abnormal bile acid physiology drives disease pathogenesis, emphasizing how ceramide synthesis may serve as a unifying pathogenic feature for cardiometabolic diseases. We provide an in-depth summary on pre-existing bile acid receptor modulators, explain their shortcomings, and propose solutions for how they may be remedied. Lastly, we rationalize novel targets for further translational drug discovery and provide future perspectives. Rather than dismissing bile acid therapeutics due to recent setbacks, we believe that there is immense clinical potential and a high likelihood for the future success of bile acid therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua S Fleishman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, USA.
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Bozadjieva-Kramer N, Shin JH, Li Z, Rupp AC, Miller N, Kernodle S, Lanthier N, Henry P, Seshadri N, Myronovych A, MacDougald OA, O’Rourke RW, Kohli R, Burant CF, Rothberg AE, Seeley RJ. Intestinal FGF15 regulates bile acid and cholesterol metabolism but not glucose and energy balance. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e174164. [PMID: 38587078 PMCID: PMC11128213 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.174164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 15/19 (FGF15/19, mouse/human ortholog) is expressed in the ileal enterocytes of the small intestine and released postprandially in response to bile acid absorption. Previous reports of FGF15-/- mice have limited our understanding of gut-specific FGF15's role in metabolism. Therefore, we studied the role of endogenous gut-derived FGF15 in bile acid, cholesterol, glucose, and energy balance. We found that circulating levels of FGF19 were reduced in individuals with obesity and comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease. Gene expression analysis of ileal FGF15-positive cells revealed differential expression during the obesogenic state. We fed standard chow or a high-fat metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis-inducing diet to control and intestine-derived FGF15-knockout (FGF15INT-KO) mice. Control and FGF15INT-KO mice gained similar body weight and adiposity and did not show genotype-specific differences in glucose, mixed meal, pyruvate, and glycerol tolerance. FGF15INT-KO mice had increased systemic bile acid levels but decreased cholesterol levels, pointing to a primary role for gut-derived FGF15 in regulating bile acid and cholesterol metabolism when exposed to obesogenic diet. These studies show that intestinal FGF15 plays a specific role in bile acid and cholesterol metabolism regulation but is not essential for energy and glucose balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadejda Bozadjieva-Kramer
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Surgery and
| | | | - Ziru Li
- Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine, MaineHealth Institute for Research, Scarborough, Maine, USA
| | - Alan C. Rupp
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Nicole Miller
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Nicolas Lanthier
- Hepato-Gastroenterology Department, Saint-Luc University Clinics, and
- Laboratory of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Paulina Henry
- Pathological Anatomy Department, Institute of Pathology and Genetics, Gosselies, Belgium
| | | | | | - Ormond A. MacDougald
- Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Robert W. O’Rourke
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Surgery and
| | - Rohit Kohli
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Charles F. Burant
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Amy E. Rothberg
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Rinella ME, Lieu HD, Kowdley KV, Goodman ZD, Alkhouri N, Lawitz E, Ratziu V, Abdelmalek MF, Wong VWS, Younes ZH, Sheikh AM, Brannan D, Freilich B, Membreno F, Sinclair M, Melchor-Khan L, Sanyal AJ, Ling L, Harrison SA. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of aldafermin in patients with NASH and compensated cirrhosis. Hepatology 2024; 79:674-689. [PMID: 37732990 PMCID: PMC10871650 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Aldafermin, an engineered analog of the human hormone FGF19, improves liver histology in patients with noncirrhotic NASH; however, its efficacy and safety in compensated cirrhosis is unknown. No drug has yet to demonstrate benefit in the compensated NASH population. APPROACH AND RESULTS In this multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2b trial, 160 patients with compensated NASH cirrhosis were randomized to aldafermin 0.3 mg (n = 7), 1 mg (n = 42), 3 mg (n = 55), or placebo (n = 56) for 48 weeks. The 0.3 mg group was discontinued to limit exposure to suboptimal doses. The primary end point was a change in Enhanced Liver Fibrosis from baseline to week 48. The analyses were performed in the intention-to-treat population. At week 48, the least-squares mean difference in the change in Enhanced Liver Fibrosis was -0.5 (95% CI, -0.7 to -0.2; p = 0.0003) between the 3 mg group and the placebo group. 15%, 21%, and 23% of patients in the placebo, 1 mg, and 3 mg group, respectively, achieved fibrosis improvement ≥ 1 stage; and 13%, 16%, and 20% achieved fibrosis improvement ≥ 1 stage without NASH worsening. Improvement in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, neoepitope-specific N-terminal pro-peptide of type III collagen, and liver stiffness favored aldefermin groups over placebo. Diarrhea was the most frequent adverse event, occurring at 26% and 40% in the 1 mg and 3 mg groups, respectively, compared to 18% in the placebo group. Overall, 0%, 2%, and 9% of patients in the placebo, 1 mg, and 3 mg group, respectively, discontinued due to treatment-related adverse events. CONCLUSIONS Aldafermin 3 mg resulted in a significant reduction in Enhanced Liver Fibrosis in patients with compensated NASH cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E. Rinella
- University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Hsiao D. Lieu
- NGM Biopharmaceuticals, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kris V. Kowdley
- Washington State University, Spokane, Washington, USA
- Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | | | - Eric Lawitz
- Texas Liver Institute, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Vlad Ratziu
- Sorbonne Université, ICAN Institute for Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, INSERM UMRS 1138 CRC
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Arun J. Sanyal
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Lei Ling
- NGM Biopharmaceuticals, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Stephen A. Harrison
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Pinnacle Clinical Research, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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14
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Li X, Lu W, Kharitonenkov A, Luo Y. Targeting the FGF19-FGFR4 pathway for cholestatic, metabolic, and cancerous diseases. J Intern Med 2024; 295:292-312. [PMID: 38212977 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Human fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19, or FGF15 in rodents) plays a central role in controlling bile acid (BA) synthesis through a negative feedback mechanism. This process involves a postprandial crosstalk between the BA-activated ileal farnesoid X receptor and the hepatic Klotho beta (KLB) coreceptor complexed with fibrobalst growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) kinase. Additionally, FGF19 regulates glucose, lipid, and energy metabolism by coordinating responses from functional KLB and FGFR1-3 receptor complexes on the periphery. Pharmacologically, native FGF19 or its analogs decrease elevated BA levels, fat content, and collateral tissue damage. This makes them effective in treating both cholestatic diseases such as primary biliary or sclerosing cholangitis (PBC or PSC) and metabolic abnormalities such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, chronic administration of FGF19 drives oncogenesis in mice by activating the FGFR4-dependent mitogenic or hepatic regenerative pathway, which could be a concern in humans. Agents that block FGF19 or FGFR4 signaling have shown great potency in preventing FGF19-responsive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development in animal models. Recent phase 1/2 clinical trials have demonstrated promising results for several FGF19-based agents in selectively treating patients with PBC, PSC, NASH, or HCC. This review aims to provide an update on the clinical development of both analogs and antagonists targeting the FGF19-FGFR4 signaling pathway for patients with cholestatic, metabolic, and cancer diseases. We will also analyze potential safety and mechanistic concerns that should guide future research and advanced trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokun Li
- School of Pharmacological Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weiqin Lu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, USA
| | | | - Yongde Luo
- School of Pharmacological Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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15
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Chen L, Guo W, Mao C, Shen J, Wan M. Liver fibrosis: pathological features, clinical treatment and application of therapeutic nanoagents. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:1446-1466. [PMID: 38265305 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb02790b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a reversible damage-repair response, the pathological features of which mainly include damage to hepatocytes, sinusoid capillarization, hepatic stellate cells activation, excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix and inflammatory response. Although some treatments (including drugs and stem cell therapy) for these pathological features have been shown to be effective, more clinical trials are needed to confirm their effectiveness. In recent years, nanomaterials-based therapies have emerged as an innovative and promising alternative to traditional drugs, being explored for the treatment of liver fibrosis diseases. Natural nanomaterials (including extracellular vesicles) and synthetic nanomaterials (including inorganic nanomaterials and organic nanomaterials) are developed to facilitate drug targeting delivery and combination therapy. In this review, the pathological features of liver fibrosis and the current anti-fibrosis drugs in clinical trials are briefly introduced, followed by a detailed introduction of the therapeutic nanoagents for the precise delivery of anti-fibrosis drugs. Finally, the future development trend in this field is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Chen
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Wenyan Guo
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Chun Mao
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Jian Shen
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Mimi Wan
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
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16
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Rodrigues SG, van der Merwe S, Krag A, Wiest R. Gut-liver axis: Pathophysiological concepts and medical perspective in chronic liver diseases. Semin Immunol 2024; 71:101859. [PMID: 38219459 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Susana G Rodrigues
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Schalk van der Merwe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University hospital Gasthuisberg, University of Leuven, Belgium
| | - Aleksander Krag
- Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Centre for Liver Research, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Reiner Wiest
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland.
