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de La Bourdonnaye G, Ghazalova T, Fojtik P, Kutalkova K, Bednar D, Damborsky J, Rotrekl V, Stepankova V, Chaloupkova R. Computer-aided engineering of stabilized fibroblast growth factor 21. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:942-951. [PMID: 38379823 PMCID: PMC10877085 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.02.001] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
FGF21 is an endocrine signaling protein belonging to the family of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs). It has emerged as a molecule of interest for treating various metabolic diseases due to its role in regulating glucogenesis and ketogenesis in the liver. However, FGF21 is prone to heat, proteolytic, and acid-mediated degradation, and its low molecular weight makes it susceptible to kidney clearance, significantly reducing its therapeutic potential. Protein engineering studies addressing these challenges have generally shown that increasing the thermostability of FGF21 led to improved pharmacokinetics. Here, we describe the computer-aided design and experimental characterization of FGF21 variants with enhanced melting temperature up to 15 °C, uncompromised efficacy at activation of MAPK/ERK signaling in Hep G2 cell culture, and ability to stimulate proliferation of Hep G2 and NIH 3T3 fibroblasts cells comparable with FGF21-WT. We propose that stabilizing the FGF21 molecule by rational design should be combined with other reported stabilization strategies to maximize the pharmaceutical potential of FGF21.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabin de La Bourdonnaye
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Enantis Ltd., Biotechnology Incubator INBIT, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Ghazalova
- Enantis Ltd., Biotechnology Incubator INBIT, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Fojtik
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - David Bednar
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Damborsky
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimir Rotrekl
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Radka Chaloupkova
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Enantis Ltd., Biotechnology Incubator INBIT, Brno, Czech Republic
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Chen Y, Zhang Y, Jin X, Hong S, Tian H. Exerkines: Benign adaptation for exercise and benefits for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 726:150305. [PMID: 38917635 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150305] [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: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Exercise has multiple beneficial effects on human metabolic health and is regarded as a "polypill" for various diseases. At present, the lack of physical activity usually causes an epidemic of chronic metabolic syndromes, including obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Remarkably, NAFLD is emerging as a serious public health issue and is associated with the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Unfortunately, specific drug therapies for NAFLD and its more severe form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), are currently unavailable. Lifestyle modification is the foundation of treatment recommendations for NAFLD and NASH, especially for exercise. There are under-appreciated organs that crosstalk to the liver during exercise such as muscle-liver crosstalk. Previous studies have reported that certain exerkines, such as FGF21, GDF15, irisin, and adiponectin, are beneficial for liver metabolism and have the potential to be targeted for NAFLD treatment. In addition, some of exerkines can be modified for the new proteins and get enhanced functions, like IL-6/IC7Fc. Another importance of exercise is the physiological adaptation that combats metabolic diseases. Thus, this review aims to summarize the known exerkines and utilize a multi-omics mining tool to identify more exerkines for the future research. Overall, understanding the mechanisms by which exercise-induced exerkines exert their beneficial effects on metabolic health holds promise for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for NAFLD and related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Chen
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Clinical Laboratory, Suzhou Yong Ding Hospital, Suzhou, 215200, China
| | - Xingsheng Jin
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Shangyu Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Haili Tian
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China.
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3
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Bali AD, Rosenzveig A, Frishman WH, Aronow WS. Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Cardiovascular Disease: Causation or Association. Cardiol Rev 2024; 32:453-462. [PMID: 36825899 DOI: 10.1097/crd.0000000000000537] [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] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a disease process that is gaining increasing recognition. The global prevalence of NAFLD is increasing in parallel with growing rates of risk factors for NAFLD such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. NAFLD has been referred to as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). As CVD is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, there are constant efforts to describe and alleviate its risk factors. Although there is conflicting data supporting NAFLD as a causative or associative factor for CVD, NAFLD has been shown to be associated with structural, electrical, and atherosclerotic disease processes of the heart. Shared risk factors and pathophysiologic mechanisms between NAFLD and CVD warrant further explication. Pathologic mechanisms such as endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, genetic underpinnings, and gut microbiota dysregulation have been described in both CVD and NAFLD. The mainstay of treatment for NAFLD is lifestyle intervention including physical exercise and hypocaloric intake in addition to bariatric surgery. Investigations into various therapeutic targets to alleviate hepatic steatosis and fibrosis by way of maintaining the balance between lipid synthesis and breakdown. A major obstacle preventing the success of many pharmacologic approaches has been the effects of these medications on CVD risk. The future of pharmacologic treatment of NAFLD is promising as effective medications with limited CVD harm are being investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atul D Bali