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17
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Ursic-Bedoya J, Desandré G, Chavey C, Marie P, Polizzi A, Rivière B, Guillou H, Assenat E, Hibner U, Gregoire D. FGF19 and its analog Aldafermin cooperate with MYC to induce aggressive hepatocarcinogenesis. EMBO Mol Med 2024; 16:238-250. [PMID: 38228803 PMCID: PMC10897482 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-023-00021-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
FGF19 hormone has pleiotropic metabolic functions, including the modulation of insulin sensitivity, glucose/lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis. On top of its physiological metabolic role, FGF19 has been identified as a potentially targetable oncogenic driver, notably in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nevertheless, FGF19 remained an attractive candidate for treatment of metabolic disease, prompting the development of analogs uncoupling its metabolic and tumor-promoting activities. Using pre-clinical mice models of somatic mutation driven HCC, we assessed the oncogenicity of FGF19 in combination with frequent HCC tumorigenic alterations: p53 inactivation, CTNNB1 mutation, CCND1 or MYC overexpression. Our data revealed a strong oncogenic cooperation between FGF19 and MYC. Most importantly, we show that this oncogenic synergy is conserved with a FGF19-analog Aldafermin (NGM282), designed to solely mimic the hormone's metabolic functions. In particular, even a short systemic treatment with recombinant proteins triggered rapid appearance of proliferative foci of MYC-expressing hepatocytes. The fact that FGF19 analog Aldafermin is not fully devoid of the hormone's oncogenic properties raises concerns in the context of its potential use for patients with damaged, mutation-prone liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Ursic-Bedoya
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Unit, Saint Eloi Hospital, CHU Montpellier, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Guillaume Desandré
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Carine Chavey
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Pauline Marie
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Arnaud Polizzi
- Toxalim (Research Center in Food Toxicology), INRAE, ENVT, INP- PURPAN, UMR 1331, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Benjamin Rivière
- Department of Pathology, Gui de Chauliac Hospital, CHU Montpellier, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Hervé Guillou
- Toxalim (Research Center in Food Toxicology), INRAE, ENVT, INP- PURPAN, UMR 1331, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Eric Assenat
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Unit, Saint Eloi Hospital, CHU Montpellier, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Urszula Hibner
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Damien Gregoire
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France.
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18
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Branković M, Dukić M, Gmizić T, Popadić V, Nikolić N, Sekulić A, Brajković M, Đokić J, Mahmutović E, Lasica R, Vojnović M, Milovanović T. New Therapeutic Approaches for the Treatment of Patients with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) and Increased Cardiovascular Risk. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:229. [PMID: 38275476 PMCID: PMC10814440 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14020229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) was previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The main characteristic of the disease is the process of long-term liver inflammation, which leads to hepatocyte damage followed by liver fibrosis and eventually cirrhosis. Additionally, these patients are at a greater risk for developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD). They have several pathophysiological mechanisms in common, primarily lipid metabolism disorders and lipotoxicity. Lipotoxicity is a factor that leads to the occurrence of heart disease and the occurrence and progression of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis, as a multifactorial disease, is one of the predominant risk factors for the development of ischemic heart disease. Therefore, CVD are one of the most significant carriers of mortality in patients with metabolic syndrome. So far, no pharmacotherapy has been established for the treatment of MASLD, but patients are advised to reduce their body weight and change their lifestyle. In recent years, several trials of different drugs, whose basic therapeutic indications include other diseases, have been conducted. Because it has been concluded that they can have beneficial effects in the treatment of these conditions as well, in this paper, the most significant results of these studies will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Branković
- University Hospital Medical Center Bežanijska Kosa, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.D.); (T.G.); (V.P.); (N.N.); (A.S.); (M.B.); (J.Đ.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (R.L.); (T.M.)
| | - Marija Dukić
- University Hospital Medical Center Bežanijska Kosa, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.D.); (T.G.); (V.P.); (N.N.); (A.S.); (M.B.); (J.Đ.)
| | - Tijana Gmizić
- University Hospital Medical Center Bežanijska Kosa, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.D.); (T.G.); (V.P.); (N.N.); (A.S.); (M.B.); (J.Đ.)
| | - Višeslav Popadić
- University Hospital Medical Center Bežanijska Kosa, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.D.); (T.G.); (V.P.); (N.N.); (A.S.); (M.B.); (J.Đ.)
| | - Novica Nikolić
- University Hospital Medical Center Bežanijska Kosa, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.D.); (T.G.); (V.P.); (N.N.); (A.S.); (M.B.); (J.Đ.)
| | - Ana Sekulić
- University Hospital Medical Center Bežanijska Kosa, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.D.); (T.G.); (V.P.); (N.N.); (A.S.); (M.B.); (J.Đ.)
| | - Milica Brajković
- University Hospital Medical Center Bežanijska Kosa, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.D.); (T.G.); (V.P.); (N.N.); (A.S.); (M.B.); (J.Đ.)
| | - Jelena Đokić
- University Hospital Medical Center Bežanijska Kosa, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.D.); (T.G.); (V.P.); (N.N.); (A.S.); (M.B.); (J.Đ.)
| | - Edvin Mahmutović
- Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital Novi Pazar, 36300 Novi Pazar, Serbia;
| | - Ratko Lasica
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (R.L.); (T.M.)
- Department of Cardiology, Emergency Center, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marko Vojnović
- Clinic of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Tamara Milovanović
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (R.L.); (T.M.)
- Clinic of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
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19
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Zangerolamo L, Carvalho M, Velloso LA, Barbosa HCL. Endocrine FGFs and their signaling in the brain: Relevance for energy homeostasis. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 963:176248. [PMID: 38056616 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Since their discovery in 2000, there has been a continuous expansion of studies investigating the physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology of endocrine fibroblast growth factors (FGFs). FGF19, FGF21, and FGF23 comprise a subfamily with attributes that distinguish them from typical FGFs, as they can act as hormones and are, therefore, referred to as endocrine FGFs. As they participate in a broad cross-organ endocrine signaling axis, endocrine FGFs are crucial lipidic, glycemic, and energetic metabolism regulators during energy availability fluctuations. They function as powerful metabolic signals in physiological responses induced by metabolic diseases, like type 2 diabetes and obesity. Pharmacologically, FGF19 and FGF21 cause body weight loss and ameliorate glucose homeostasis and energy expenditure in rodents and humans. In contrast, FGF23 expression in mice and humans has been linked with insulin resistance and obesity. Here, we discuss emerging concepts in endocrine FGF signaling in the brain and critically assess their putative role as therapeutic targets for treating metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Zangerolamo
- Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marina Carvalho
- Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Licio A Velloso
- Laboratory of Cell Signaling, Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Helena C L Barbosa
- Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, University of Campinas, UNICAMP, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
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20
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Effenberger M, Grander C, Grabherr F, Tilg H. Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and the Intestinal Microbiome: An Inseparable Link. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2023; 11:1498-1507. [PMID: 38161503 PMCID: PMC10752805 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2023.00069] [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: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) particularly affects patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity. The incidence of NAFLD has increased significantly over the last decades and is now pandemically across the globe. It is a complex systemic disease comprising hepatic lipid accumulation, inflammation, lipotoxicity, gut dysbiosis, and insulin resistance as main features and with the potential to progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In numerous animal and human studies the gut microbiota plays a key role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD, NAFLD-cirrhosis and NAFLD-associated HCC. Lipotoxicity is the driver of inflammation, insulin resistance, and liver injury. Likewise, western diet, obesity, and metabolic disorders may alter the gut microbiota, which activates innate and adaptive immune responses and fuels hereby hepatic and systemic inflammation. Indigestible carbohydrates are fermented by the gut microbiota to produce important metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids and succinate. Numerous animal and human studies suggested a pivotal role of these metabolites in the progression of NAFLD and its comorbidities. Though, modification of the gut microbiota and/or the metabolites could even be beneficial in patients with NAFLD, NAFLD-cirrhosis, and NAFLD-associated HCC. In this review we collect the evidence that exogenous and endogenous hits drive liver injury in NAFLD and propel liver fibrosis and the progressing to advanced disease stages. NAFLD can be seen as the product of a complex interplay between gut microbiota, the immune response and metabolism. Thus, the challenge will be to understand its pathogenesis and to develop new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Effenberger
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christoph Grander
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Felix Grabherr
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Herbert Tilg
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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21
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Yan M, Man S, Sun B, Ma L, Guo L, Huang L, Gao W. Gut liver brain axis in diseases: the implications for therapeutic interventions. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:443. [PMID: 38057297 PMCID: PMC10700720 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01673-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Gut-liver-brain axis is a three-way highway of information interaction system among the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and nervous systems. In the past few decades, breakthrough progress has been made in the gut liver brain axis, mainly through understanding its formation mechanism and increasing treatment strategies. In this review, we discuss various complex networks including barrier permeability, gut hormones, gut microbial metabolites, vagus nerve, neurotransmitters, immunity, brain toxic metabolites, β-amyloid (Aβ) metabolism, and epigenetic regulation in the gut-liver-brain axis. Some therapies containing antibiotics, probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), polyphenols, low FODMAP diet and nanotechnology application regulate the gut liver brain axis. Besides, some special treatments targeting gut-liver axis include farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonists, takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) agonists, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor antagonists and fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) analogs. Targeting gut-brain axis embraces cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), antidepressants and tryptophan metabolism-related therapies. Targeting liver-brain axis contains epigenetic regulation and Aβ metabolism-related therapies. In the future, a better understanding of gut-liver-brain axis interactions will promote the development of novel preventative strategies and the discovery of precise therapeutic targets in multiple diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyao Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, 300457, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuli Man
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, 300457, Tianjin, China.
| | - Benyue Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, 300457, Tianjin, China
| | - Long Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, 300457, Tianjin, China
| | - Lanping Guo
- National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 100700, Beijing, China.
| | - Luqi Huang
- National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 100700, Beijing, China
| | - Wenyuan Gao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Modern Drug Delivery & High-Efficiency, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Weijin Road, 300072, Tianjin, China.
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22
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Chen YQ. NASH Drug Development: Seeing the Light at the End of the Tunnel? J Clin Transl Hepatol 2023; 11:1397-1403. [PMID: 37719961 PMCID: PMC10500295 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2023.00058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic liver disease affecting a large population worldwide. No clinically approved drugs are available. In this minireview, we discuss the heterogeneous nature of NASH and lack of consensus in outcome measures among clinical trials. We summarize NASH therapeutic targets and candidate drugs. We compare the efficacy of 33 published clinical trials that evaluated noninvasive biomarkers and liver biopsy. Currently, phase II trial results of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and phase III trial results of resmetirom and pioglitazone are encouraging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Q. Chen
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
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23
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Ralli T, Saifi Z, Tyagi N, Vidyadhari A, Aeri V, Kohli K. Deciphering the role of gut metabolites in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Crit Rev Microbiol 2023; 49:815-833. [PMID: 36394607 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2022.2142091] [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: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Perturbations in microbial abundance or diversity in the intestinal lumen leads to intestinal inflammation and disruption of intestinal membrane which eventually facilitates the translocation of microbial metabolites or whole microbes to the liver and other organs through portal vein. This process of translocation finally leads to multitude of health disorders. In this review, we are going to focus on the mechanisms by which gut metabolites like SCFAs, tryptophan (Trp) metabolites, bile acids (BAs), ethanol, and choline can either cause the development/progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or serves as a therapeutic treatment for the disease. Alterations in some metabolites like SCFAs, Trp metabolites, etc., can serve as biomarker molecules whereas presence of specific metabolites like ethanol definitely leads to disease progression. Thus, proper understanding of these mechanisms will subsequently help in designing of microbiome-based therapeutic approaches. Furthermore, we have also focussed on the role of dysbiosis on the mucosal immune system. In addition, we would also compile up the microbiome-based clinical trials which are currently undergoing for the treatment of NAFLD and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). It has been observed that the use of microbiome-based approaches like prebiotics, probiotics, symbiotics, etc., can act as a beneficial treatment option but more research needs to be done to know how to manipulate the composition of gut microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Ralli
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Zoya Saifi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Neha Tyagi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Arya Vidyadhari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Vidhu Aeri
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Kanchan Kohli
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, New Delhi, India
- Research and Publications, Llyod Institute of Management and Technology, Greater Noida, India
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24
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Hsu CL, Schnabl B. The gut-liver axis and gut microbiota in health and liver disease. Nat Rev Microbiol 2023; 21:719-733. [PMID: 37316582 PMCID: PMC10794111 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-023-00904-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The trillions of microorganisms in the human intestine are important regulators of health, and disruptions in the gut microbial communities can cause disease. The gut, liver and immune system have a symbiotic relationship with these microorganisms. Environmental factors, such as high-fat diets and alcohol consumption, can disrupt and alter microbial communities. This dysbiosis can lead to dysfunction of the intestinal barrier, translocation of microbial components to the liver and development or progression of liver disease. Changes in metabolites produced by gut microorganisms can also contribute to liver disease. In this Review, we discuss the importance of the gut microbiota in maintenance of health and the alterations in microbial mediators that contribute to liver disease. We present strategies for modulation of the intestinal microbiota and/or their metabolites as potential treatments for liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia L Hsu
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Bernd Schnabl
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA.
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25
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Karsdal MA, Hallsworth K, Scragg J, Leeming DJ, Villesen IF, Avery L, Haigh L, Govaere O, Wichmann S, Taylor G, Cassidy S, McPherson S, Anstee QM. Serum levels of fibrogenesis biomarkers reveal distinct endotypes predictive of response to weight loss in advanced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0254. [PMID: 37756043 PMCID: PMC10531192 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000254] [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: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND NAFLD is associated with activation of fibroblasts and hepatic fibrosis. Substantial patient heterogeneity exists, so it remains challenging to risk-stratify patients. We hypothesized that the amount of fibroblast activity, as assessed by circulating biomarkers of collagen formation, can define a "high-risk, high-fibrogenesis" patient endotype that exhibits greater fibroblast activity and potentially more progressive disease, and this endotype may be more amendable to dietary intervention. METHODS Patients with clinically confirmed advanced NAFLD were prescribed a very low-calorie diet (VLCD) intervention (∼800 kcal/d) to induce weight loss, achieved using total diet replacement. Serum markers of type III (PRO-C3) and IV collagen (PRO-C4) fibrogenesis were assessed at baseline every second week until the end of the VLCD, and 4 weeks post-VLCD and at 9 months follow-up. RESULTS Twenty-six subjects had a mean weight loss of 9.7% with VLCD. This was associated with significant improvements in liver biochemistry. When stratified by baseline PRO-C3 and PRO-C4 into distinct fibrosis endotypes, these predicted substantial differences in collagen fibrogenesis marker dynamics in response to VLCD. Patients in the high activity group (PRO-C3 >11.4 ng/mL and/or PRO-C4 >236.5 ng/mL) exhibited a marked reduction of collagen fibrogenesis, ranging from a 40%-55% decrease in PRO-C3 and PRO-C4, while fibrogenesis remained unchanged in the low activity group. The biochemical response to weight loss was substantially greater in patients a priori exhibiting a high fibroblast activity endotype in contrast to patients with low activity. CONCLUSIONS Thus, the likelihood of treatment response may be predicted at baseline by quantification of fibrogenesis biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kate Hallsworth
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Newcastle NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jadine Scragg
- Newcastle NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Ida F. Villesen
- Nordic Bioscience Biomarkers and Research A/S, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Leah Avery
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Laura Haigh
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Newcastle NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Olivier Govaere
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sarah Wichmann
- Nordic Bioscience Biomarkers and Research A/S, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Guy Taylor
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sophie Cassidy
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Stuart McPherson
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Newcastle NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Quentin M. Anstee
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Newcastle NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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26
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Amjad W, Shalaurova I, Garcia E, Gruppen EG, Dullaart RPF, DePaoli AM, Jiang ZG, Lai M, Connelly MA. Circulating Citrate Is Associated with Liver Fibrosis in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13332. [PMID: 37686138 PMCID: PMC10487511 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with mitochondrial damage. Circulating mitochondrial metabolites may be elevated in NAFLD but their associations with liver damage is not known. This study aimed to assess the association of key mitochondrial metabolites with the degree of liver fibrosis in the context of NAFLD and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Cross-sectional analyses were performed on two cohorts of biopsy-proven NAFLD and/or NASH subjects. The association of circulating mitochondrial metabolite concentrations with liver fibrosis was assessed using linear regression analysis. In the single-center cohort of NAFLD subjects (n = 187), the mean age was 54.9 ±13.0 years, 40.1% were female and 86.1% were White. Type 2 diabetes (51.3%), hypertension (43.9%) and obesity (72.2%) were prevalent. Those with high citrate had a higher proportion of moderate/significant liver fibrosis (stage F ≥ 2) (68.4 vs. 39.6%, p = 0.001) and advanced fibrosis (stage F ≥ 3) (31.6 vs. 13.6%, p = 0.01). Citrate was associated with liver fibrosis independent of age, sex, NAFLD activity score and metabolic syndrome (per 1 SD increase: β = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.03-0.35, p = 0.02). This association was also observed in a cohort of NASH subjects (n = 176) (β = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.07-0.36, p = 0.005). The association of citrate with liver fibrosis was observed in males (p = 0.005) but not females (p = 0.41). In conclusion, circulating citrate is elevated and associated with liver fibrosis, particularly in male subjects with NAFLD and NASH. Mitochondrial function may be a target to consider for reducing the progression of liver fibrosis and NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waseem Amjad
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | | | | | - Eke G Gruppen
- Divisions of Nephrology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, 9713 Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Robin P F Dullaart
- Divisions of Nephrology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, 9713 Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Z Gordon Jiang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Michelle Lai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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27
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Li Z, Yuan H, Chu H, Yang L. The Crosstalk between Gut Microbiota and Bile Acids Promotes the Development of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2059. [PMID: 37630619 PMCID: PMC10459427 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11082059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently the roles of gut microbiota are highly regarded in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The intestinal bacteria regulate the metabolism of bile acids depending on bile salt hydrolase (BSH), 7-dehydroxylation, hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSDH), or amide conjugation reaction, thus exerting effects on NAFLD development through bile acid receptors such as farnesoid X receptor (FXR), Takeda G-protein-coupled bile acid protein 5 (TGR5), and vitamin D receptor (VDR), which modulate nutrient metabolism and insulin sensitivity via interacting with downstream molecules. Reversely, the composition of gut microbiota is also affected by the level of bile acids in turn. We summarize the mutual regulation between the specific bacteria and bile acids in NAFLD and the latest clinical research based on microbiota and bile acids, which facilitate the development of novel treatment modalities in NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ling Yang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430022, China; (Z.L.); (H.Y.); (H.C.)