- From the Department of Cardiology, Westchester Medical Center and New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY
| | | | - William H Frishman
- From the Department of Cardiology, Westchester Medical Center and New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY
| | - Wilbert S Aronow
- From the Department of Cardiology, Westchester Medical Center and New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY
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4
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Rasmussen DGK, Hansen MK, Frederiksen P, Luo Y, Pehrsson M, Neal B, Karsdal MA, Genovese F. Association of type III collagen turnover with cardiovascular outcomes and impact with canagliflozin in the CANVAS Program: A post hoc analysis. Diabetes Obes Metab 2024; 26:4060-4068. [PMID: 39014523 DOI: 10.1111/dom.15761] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
AIM To investigate type III collagen (COL III) turnover in participants from the CANVAS Program biomarker substudy. METHODS Biomarkers of COL III formation (PRO-C3) and COL III degradation fragments (C3M and CTX-III) were assessed in baseline and year 3 plasma from patients enrolled in CANVAS, investigating the effect of canagliflozin in participants with type 2 diabetes. The clinical outcomes investigated in this study were hospitalization for heart failure, cardiovascular death and all-cause mortality. RESULTS Higher levels of PRO-C3 and C3M at baseline were associated with an increased incidence of all investigated outcomes, whereas levels of CTX-III at baseline were not associated with any of the investigated outcomes. Levels of PRO-C3 decreased and levels of CTX-III increased following canagliflozin treatment. An increase from baseline to year 3 in PRO-C3 in the placebo arm was associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular outcomes, and in all participants was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality. CONCLUSIONS The changes in PRO-C3 and CTX-III reflect a shift in the dynamics of COL3 turnover following treatment with canagliflozin. These biomarkers are promising pharmacodynamic tools that can be used to monitor the impact of canagliflozin treatment and possibly other sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors on tissue remodelling in future interventional trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael K Hansen
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Spring House, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | | | - Bruce Neal
- The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Imperial College London, London, UK
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5
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Wu D, van de Graaf SFJ. Maladaptive regeneration and metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease: Common mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 227:116437. [PMID: 39025410 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116437] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
The normal liver has an extraordinary capacity of regeneration. However, this capacity is significantly impaired in steatotic livers. Emerging evidence indicates that metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and liver regeneration share several key mechanisms. Some classical liver regeneration pathways, such as HGF/c-Met, EGFR, Wnt/β-catenin and Hippo/YAP-TAZ are affected in MASLD. Some recently established therapeutic targets for MASH such as the Thyroid Hormone (TH) receptors, Glucagon-like protein 1 (GLP1), Farnesoid X receptor (FXR), Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPARs) as well as Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) are also reported to affect hepatocyte proliferation. With this review we aim to provide insight into common molecular pathways, that may ultimately enable therapeutic strategies that synergistically ameliorate steatohepatitis and improve the regenerating capacity of steatotic livers. With the recent rise of prolonged ex-vivo normothermic liver perfusion prior to organ transplantation such treatment is no longer restricted to patients undergoing major liver resection or transplantation, but may eventually include perfused (steatotic) donor livers or even liver segments, opening hitherto unexplored therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Wu
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism (AGEM), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, the Netherlands
| | - Stan F J van de Graaf
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism (AGEM), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, the Netherlands.
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6
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Soto Sauza KA, Ryan KK. FGF21 mediating the Sex-dependent Response to Dietary Macronutrients. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:e1689-e1696. [PMID: 38801670 PMCID: PMC11319005 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgae363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Sex is key variable influencing body composition and substrate utilization. At rest, females maintain greater adiposity than males and resist the mobilization of fat. Males maintain greater lean muscle mass and mobilize fat readily. Determining the mechanisms that direct these sex-dependent effects is important for both reproductive and metabolic health. Here, we highlight the fundamental importance of sex in shaping metabolic physiology and assess growing evidence that the hepatokine fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21) plays a mechanistic role to facilitate sex-dependent responses to a changing nutritional environment. First, we examine the importance of sex in modulating body composition and substrate utilization. We summarize new data that point toward sex-biased effects of pharmacologic FGF21 administration on these endpoints. When energy is not limited, metabolic responses to FGF21 mirror broader sex differences; FGF21-treated males conserve lean mass at the expense of increased lipid catabolism, whereas FGF21-treated females conserve fat mass at the expense of reduced lean mass. Next, we examine the importance of sex in modulating the endogenous secretion of FGF21 in response to changing macronutrient and energy availability. During the resting state when energy is not limited, macronutrient imbalance increases the secretion of FGF21 more so in males than females. When energy is limited, the effect of sex on both the secretion of FGF21 and its metabolic actions may be reversed. Altogether, we argue that a growing literature supports FGF21 as a plausible mechanism contributing to the sex-dependent mobilization vs preservation of lipid storage and highlight the need for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla A Soto Sauza