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28
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Méndez-Sánchez N, Coronel-Castillo CE, Ordoñez-Vázquez AL. Current Therapies for Cholestatic Diseases. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1713. [PMID: 37371808 PMCID: PMC10296345 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholestasis is a condition characterized by decrease in bile flow due to progressive pathological states that lead to chronic cholestatic liver diseases which affect the biliary tree at the intrahepatic level and extrahepatic level. They induce complications such as cirrhosis, liver failure, malignancies, bone disease and nutritional deficiencies that merit close follow-up and specific interventions. Furthermore, as those conditions progress to liver cirrhosis, there will be an increase in mortality but also an important impact in quality of life and economic burden due to comorbidities related with liver failure. Therefore, it is important that clinicians understand the treatment options for cholestatic liver diseases. With a general view of therapeutic options and their molecular targets, this review addresses the pathophysiology of cholangiopathies. The objective is to provide clinicians with an overview of the safety and efficacy of the treatment of cholangiopathies based on the current evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahum Méndez-Sánchez
- Unit Liver Research, Medica Sur Clinic & Foundation, Puente de Piedra 150, Toriello Guerra, Tlalpan, Mexico City 14050, Mexico;
- Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Av. Universidad 3004, Copilco Universidad, Coyoacán, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Carlos E. Coronel-Castillo
- Internal Medicine Section, Central Military Hospital, Manuel Ávila Camacho s/n, Militar, Miguel Hidalgo, Ciudad de México 11200, Mexico;
| | - Ana L. Ordoñez-Vázquez
- Unit Liver Research, Medica Sur Clinic & Foundation, Puente de Piedra 150, Toriello Guerra, Tlalpan, Mexico City 14050, Mexico;
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29
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Chen L, Fu L, Sun J, Huang Z, Fang M, Zinkle A, Liu X, Lu J, Pan Z, Wang Y, Liang G, Li X, Chen G, Mohammadi M. Structural basis for FGF hormone signalling. Nature 2023:10.1038/s41586-023-06155-9. [PMID: 37286607 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06155-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
α/βKlotho coreceptors simultaneously engage fibroblast growth factor (FGF) hormones (FGF19, FGF21 and FGF23)1,2 and their cognate cell-surface FGF receptors (FGFR1-4) thereby stabilizing the endocrine FGF-FGFR complex3-6. However, these hormones still require heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycan as an additional coreceptor to induce FGFR dimerization/activation and hence elicit their essential metabolic activities6. To reveal the molecular mechanism underpinning the coreceptor role of HS, we solved cryo-electron microscopy structures of three distinct 1:2:1:1 FGF23-FGFR-αKlotho-HS quaternary complexes featuring the 'c' splice isoforms of FGFR1 (FGFR1c), FGFR3 (FGFR3c) or FGFR4 as the receptor component. These structures, supported by cell-based receptor complementation and heterodimerization experiments, reveal that a single HS chain enables FGF23 and its primary FGFR within a 1:1:1 FGF23-FGFR-αKlotho ternary complex to jointly recruit a lone secondary FGFR molecule leading to asymmetric receptor dimerization and activation. However, αKlotho does not directly participate in recruiting the secondary receptor/dimerization. We also show that the asymmetric mode of receptor dimerization is applicable to paracrine FGFs that signal solely in an HS-dependent fashion. Our structural and biochemical data overturn the current symmetric FGFR dimerization paradigm and provide blueprints for rational discovery of modulators of FGF signalling2 as therapeutics for human metabolic diseases and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingfeng Chen
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain Health), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lili Fu
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain Health), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Institute of Cell Growth Factor, Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain Health), Wenzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory for Macromolecule Drugs and Large-scale Preparation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jingchuan Sun
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain Health), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Laboratory of Cell Fate Control, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiang Huang
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain Health), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Institute of Cell Growth Factor, Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain Health), Wenzhou, China
| | - Mingzhen Fang
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain Health), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Institute of Cell Growth Factor, Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain Health), Wenzhou, China
| | - Allen Zinkle
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xin Liu
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain Health), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Institute of Cell Growth Factor, Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain Health), Wenzhou, China
| | - Junliang Lu
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain Health), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Institute of Cell Growth Factor, Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain Health), Wenzhou, China
| | - Zixiang Pan
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain Health), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Institute of Cell Growth Factor, Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain Health), Wenzhou, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain Health), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Center of Biomedical Physics, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, China
| | - Guang Liang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaokun Li
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain Health), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
- State Key Laboratory for Macromolecule Drugs and Large-scale Preparation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
- National Engineering Research Center of Cell Growth Factor Drugs and Protein Biologics, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
| | - Gaozhi Chen
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain Health), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
- Institute of Cell Growth Factor, Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain Health), Wenzhou, China.
- Institute of chronic kidney disease, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
| | - Moosa Mohammadi
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain Health), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
- Institute of Cell Growth Factor, Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain Health), Wenzhou, China.
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30
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Carson MD, Warner AJ, Geiser VL, Hathaway-Schrader JD, Alekseyenko AV, Marshall J, Westwater C, Novince CM. Prolonged Antibiotic Exposure during Adolescence Dysregulates Liver Metabolism and Promotes Adiposity in Mice. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 193:796-812. [PMID: 36906264 PMCID: PMC10284030 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2023.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic administration during early life has been shown to have lasting effects on the gut microbiota, which have been linked to sustained alterations in liver metabolism and adiposity. Recent investigations have discerned that the gut microbiota continues to develop toward an adult-like profile during adolescence. However, the impact of antibiotic exposure during adolescence on metabolism and adiposity is unclear. Herein, a retrospective analysis of Medicaid claims data was performed, which indicated that tetracycline class antibiotics are commonly prescribed for the systemic treatment of adolescent acne. The purpose of this was to discern the impact of a prolonged tetracycline antibiotic exposure during adolescence on the gut microbiota, liver metabolism, and adiposity. Male C57BL/6T specific pathogen-free mice were administered a tetracycline antibiotic during the pubertal/postpubertal adolescent growth phase. Groups were euthanized at different time points to assess immediate and sustained antibiotic treatment effects. Antibiotic exposure during adolescence caused lasting genera-level shifts in the intestinal bacteriome and persistent dysregulation of metabolic pathways in the liver. Dysregulated hepatic metabolism was linked to sustained disruption of the intestinal farnesoid X receptor-fibroblast growth factor 15 axis, a gut-liver endocrine axis that supports metabolic homeostasis. Antibiotic exposure during adolescence increased subcutaneous, visceral, and marrow adiposity, which intriguingly manifested following antibiotic therapy. This preclinical work highlights that prolonged antibiotic courses for the clinical treatment of adolescent acne may have unintended deleterious effects on liver metabolism and adiposity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Carson
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, College of Dental Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina; Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina; Division of Periodontics, Department of Stomatology, College of Dental Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Amy J Warner
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, College of Dental Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina; Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina; Division of Periodontics, Department of Stomatology, College of Dental Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Vincenza L Geiser
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, College of Dental Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina; Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina; Division of Periodontics, Department of Stomatology, College of Dental Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Jessica D Hathaway-Schrader
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, College of Dental Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina; Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina; Division of Periodontics, Department of Stomatology, College of Dental Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Alexander V Alekseyenko
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, College of Dental Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina; Division of Biomedical Informatics Center, Program for Human Microbiome Research, Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina; Department of Healthcare Leadership and Management, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Julie Marshall
- Division of Population Oral Health, Department of Stomatology, College of Dental Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina; Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Caroline Westwater
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, College of Dental Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Chad M Novince
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, College of Dental Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina; Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina; Division of Periodontics, Department of Stomatology, College of Dental Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.
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31
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Abdel-Malek M, Yang L, Miras AD. Pharmacotherapy for chronic obesity management: a look into the future. Intern Emerg Med 2023; 18:1019-1030. [PMID: 37249754 PMCID: PMC10326094 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-023-03237-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Substantial leaps have been made in the drug discovery front in tackling the growing pandemic of obesity and its metabolic co-morbidities. Greater mechanistic insight and understanding of the gut-brain molecular pathways at play have enabled the pursuit of novel therapeutic agents that possess increasingly efficacious weight-lowering potential whilst remaining safe and tolerable for clinical use. In the wake of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) based therapy, we look at recent advances in gut hormone biology that have fermented the development of next generation pharmacotherapy in diabesity that harness synergistic potential. In this paper, we review the latest data from the SURPASS and SURMOUNT clinical trials for the novel 'twincretin', known as Tirzepatide, which has demonstrated sizeable body weight reduction as well as glycaemic efficacy. We also provide an overview of amylin-based combination strategies and other emerging therapies in the pipeline that are similarly providing great promise for the future of chronic management of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lisa Yang
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Alexander Dimitri Miras
- School of Medicine, Ulster University, Derry~Londonderry, UK
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Aaldijk AS, Verzijl CRC, Jonker JW, Struik D. Biological and pharmacological functions of the FGF19- and FGF21-coreceptor beta klotho. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1150222. [PMID: 37260446 PMCID: PMC10229096 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1150222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Beta klotho (KLB) is a fundamental component in fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling as it serves as an obligatory coreceptor for the endocrine hormones fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). Through the development of FGF19- and FGF21 mimetics, KLB has emerged as a promising drug target for treating various metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and cardiovascular disease. While rodent studies have significantly increased our understanding of KLB function, current clinical trials that test the safety and efficacy of KLB-targeting drugs raise many new scientific questions about human KLB biology. Although most KLB-targeting drugs can modulate disease activity in humans, individual patient responses differ substantially. In addition, species-specific differences in KLB tissue distribution may explain why the glucose-lowering effects that were observed in preclinical studies are not fully replicated in clinical trials. Besides, the long-term efficacy of KLB-targeting drugs might be limited by various pathophysiological conditions known to reduce the expression of KLB. Moreover, FGF19/FGF21 administration in humans is also associated with gastrointestinal side effects, which are currently unexplained. A better understanding of human KLB biology could help to improve the efficacy and safety of existing or novel KLB/FGFR-targeting drugs. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of KLB biology, including genetic variants and their phenotypic associations, transcriptional regulation, protein structure, tissue distribution, subcellular localization, and function. In addition, we will highlight recent developments regarding the safety and efficacy of KLB-targeting drugs in clinical trials. These insights may direct the development and testing of existing and future KLB-targeting drugs.
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Würfel M, Blüher M, Stumvoll M, Ebert T, Kovacs P, Tönjes A, Breitfeld J. Adipokines as Clinically Relevant Therapeutic Targets in Obesity. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051427. [PMID: 37239098 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Adipokines provide an outstanding role in the comprehensive etiology of obesity and may link adipose tissue dysfunction to further metabolic and cardiovascular complications. Although several adipokines have been identified in terms of their physiological roles, many regulatory circuits remain unclear and translation from experimental studies to clinical applications has yet to occur. Nevertheless, due to their complex metabolic properties, adipokines offer immense potential for their use both as obesity-associated biomarkers and as relevant treatment strategies for overweight, obesity and metabolic comorbidities. To provide an overview of the current clinical use of adipokines, this review summarizes clinical studies investigating the potential of various adipokines with respect to diagnostic and therapeutic treatment strategies for obesity and linked metabolic disorders. Furthermore, an overview of adipokines, for which a potential for clinical use has been demonstrated in experimental studies to date, will be presented. In particular, promising data revealed that fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-19, FGF-21 and leptin offer great potential for future clinical application in the treatment of obesity and related comorbidities. Based on data from animal studies or other clinical applications in addition to obesity, adipokines including adiponectin, vaspin, resistin, chemerin, visfatin, bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP-7) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) provide potential for human clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marleen Würfel
- Department of Medicine III, Division of Endocrinology, Nephrology and Rheumatology, University of Leipzig, Liebigstr. 18, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Matthias Blüher
- Department of Medicine III, Division of Endocrinology, Nephrology and Rheumatology, University of Leipzig, Liebigstr. 18, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG), Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Leipzig and the University of Leipzig Medical Center, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michael Stumvoll
- Department of Medicine III, Division of Endocrinology, Nephrology and Rheumatology, University of Leipzig, Liebigstr. 18, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thomas Ebert
- Department of Medicine III, Division of Endocrinology, Nephrology and Rheumatology, University of Leipzig, Liebigstr. 18, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Peter Kovacs
- Department of Medicine III, Division of Endocrinology, Nephrology and Rheumatology, University of Leipzig, Liebigstr. 18, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Anke Tönjes
- Department of Medicine III, Division of Endocrinology, Nephrology and Rheumatology, University of Leipzig, Liebigstr. 18, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jana Breitfeld
- Department of Medicine III, Division of Endocrinology, Nephrology and Rheumatology, University of Leipzig, Liebigstr. 18, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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Francque S, Ratziu V. Future Treatment Options and Regimens for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Clin Liver Dis 2023; 27:429-449. [PMID: 37024217 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2023.01.010] [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] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Recent progress in our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms that drive progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis as well as lessons learned from several clinical trials that have been conducted over the past 15 years guide our current regulatory framework and trial design. Targeting the metabolic drivers should probably be the backbone of therapy in most of the patients, with some requiring more specific intrahepatic antiinflammatory and antifibrotic actions to achieve success. New and innovative targets and approaches as well as combination therapies are currently explored, while awaiting a better understanding of disease heterogeneity that should allow for future individualized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Francque
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium; Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Paediatrics (LEMP), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; InflaMed Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Translational Sciences in Inflammation and Immunology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Antwerp University Hospital, Drie Eikenstraat 665, Edegem B-2650, Belgium.
| | - Vlad Ratziu
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux De Paris, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, 47-83 Boulevard de l'Hôpital, Paris Cedex 13 75651, France; INSERM UMRS 1138 CRC, Paris, France.
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Méndez-Sánchez N, Pal SC, Córdova-Gallardo J. How far are we from an approved drug for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis? Expert Opin Pharmacother 2023; 24:1021-1038. [PMID: 37092896 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2023.2206953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) previously known but still debatable, as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the main causes of chronic liver disease and subsequent cirrhosis worldwide, accounting for around 30% of liver diseases. The change in its nomenclature has been brought about by the novel discoveries regarding its pathogenesis, in which metabolic dysfunction plays the most important role. It is widely known that for every disease, the treatment should always be targeted toward the underlying etiology and pathogenesis. AREAS COVERED MAFLD/NAFLD pathogenesis is heterogeneous, and includes multiple gene polymorphisms, presence of insulin resistance, as well as concomitant diseases that contribute to the disease onset and progression. As a result of this, even though lifestyle modification (owing to metabolic abnormalities) is the first line of treatment, multiple drugs have been tested to target each of the known pathways leading to MAFLD/NAFLD and progression of steatohepatitis. We aim to review the most relevant information regarding previous and ongoing research and recommendations regarding treatment of MAFLD/NAFLD. EXPERT OPINION Combination therapies associated to weight loss and exercise will be the optimal approach for these patients. It is important to evaluate each patient to select the specific combination according to patient characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahum Méndez-Sánchez
- Liver Research Unit, Medica Sur Clinic & Foundation, 14050 Mexico, Mexico
- Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Shreya C Pal
- Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jacqueline Córdova-Gallardo
- Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
- Department of Hepatology, Service of Surgery, General Hospital "Dr. Manuel Gea González", 14080 Mexico City, Mexico
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Pabst O, Hornef MW, Schaap FG, Cerovic V, Clavel T, Bruns T. Gut-liver axis: barriers and functional circuits. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023:10.1038/s41575-023-00771-6. [PMID: 37085614 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00771-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
The gut and the liver are characterized by mutual interactions between both organs, the microbiome, diet and other environmental factors. The sum of these interactions is conceptualized as the gut-liver axis. In this Review we discuss the gut-liver axis, concentrating on the barriers formed by the enterohepatic tissues to restrict gut-derived microorganisms, microbial stimuli and dietary constituents. In addition, we discuss the establishment of barriers in the gut and liver during development and their cooperative function in the adult host. We detail the interplay between microbial and dietary metabolites, the intestinal epithelium, vascular endothelium, the immune system and the various host soluble factors, and how this interplay establishes a homeostatic balance in the healthy gut and liver. Finally, we highlight how this balance is disrupted in diseases of the gut and liver, outline the existing therapeutics and describe the cutting-edge discoveries that could lead to the development of novel treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Pabst
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Mathias W Hornef
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Frank G Schaap
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Surgery, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Vuk Cerovic
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Thomas Clavel
- Functional Microbiome Research Group, Institute of Medical Microbiology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tony Bruns
- Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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Drexler S, Cai C, Hartmann AL, Moch D, Gaitantzi H, Ney T, Kraemer M, Chu Y, Zheng Y, Rahbari M, Treffs A, Reiser A, Lenoir B, Valous NA, Jäger D, Birgin E, Sawant TA, Li Q, Xu K, Dong L, Otto M, Itzel T, Teufel A, Gretz N, Hawinkels LJAC, Sánchez A, Herrera B, Schubert R, Moshage H, Reissfelder C, Ebert MPA, Rahbari N, Breitkopf-Heinlein K. Intestinal BMP-9 locally upregulates FGF19 and is down-regulated in obese patients with diabetes. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 570:111934. [PMID: 37085108 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.111934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-9, a member of the TGFβ-family of cytokines, is believed to be mainly produced in the liver. The serum levels of BMP-9 were reported to be reduced in newly diagnosed diabetic patients and BMP-9 overexpression ameliorated steatosis in the high fat diet-induced obesity mouse model. Furthermore, injection of BMP-9 in mice enhanced expression of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)21. However, whether BMP-9 also regulates the expression of the related FGF19 is not clear. Because both FGF21 and 19 were described to protect the liver from steatosis, we have further investigated the role of BMP-9 in this context. We first analyzed BMP-9 levels in the serum of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats (a model of type I diabetes) and confirmed that BMP-9 serum levels decrease during diabetes. Microarray analyses of RNA samples from hepatic and intestinal tissue from BMP-9 KO- and wild-type mice (C57/Bl6 background) pointed to basal expression of BMP-9 in both organs and revealed a down-regulation of hepatic Fgf21 and intestinal Fgf19 in the KO mice. Next, we analyzed BMP-9 levels in a cohort of obese patients with or without diabetes. Serum BMP-9 levels did not correlate with diabetes, but hepatic BMP-9 mRNA expression negatively correlated with steatosis in those patients that did not yet develop diabetes. Likewise, hepatic BMP-9 expression also negatively correlated with serum LPS levels. In situ hybridization analyses confirmed intestinal BMP-9 expression. Intestinal (but not hepatic) BMP-9 mRNA levels were decreased with diabetes and positively correlated with intestinal E-Cadherin expression. In vitro studies using organoids demonstrated that BMP-9 directly induces FGF19 in gut but not hepatocyte organoids, whereas no evidence of a direct induction of hepatic FGF21 by BMP-9 was found. Consistent with the in vitro data, a correlation between intestinal BMP-9 and FGF19 mRNA expression was seen in the patients' samples. In summary, our data confirm that BMP-9 is involved in diabetes development in humans and in the control of the FGF-axis. More importantly, our data imply that not only hepatic but also intestinal BMP-9 associates with diabetes and steatosis development and controls FGF19 expression. The data support the conclusion that increased levels of BMP-9 would most likely be beneficial under pre-steatotic conditions, making supplementation of BMP-9 an interesting new approach for future therapies aiming at prevention of the development of a metabolic syndrome and liver steatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Drexler
- Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Chen Cai
- Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Hartmann
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Denise Moch
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Haristi Gaitantzi
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Theresa Ney
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Malin Kraemer
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Yuan Chu
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Yuwei Zheng
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Mohammad Rahbari
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Annalena Treffs
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Alena Reiser
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Bénédicte Lenoir
- Clinical Cooperation Unit "Applied Tumor Immunity", German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nektarios A Valous
- Clinical Cooperation Unit "Applied Tumor Immunity", German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Jäger
- Clinical Cooperation Unit "Applied Tumor Immunity", German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases and Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Emrullah Birgin
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Tejas A Sawant
- Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beijing You'an Hospital Affiliated with Capital Medical University, Fengtai District, Beijing, China
| | - Keshu Xu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Av., Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lingyue Dong
- Department of Cell Biology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, Fengtai, 100054, China
| | - Mirko Otto
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Timo Itzel
- Division of Hepatology, Division of Clinical Bioinformatics, Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit "Healthy Metabolism", Center of Preventive Medicine and Digital Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, 69120, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Andreas Teufel
- Division of Hepatology, Division of Clinical Bioinformatics, Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit "Healthy Metabolism", Center of Preventive Medicine and Digital Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, 69120, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Norbert Gretz
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, Medical Research Center, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Lukas J A C Hawinkels
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Aránzazu Sánchez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Health Research Institute Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), E-28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Blanca Herrera
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Health Research Institute Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), E-28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rudolf Schubert
- Physiology, Institute of Theoretical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, 86159, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Han Moshage
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9712 CP, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Christoph Reissfelder
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit "Healthy Metabolism", Center of Preventive Medicine and Digital Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, 69120, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Matthias P A Ebert
- Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit "Healthy Metabolism", Center of Preventive Medicine and Digital Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, 69120, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Nuh Rahbari
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Katja Breitkopf-Heinlein
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.