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Karen K Ryan
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Huttasch M, Roden M, Kahl S. Obesity and MASLD: Is weight loss the (only) key to treat metabolic liver disease? Metabolism 2024; 157:155937. [PMID: 38782182 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2024.155937] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) closely associates with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle intervention and bariatric surgery aiming at substantial weight loss are cornerstones of MASLD treatment by improving histological outcomes and reducing risks of comorbidities. Originally developed as antihyperglycemic drugs, incretin (co-)agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors also reduce steatosis and cardiorenovascular events. Certain incretin agonists effectively improve histological features of MASLD, but not fibrosis. Of note, beneficial effects on MASLD may not necessarily require weight loss. Despite moderate weight gain, one PPARγ agonist improved adipose tissue and MASLD with certain benefit on fibrosis in post-hoc analyses. Likewise, the first THRβ-agonist was recently provisionally approved because of significant improvements of MASLD and fibrosis. We here discuss liver-related and metabolic effects induced by different MASLD treatments and their association with weight loss. Therefore, we compare results from clinical trials on drugs acting via weight loss (incretin (co)agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors) with those exerting no weight loss (pioglitazone; resmetirom). Furthermore, other drugs in development directly targeting hepatic lipid metabolism (lipogenesis inhibitors, FGF21 analogs) are addressed. Although THRβ-agonism may effectively improve hepatic outcomes, MASLD treatment concepts should consider all cardiometabolic risk factors for effective reduction of morbidity and mortality in the affected people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Huttasch
- Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Partner Düsseldorf, München-Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Michael Roden
- Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Partner Düsseldorf, München-Neuherberg, Germany; Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Sabine Kahl
- Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Partner Düsseldorf, München-Neuherberg, Germany.
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8
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Sass-Ørum K, Tagmose TM, Olsen J, Sjölander A, Wahlund PO, Han D, Vegge A, Reedtz-Runge S, Wang Z, Gao X, Wieczorek B, Lamberth K, Lykkegaard K, Nielsen PK, Thøgersen H, Yu M, Wang J, Drustrup J, Zhang X, Garibay P, Hansen K, Hansen AMK, Andersen B. Development of Zalfermin, a Long-Acting Proteolytically Stabilized FGF21 Analog. J Med Chem 2024; 67:11769-11788. [PMID: 39013015 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00391] [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: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Here, we describe the development of the FGF21 analog zalfermin (NNC0194-0499, 15), intended for once-weekly sc dosing. Protein engineering was needed to address inherent druggability issues of the natural FGF21 hormone. Thus, deamidation of Asp121 was solved by mutation to glutamine, and oxidation of Met168 was solved by mutation to leucine. N-terminal region degradation by dipeptidyl peptidase IV was prevented by alanine residue elongation. To prevent inactivating metabolism by fibroblast activation protein and carboxypeptidase-like activity in the C-terminal region, and to achieve t1/2 extension (53 h in cynomolgus monkeys), we introduced a C18 fatty diacid at the penultimate position 180. The fatty diacid binds albumin in a reversible manner, such that the free fraction of zalfermin potently activates the FGF-receptor complex and retains receptor selectivity compared with FGF21, providing strong efficacy on body weight loss in diet-induced obese mice. Zalfermin is currently being clinically evaluated for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian Sass-Ørum
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Global Research Technologies, DK-2760 Maaloev, Denmark
| | | | - Jørgen Olsen
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Global Research Technologies, DK-2760 Maaloev, Denmark
| | - Annika Sjölander
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Global Research Technologies, DK-2760 Maaloev, Denmark
| | - Per-Olof Wahlund
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Global Research Technologies, DK-2760 Maaloev, Denmark
| | - Dan Han
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Nordisk Research Center China, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Andreas Vegge
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Global Drug Discovery, DK-2760 Maaloev, Denmark
| | | | - Zhe Wang
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Nordisk Research Center China, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Nordisk Research Center China, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Birgit Wieczorek
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Global Research Technologies, DK-2760 Maaloev, Denmark
| | - Kasper Lamberth
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Global Drug Discovery, DK-2760 Maaloev, Denmark
| | | | | | - Henning Thøgersen
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Global Research Technologies, DK-2760 Maaloev, Denmark
| | - Mingrui Yu
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Nordisk Research Center China, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Nordisk Research Center China, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Jørn Drustrup
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Global Research Technologies, DK-2760 Maaloev, Denmark
| | - Xujia Zhang
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Nordisk Research Center China, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Patrick Garibay
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Global Research Technologies, DK-2760 Maaloev, Denmark
| | - Kristian Hansen