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Benoit B, Beau A, Bres É, Chanon S, Pinteur C, Vieille-Marchiset A, Jalabert A, Zhang H, Garg P, Strigini M, Vico L, Ruzzin J, Vidal H, Koppe L. Treatment with fibroblast growth factor 19 increases skeletal muscle fiber size, ameliorates metabolic perturbations and hepatic inflammation in 5/6 nephrectomized mice. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5520. [PMID: 37015932 PMCID: PMC10073190 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31874-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with osteosarcopenia, and because a physical decline in patients correlates with an increased risk of morbidity, an improvement of the musculoskeletal system is expected to improve morbi-mortality. We recently uncovered that the intestinal hormone Fibroblast Growth Factor 19 (FGF19) is able to promote skeletal muscle mass and strength in rodent models, in addition to its capacity to improve glucose homeostasis. Here, we tested the effects of a treatment with recombinant human FGF19 in a CKD mouse model, which associates sarcopenia and metabolic disorders. In 5/6 nephrectomized (5/6Nx) mice, subcutaneous FGF19 injection (0.1 mg/kg) during 18 days increased skeletal muscle fiber size independently of food intake and weight gain, associated with decreased gene expression of myostatin. Furthermore, FGF19 treatment attenuated glucose intolerance and reduced hepatic expression of gluconeogenic genes in uremic mice. Importantly, the treatment also decreased gene expression of liver inflammatory markers in CKD mice. Therefore, our results suggest that FGF19 may represent a novel interesting therapeutic strategy for a global improvement of sarcopenia and metabolic complications in CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berengère Benoit
- CarMeN Laboratory, INSERM, INRAE, Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, Pierre Bénite, France
| | - Alice Beau
- CarMeN Laboratory, INSERM, INRAE, Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, Pierre Bénite, France
| | - Émilie Bres
- CarMeN Laboratory, INSERM, INRAE, Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, Pierre Bénite, France
- Department of Nephrology and Nutrition, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Centre Hospitalier Lyon-Sud, Chemin du Grand Revoyet, 69495, Pierre Bénite, France
| | - Stéphanie Chanon
- CarMeN Laboratory, INSERM, INRAE, Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, Pierre Bénite, France
| | - Claudie Pinteur
- CarMeN Laboratory, INSERM, INRAE, Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, Pierre Bénite, France
| | | | - Audrey Jalabert
- CarMeN Laboratory, INSERM, INRAE, Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, Pierre Bénite, France
| | - Hao Zhang
- INSERM U1059, Sainbiose, Jean Monnet University, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Priyanka Garg
- INSERM U1059, Sainbiose, Jean Monnet University, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Maura Strigini
- INSERM U1059, Sainbiose, Jean Monnet University, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Laurence Vico
- INSERM U1059, Sainbiose, Jean Monnet University, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Jérôme Ruzzin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hubert Vidal
- CarMeN Laboratory, INSERM, INRAE, Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, Pierre Bénite, France
| | - Laetitia Koppe
- CarMeN Laboratory, INSERM, INRAE, Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, Pierre Bénite, France.
- Department of Nephrology and Nutrition, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Centre Hospitalier Lyon-Sud, Chemin du Grand Revoyet, 69495, Pierre Bénite, France.
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Tay PWL, Ng CH, Lin SY, Chin YH, Xiao J, Lim WH, Lim SY, Fu CE, Chan KE, Quek J, Tan DJH, Chew N, Syn N, Keitoku T, Tamaki N, Siddiqui MS, Noureddin M, Muthiah M, Huang DQ, Loomba R. Placebo Adverse Events in Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Trials: A Pooled Analysis of 2,944 Participants. Am J Gastroenterol 2023; 118:645-653. [PMID: 36191268 PMCID: PMC10792533 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the absence of an effective treatment for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a randomized, placebo-controlled trial (RCT) remains the current gold standard study design in NASH. As NASH is a largely asymptomatic disease, the side effects of potential therapies require careful evaluation, therefore a pooled rate of the adverse events (AEs) in placebo-treated patients serves as a useful comparator for safety. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the rate of AEs among participants in the placebo arm of NASH RCTs. METHODS Medline, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched to include clinical trials in phase 2-4 NASH RCTs with placebo treatment arms. A pooled proportions of AEs were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model with Clopper-Pearson intervals. RESULTS A total of 41 RCTs (2,944 participants on placebo) were included in this meta-analysis. A total of 68% (confidence interval [CI] 55%-77%) of participants on placebo experienced an AE, 7.8% (5.7%-10%) experienced serious AEs and 3.1% (CI: 1.9%-5.1%) experienced AEs leading to discontinuation. A significantly higher proportion of participants experienced serious AEs in phase 3 studies compared to in phase 2 studies ( P < 0.01) and in pharmaceutical funded studies as compared to studies which were federal-funded studies ( P < 0.01). An analysis of clinical trials evaluating bile acid modulating agents determined that 10% (CI: 5.5%-18%) of participants receiving placebo developed pruritus. DISCUSSION The present study summarizes the AEs with NASH placebo. Among participants in the placebo arm in NASH, two-third experienced an AE, and nearly 10% experienced a serious AE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe Wen Lin Tay
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Cheng Han Ng
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Snow Yunni Lin
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yip Han Chin
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jieling Xiao
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wen Hui Lim
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sze Yinn Lim
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Clarissa Elysia Fu
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kai En Chan
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jingxuan Quek
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Darren Jun Hao Tan
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nicholas Chew
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Nicholas Syn
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Taisei Keitoku
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuharu Tamaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mohammad Shadab Siddiqui
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Mazen Noureddin
- Cedars-Sinai Fatty Liver Program, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mark Muthiah
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- National University Centre for Organ Transplantation, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Daniel Q. Huang
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- National University Centre for Organ Transplantation, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Rohit Loomba
- NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, California, USA
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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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Nedrud MA, Chaudhry M, Middleton MS, Moylan CA, Lerebours R, Luo S, Farjat A, Guy C, Loomba R, Abdelmalek MF, Sirlin CB, Bashir MR. MRI Quantification of Placebo Effect in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Trials. Radiology 2023; 306:e220743. [PMID: 36318027 PMCID: PMC9968769 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.220743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Background Several early-phase clinical trials for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) use liver fat content as measured with the MRI-derived proton density fat fraction (PDFF) for a primary outcome. These trials have shown relative reductions in liver fat content with placebo treatment alone, a phenomenon termed "the placebo effect." This phenomenon confounds the results and limits generalizability to future trials. Purpose To quantify the effect of placebo treatment on change in the absolute PDFF value and to identify variables associated with this observed change. Materials and Methods This is a secondary analysis of prospectively collected data from seven early phase clinical trials that included participants with a diagnosis of NASH based on MRI and/or liver biopsy who received placebo treatment. The primary outcome was a greater than or equal to 30% relative reduction in PDFF after placebo treatment. Normalization of PDFF, relative change in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level, and normalization of ALT level were also examined. An exploratory linear mixed-effects model was used to estimate an overall change in absolute PDFF and to explore parameters associated with this response. Results A total of 187 participants (median age, 52 years [IQR, 43-60 years]; 114 women) who received placebo treatment were evaluated. A greater than or equal to 30% relative reduction in baseline PDFF was seen in 20% of participants after 12 weeks of placebo treatment (10 of 49), 9% of participants after 16 weeks (two of 22), and 28% of participants after 24 weeks (34 of 122). A repeated-measures linear mixed-effects model estimated a decrease of 2.3 units (median relative reduction of 13%) in absolute PDFF values after 24 weeks of placebo treatment (95% CI: 3.2, 1.4; P < .001). Conclusion In this analysis of 187 participants, a clinically relevant decrease in PDFF was observed with placebo treatment. Based on the study model, assuming an absolute PDFF decrease of approximately 3 units (upper limit of 95% CI) to account for this "placebo effect" in sample size calculations for future clinical trials is suggested. Clinical trial registration nos. NCT01066364, NCT01766713, NCT01963845, NCT02443116, NCT02546609, NCT02316717, and NCT02442687 © RSNA, 2022 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Yoon in this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michael S. Middleton
- From the Department of Radiology (M.A.N., M.R.B.), Division of
Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine (C.A.M., M.R.B.), Department of
Biostatistics & Bioinformatics (R. Lerebours, S.L., A.F.), Department of
Pathology (C.G.), and Center for Advanced Magnetic Resonance Development
(M.R.B.), Duke University Medical Center, Department of Radiology, Box 3808,
Durham, NC 27710; Rutgers University Hospital, School of Medicine, Newark, NJ
(M.C.); Liver Imaging Group, Department of Radiology (M.S.M., C.B.S.), and
Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine (R. Loomba), University of
California at San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, Calif; Department of
Medicine, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC (C.A.M.); and
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn
(M.F.A.)
| | - Cynthia A. Moylan
- From the Department of Radiology (M.A.N., M.R.B.), Division of
Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine (C.A.M., M.R.B.), Department of
Biostatistics & Bioinformatics (R. Lerebours, S.L., A.F.), Department of
Pathology (C.G.), and Center for Advanced Magnetic Resonance Development
(M.R.B.), Duke University Medical Center, Department of Radiology, Box 3808,
Durham, NC 27710; Rutgers University Hospital, School of Medicine, Newark, NJ
(M.C.); Liver Imaging Group, Department of Radiology (M.S.M., C.B.S.), and
Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine (R. Loomba), University of
California at San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, Calif; Department of
Medicine, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC (C.A.M.); and
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn
(M.F.A.)
| | - Reginald Lerebours
- From the Department of Radiology (M.A.N., M.R.B.), Division of
Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine (C.A.M., M.R.B.), Department of
Biostatistics & Bioinformatics (R. Lerebours, S.L., A.F.), Department of
Pathology (C.G.), and Center for Advanced Magnetic Resonance Development
(M.R.B.), Duke University Medical Center, Department of Radiology, Box 3808,
Durham, NC 27710; Rutgers University Hospital, School of Medicine, Newark, NJ
(M.C.); Liver Imaging Group, Department of Radiology (M.S.M., C.B.S.), and
Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine (R. Loomba), University of
California at San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, Calif; Department of
Medicine, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC (C.A.M.); and
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn
(M.F.A.)
| | - Sheng Luo
- From the Department of Radiology (M.A.N., M.R.B.), Division of
Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine (C.A.M., M.R.B.), Department of
Biostatistics & Bioinformatics (R. Lerebours, S.L., A.F.), Department of
Pathology (C.G.), and Center for Advanced Magnetic Resonance Development
(M.R.B.), Duke University Medical Center, Department of Radiology, Box 3808,
Durham, NC 27710; Rutgers University Hospital, School of Medicine, Newark, NJ
(M.C.); Liver Imaging Group, Department of Radiology (M.S.M., C.B.S.), and
Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine (R. Loomba), University of
California at San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, Calif; Department of
Medicine, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC (C.A.M.); and
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn
(M.F.A.)
| | - Alfredo Farjat
- From the Department of Radiology (M.A.N., M.R.B.), Division of
Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine (C.A.M., M.R.B.), Department of
Biostatistics & Bioinformatics (R. Lerebours, S.L., A.F.), Department of
Pathology (C.G.), and Center for Advanced Magnetic Resonance Development
(M.R.B.), Duke University Medical Center, Department of Radiology, Box 3808,
Durham, NC 27710; Rutgers University Hospital, School of Medicine, Newark, NJ
(M.C.); Liver Imaging Group, Department of Radiology (M.S.M., C.B.S.), and
Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine (R. Loomba), University of
California at San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, Calif; Department of
Medicine, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC (C.A.M.); and
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn
(M.F.A.)
| | - Cynthia Guy
- From the Department of Radiology (M.A.N., M.R.B.), Division of
Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine (C.A.M., M.R.B.), Department of
Biostatistics & Bioinformatics (R. Lerebours, S.L., A.F.), Department of
Pathology (C.G.), and Center for Advanced Magnetic Resonance Development
(M.R.B.), Duke University Medical Center, Department of Radiology, Box 3808,
Durham, NC 27710; Rutgers University Hospital, School of Medicine, Newark, NJ
(M.C.); Liver Imaging Group, Department of Radiology (M.S.M., C.B.S.), and
Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine (R. Loomba), University of
California at San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, Calif; Department of
Medicine, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC (C.A.M.); and
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn
(M.F.A.)
| | - Rohit Loomba
- From the Department of Radiology (M.A.N., M.R.B.), Division of
Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine (C.A.M., M.R.B.), Department of
Biostatistics & Bioinformatics (R. Lerebours, S.L., A.F.), Department of
Pathology (C.G.), and Center for Advanced Magnetic Resonance Development
(M.R.B.), Duke University Medical Center, Department of Radiology, Box 3808,
Durham, NC 27710; Rutgers University Hospital, School of Medicine, Newark, NJ
(M.C.); Liver Imaging Group, Department of Radiology (M.S.M., C.B.S.), and
Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine (R. Loomba), University of
California at San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, Calif; Department of
Medicine, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC (C.A.M.); and
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn
(M.F.A.)
| | - Manal F. Abdelmalek
- From the Department of Radiology (M.A.N., M.R.B.), Division of
Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine (C.A.M., M.R.B.), Department of
Biostatistics & Bioinformatics (R. Lerebours, S.L., A.F.), Department of
Pathology (C.G.), and Center for Advanced Magnetic Resonance Development
(M.R.B.), Duke University Medical Center, Department of Radiology, Box 3808,
Durham, NC 27710; Rutgers University Hospital, School of Medicine, Newark, NJ
(M.C.); Liver Imaging Group, Department of Radiology (M.S.M., C.B.S.), and
Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine (R. Loomba), University of
California at San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, Calif; Department of
Medicine, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC (C.A.M.); and
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn
(M.F.A.)
| | - Claude B. Sirlin
- From the Department of Radiology (M.A.N., M.R.B.), Division of
Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine (C.A.M., M.R.B.), Department of
Biostatistics & Bioinformatics (R. Lerebours, S.L., A.F.), Department of
Pathology (C.G.), and Center for Advanced Magnetic Resonance Development
(M.R.B.), Duke University Medical Center, Department of Radiology, Box 3808,
Durham, NC 27710; Rutgers University Hospital, School of Medicine, Newark, NJ
(M.C.); Liver Imaging Group, Department of Radiology (M.S.M., C.B.S.), and
Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine (R. Loomba), University of
California at San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, Calif; Department of
Medicine, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC (C.A.M.); and
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn
(M.F.A.)
| | - Mustafa R. Bashir
- From the Department of Radiology (M.A.N., M.R.B.), Division of
Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine (C.A.M., M.R.B.), Department of
Biostatistics & Bioinformatics (R. Lerebours, S.L., A.F.), Department of
Pathology (C.G.), and Center for Advanced Magnetic Resonance Development
(M.R.B.), Duke University Medical Center, Department of Radiology, Box 3808,
Durham, NC 27710; Rutgers University Hospital, School of Medicine, Newark, NJ
(M.C.); Liver Imaging Group, Department of Radiology (M.S.M., C.B.S.), and
Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine (R. Loomba), University of
California at San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, Calif; Department of
Medicine, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC (C.A.M.); and
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn
(M.F.A.)
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Tian H, Zhang S, Liu Y, Wu Y, Zhang D. Fibroblast Growth Factors for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Opportunities and Challenges. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054583. [PMID: 36902015 PMCID: PMC10003526 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a chronic condition associated with metabolic dysfunction and obesity, has reached epidemic proportions worldwide. Although early NAFLD can be treated with lifestyle changes, the treatment of advanced liver pathology, such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), remains a challenge. There are currently no FDA-approved drugs for NAFLD. Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) play essential roles in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and have recently emerged as promising therapeutic agents for metabolic diseases. Among them, endocrine members (FGF19 and FGF21) and classical members (FGF1 and FGF4) are key regulators of energy metabolism. FGF-based therapies have shown therapeutic benefits in patients with NAFLD, and substantial progress has recently been made in clinical trials. These FGF analogs are effective in alleviating steatosis, liver inflammation, and fibrosis. In this review, we describe the biology of four metabolism-related FGFs (FGF19, FGF21, FGF1, and FGF4) and their basic action mechanisms, and then summarize recent advances in the biopharmaceutical development of FGF-based therapies for patients with NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyu Tian
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Health Commission of China, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of China, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Shuairan Zhang
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Health Commission of China, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of China, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Health Commission of China, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of China, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Yifan Wu
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Health Commission of China, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of China, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Dianbao Zhang
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Health Commission of China, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of China, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
- Correspondence: or
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Loomba R, Lawitz EJ, Frias JP, Ortiz-Lasanta G, Johansson L, Franey BB, Morrow L, Rosenstock M, Hartsfield CL, Chen CY, Tseng L, Charlton RW, Mansbach H, Margalit M. Safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of pegozafermin in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 1b/2a multiple-ascending-dose study. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 8:120-132. [PMID: 36521501 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(22)00347-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Management strategies for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are based predominantly on lifestyle modification, with no approved disease-modifying drugs yet available. We aimed to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of pegozafermin (BIO89-100), a glycoPEGylated FGF21 analogue, in participants with NASH. METHODS This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 1b/2a multiple-ascending-dose study enrolled adults (aged 21-75 years) who had NASH with stage F1-F3 fibrosis, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and a high risk of NASH (referred to in this study as phenotypic NASH) due to central obesity with type 2 diabetes, or central obesity with increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or a Fibroscan score of 7 kPa or greater, across 12 specialist centres and clinics in the USA. Patients were centrally randomised by use of an interactive web response system to receive subcutaneously administered pegozafermin (3, 9, 18, or 27 mg once weekly; 18 or 36 mg once every 2 weeks) or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary endpoints were the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of pegozafermin. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04048135). FINDINGS Between July 29, 2019, and Aug 3, 2020, 275 participants were screened and 81 (15 [19%] with biopsy-confirmed NASH) were randomly assigned: 62 to pegozafermin (six to 3 mg once weekly, 12 to 9 mg once weekly, 11 to 18 mg once weekly, ten to 27 mg once weekly, 14 to 18 mg once every 2 weeks, and nine to 36 mg once every 2 weeks) and 19 to placebo; 63 received pegozafermin and 18 received placebo, as one participant in the placebo group inadvertently received 3 mg pegozafermin once weekly. Adverse events were reported in eight (44%) of 18 participants in the pooled placebo group, six (86%) of seven in the 3 mg once weekly pegozafermin group, four (33%) of 12 in the 9 mg once weekly group, seven (64%) of 11 in the 18 mg once weekly group, seven (70%) of ten in the 27 mg once weekly group, eight (57%) of 14 in the 18 mg once every 2 weeks group, and eight (89%) of nine in the 36 mg once every 2 weeks group. The most common treatment-related adverse event was mild increased appetite (in ten [16%] of 63 participants in the pooled pegozafermin group vs none of 18 in the pooled placebo group), which was not associated with bodyweight gain. Two patients discontinued treatment due to an adverse event (one each in the 27 mg once weekly and 18 mg once every 2 weeks groups). No treatment-related serious adverse events or deaths occurred. Dose-proportional pharmacokinetics were observed. Anti-drug antibodies were detected in 41 (65%) of 63 participants treated with pegozafermin. By week 13, pegozafermin significantly reduced the least squares mean (LSM) absolute differences in hepatic fat fraction versus pooled placebo (-8·9% [95% CI -14·8 to -3·1; p=0·0032] for 3 mg once weekly, -11·5% [-16·1 to -6·9; p<0·0001] for 9 mg once weekly, -8·9% [-13·7 to -4·2; p=0·0004] for 18 mg once weekly, -14·9% [-20·1 to -9·7; p<0·0001] for 27 mg once weekly, -10·4% [-14·7 to -6·1; p<0·0001] for 18 mg once every 2 weeks, and -11·1% [-16·2 to -6·0; p<0·0001] for 36 mg once every 2 weeks). At week 13, significant LSM relative reductions versus pooled placebo in ALT were observed for pegozafermin 9 mg once weekly, 18 mg once weekly, 27 mg once weekly, and 36 mg once every 2 weeks. At week 13, significant LSM relative reductions versus pooled placebo in aspartate aminotransferase were observed for pegozafermin 3 mg once weekly, 27 mg once weekly, and 36 mg once every 2 weeks. Significant improvements were also observed with pegozafermin treatment for triglycerides (9 mg once weekly, 27 mg once weekly, and 18 mg once every 2 weeks), LDL-C (9 mg once weekly and 27 mg once weekly), HDL-C (3 mg once weekly and 18 mg once every 2 weeks), non-HDL-C (9 mg once weekly and 27 mg once weekly), adiponectin (all doses except for 36 mg once every 2 weeks), PRO-C3 (27 mg once weekly), and bodyweight (27 mg once weekly). Changes in insulin resistance and HbA1c were not significant. INTERPRETATION Pegozafermin was generally well tolerated and associated with clinically meaningful reductions in liver fat, measures of liver function, and circulating lipids. Further evaluation of pegozafermin in individuals with NASH is warranted. FUNDING 89bio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Loomba
- NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Eric J Lawitz
- Texas Liver Institute, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Moti Rosenstock
- 89bio, Preclinical and Clinical Development, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | - Chao-Yin Chen
- 89bio, Preclinical and Clinical Development, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Leo Tseng
- 89bio, Preclinical and Clinical Development, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - R Will Charlton
- 89bio, Preclinical and Clinical Development, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hank Mansbach
- 89bio, Preclinical and Clinical Development, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Maya Margalit
- 89bio, Preclinical and Clinical Development, Rehovot, Israel.
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Jin L, Yang R, Geng L, Xu A. Fibroblast Growth Factor-Based Pharmacotherapies for the Treatment of Obesity-Related Metabolic Complications. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2023; 63:359-382. [PMID: 36100222 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-032322-093904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family, which comprises 22 structurally related proteins, plays diverse roles in cell proliferation, differentiation, development, and metabolism. Among them, two classical members (FGF1 and FGF4) and two endocrine members (FGF19 and FGF21) are important regulators of whole-body energy homeostasis, glucose/lipid metabolism, and insulin sensitivity. Preclinical studies have consistently demonstrated the therapeutic benefits of these FGFs for the treatment of obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Several genetically engineered FGF19 and FGF21 analogs with improved pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties have been developed and progressed into various stages of clinical trials. These FGF analogs are effective in alleviating hepatic steatosis, steatohepatitis, and liver fibrosis in biopsy-confirmed NASH patients, whereas their antidiabetic and antiobesity effects are mildand vary greatly in different clinical trials. This review summarizes recent advances in biopharmaceutical development of FGF-based therapies against obesity-related metabolic complications, highlights major challenges in clinical implementation, and discusses possible strategies to overcome these hurdles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigang Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ranyao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Leiluo Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Aimin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China;
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Finney AC, Das S, Kumar D, McKinney MP, Cai B, Yurdagul A, Rom O. The interplay between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1116861. [PMID: 37200978 PMCID: PMC10185914 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1116861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic approaches that lower circulating low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol significantly reduced the burden of cardiovascular disease over the last decades. However, the persistent rise in the obesity epidemic is beginning to reverse this decline. Alongside obesity, the incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has substantially increased in the last three decades. Currently, approximately one third of world population is affected by NAFLD. Notably, the presence of NAFLD and particularly its more severe form, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), serves as an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), thus, raising interest in the relationship between these two diseases. Importantly, ASCVD is the major cause of death in patients with NASH independent of traditional risk factors. Nevertheless, the pathophysiology linking NAFLD/NASH with ASCVD remains poorly understood. While dyslipidemia is a common risk factor underlying both diseases, therapies that lower circulating LDL-cholesterol are largely ineffective against NASH. While there are no approved pharmacological therapies for NASH, some of the most advanced drug candidates exacerbate atherogenic dyslipidemia, raising concerns regarding their adverse cardiovascular consequences. In this review, we address current gaps in our understanding of the mechanisms linking NAFLD/NASH and ASCVD, explore strategies to simultaneously model these diseases, evaluate emerging biomarkers that may be useful to diagnose the presence of both diseases, and discuss investigational approaches and ongoing clinical trials that potentially target both diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra C. Finney
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
| | - Sandeep Das
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
| | - Dhananjay Kumar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
| | - M. Peyton McKinney
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
| | - Bishuang Cai
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY, United States
| | - Arif Yurdagul
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
- Correspondence: Arif Yurdagul Oren Rom
| | - Oren Rom
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
- Correspondence: Arif Yurdagul Oren Rom
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Side effect profile of pharmacologic therapies for liver fibrosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 35:1-14. [PMID: 36468565 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000002471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have found that antifibrosis treatment for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can cause a variety of side effects. No network meta-analysis (NMA) analyzes the adverse events of antifibrotic drugs for NAFLD. This NMA aimed to systematically compare the drug-related side effects when using different pharmacological agents for the treatment of liver fibrosis in NAFLD. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were systematically searched to select related studies published in English from the database inception until 30 June 2022. We conducted Bayesian fixed-effects NMA using data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to derive relative risks (RRs). The surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) probabilities was used to assess ranking. A total of 26 RCTs with 19 interventions met the inclusion criteria. SUCRA analysis suggested that the lanifibranor group had the highest risk of diarrhea (SUCRA, 94), whereas the liraglutide group had the highest risk of constipation (SUCRA, 92.9). The semaglutide group showed the highest incidence of nausea (SUCRA, 81.2) and abdominal pain (SUCRA, 90.5), respectively. The cenicriviroc group showed the highest risk in the incidence of fatigue (SUCRA, 82.4). The MSDC-0602K group had the highest risk of headache (SUCRA, 76.4), whereas the obeticholic acid group had the highest risk of pruritus (SUCRA, 80.1). The risk of side effects significantly varied among different pharmacologic regimens, and evidence showed that lanifibranor, liraglutide, semaglutide, cenicriviroc, MSDC-0602K and obeticholic acid were the pharmacological interventions with the highest risk in patients with NAFLD. This study may guide clinicians and support further research.
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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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Matye DJ, Qin X, Hasan MN, Gu L, Clayton YD, Li F, Li T. Effects of apical sodium-bile acid transporter inhibitor and obeticholic acid co-treatment in experimental non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. LIVER RESEARCH 2022; 6:276-283. [PMID: 36819659 PMCID: PMC9933918 DOI: 10.1016/j.livres.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background and aims Several bile acids-based monotherapies have been developed for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) treatment but clinical trial findings suggest that they do not satisfactorily improve NASH and liver fibrosis in many patients. Recently, we have shown that combining a gut-restricted apical sodium-bile acid transporter (ASBT) inhibitor GSK2330672 (GSK) with adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated liver fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15) overexpression provides significantly improved efficacy than either single treatment against NASH and liver fibrosis in a high fat, cholesterol, and fructose (HFCFr) diet-induced NASH mouse model. The beneficial effects of the combined treatment can be attributed to the markedly reduced bile acid pool that reduces liver bile acid burden and intestinal lipid absorption. The aim of this study is to further investigate if combining GSK treatment with the orally bioavailable obeticholic acid (OCA), which induces endogenous FGF15 and inhibits hepatic bile acid synthesis, can achieve similar anti-NASH effect as the GSK+AAV-FGF15 co-treatment in HFCFr-diet-fed mice. Materials and methods Male C57BL/6J mice were fed HFCFr diet to induce NASH and liver fibrosis. The effect of GSK, OCA, and GSK+OCA treatments on NASH development was compared and contrasted among all groups. Results Findings from this study showed that the GSK+OCA co-treatment did not cause persistent reduction of obesity over a 12-week treatment period. Neither single treatment nor the GSK+OCA co-treatment reduce hepatic steatosis, but all three treatments reduced hepatic inflammatory cytokines and fibrosis by a similar magnitude. The GSK+OCA co-treatment caused a higher degree of total bile acid pool reduction (~55%) than either GSK or OCA treatment alone. However, such bile acid pool reduction was insufficient to cause increased fecal lipid loss. The GSK+OCA co-treatment prevented GSK-mediated induction of hepatic cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase but failed to induce ileal FGF15 expression. GSK did not reduce gallbladder OCA amount in the GSK+OCA group compared to the OCA group, suggesting that ASBT inhibition does not reduce hepatic OCA distribution. Conclusions Unlike the GSK+AAV-FGF15 co-treatment, the GSK+OCA co-treatment does not provide improved efficacy against NASH and liver fibrosis than either single treatment in mice. The lack of synergistic effect may be partly attributed to the moderate reduction of total bile acid pool and the lack of high level of FGF15 exposure as seen in the GSK+AAV-FGF15 co-treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J. Matye
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Xuan Qin
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mohammad Nazmul Hasan
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Lijie Gu
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Yung-dai Clayton
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA,NMR and Drug Metabolism Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tiangang Li
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA,Corresponding author. Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA. (T. Li)
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Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and liver secretome. Arch Pharm Res 2022; 45:938-963. [PMCID: PMC9703441 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-022-01419-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Fu Y, Zhou Y, Shen L, Li X, Zhang H, Cui Y, Zhang K, Li W, Chen WD, Zhao S, Li Y, Ye W. Diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:973366. [PMID: 36408234 PMCID: PMC9666875 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.973366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The global incidence rate of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is approximately 25%. With the global increase in obesity and its associated metabolic syndromes, NAFLD has become an important cause of chronic liver disease in many countries. Despite recent advances in pathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapeutics, there are still challenges in its treatment. In this review, we briefly describe diagnostic methods, therapeutic targets, and drugs related to NAFLD. In particular, we focus on evaluating carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, lipotoxicity, cell death, inflammation, and fibrosis as potential therapeutic targets for NAFLD. We also summarized the clinical research progress in terms of drug development and combination therapy, thereby providing references for NAFLD drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajie Fu
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Yanzhi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Linhu Shen
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Xuewen Li
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Haorui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Yeqi Cui
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Weiguo Li
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Wei-dong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Science, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Shizhen Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- *Correspondence: Shizhen Zhao, ; Yunfu Li, ; Wenling Ye,
| | - Yunfu Li
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- *Correspondence: Shizhen Zhao, ; Yunfu Li, ; Wenling Ye,
| | - Wenling Ye
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation, Hebi Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The People’s Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- *Correspondence: Shizhen Zhao, ; Yunfu Li, ; Wenling Ye,
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