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Global Drug Discovery, DK-2760 Maaloev, Denmark
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Brinker EJ, Hardcastle MR, Dittmer KE, Graff EC. Endocrine fibroblast growth factors in domestic animals. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2024; 89:106872. [PMID: 39059301 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2024.106872] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are a group of structurally homologous yet functionally pleiotropic proteins. Canonical and intracellular FGFs have primarily autocrine or paracrine effects. However, the FGF19 subfamily, composed of FGF15/19, FGF21, and FGF23, act as endocrine hormones that regulate bile acid, metabolic, and phosphorus homeostasis, respectively. Current research in human and rodent models demonstrates the potential of these endocrine FGFs to target various diseases, including disorders of inherited hypophosphatemia, chronic liver disease, obesity, and insulin resistance. Many diseases targeted for therapeutic use in humans have pathophysiological overlaps in domestic animals. Despite the potential clinical and economic impact, little is known about endocrine FGFs and their signaling pathways in major domestic animal species compared with humans and laboratory animals. This review aims to describe the physiology of these endocrine FGFs, discuss their current therapeutic use, and summarize the contemporary literature regarding endocrine FGFs in domestic animals, focusing on potential future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Brinker
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, 166 Greene Hall, Auburn University, AL, USA 36849; Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA, USA 01536
| | - Michael R Hardcastle
- IDEXX Laboratories Pty. Ltd., 20A Maui Street, Pukete, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand
| | - Keren E Dittmer
- School of Veterinary Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Emily C Graff
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, 166 Greene Hall, Auburn University, AL, USA 36849; Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Auburn University, 1265 HC Morgan, AL, USA 36849.
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10
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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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11
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Singal AK, Shah VH, Malhi H. Emerging targets for therapy in ALD: Lessons from NASH. Hepatology 2024; 80:223-237. [PMID: 36938877 PMCID: PMC10511666 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol-associated liver disease due to harmful alcohol use and NAFLD associated with metabolic syndrome are the 2 most common liver diseases worldwide. Control of respective risk factors is the cornerstone in the long-term management of these diseases. Furthermore, there are no effective therapies. Both diseases are characterized by metabolic derangements; thus, the focus of this review was to broaden our understanding of metabolic targets investigated in NAFLD, and how these can be applied to alcohol-associated liver disease. Conserved pathogenic pathways such as dysregulated lipid metabolism, cell death pathways including apoptosis and activation of innate immune cells, and stellate cells mediate both alcohol and NAFLDs, resulting in histological abnormalities of steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. However, pathways such as gut microbiome changes, glucose metabolism and insulin resistance, inflammatory signaling, and microRNA abnormalities are distinct in these 2 diseases. In this review article, we describe conserved and distinct pathogenic pathways highlighting therapeutic targets that may be of potential in both diseases and those that are unique to each disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwani K. Singal
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Avera Transplant Institute, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
- VA Medical Center, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
| | - Vijay H. Shah
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Harmeet Malhi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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12
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Stamou MI, Chiu CJ, Jadhav SV, Lopes VF, Salnikov KB, Plummer L, Lippincott MF, Lee H, Seminara SB, Balasubramanian R. Defective FGFR1 Signaling Disrupts Glucose Regulation: Evidence From Humans With FGFR1 Mutations. J Endocr Soc 2024; 8:bvae118. [PMID: 38957656 PMCID: PMC11216325 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvae118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Context Activation of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) signaling improves the metabolic health of animals and humans, while inactivation leads to diabetes in mice. Direct human genetic evidence for the role of FGFR1 signaling in human metabolic health has not been fully established. Objective We hypothesized that individuals with naturally occurring FGFR1 variants ("experiments of nature") will display glucose dysregulation. Methods Participants with rare FGFR1 variants and noncarrier controls. Using a recall-by-genotype approach, we examined the β-cell function and insulin sensitivity of 9 individuals with rare FGFR1 deleterious variants compared to 27 noncarrier controls, during a frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test at the Reproductive Endocrine Unit and the Harvard Center for Reproductive Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. FGFR1-mutation carriers displayed higher β-cell function in the face of lower insulin sensitivity compared to controls. Conclusion These findings suggest that impaired FGFR1 signaling may contribute to an early insulin resistance phase of diabetes pathogenesis and support the candidacy of the FGFR1 signaling pathway as a therapeutic target for improving the human metabolic health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria I Stamou
- Reproductive Endocrine Unit and Harvard Center for Reproductive Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Crystal J Chiu
- Reproductive Endocrine Unit and Harvard Center for Reproductive Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Shreya V Jadhav
- Reproductive Endocrine Unit and Harvard Center for Reproductive Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Vanessa Ferreira Lopes
- Reproductive Endocrine Unit and Harvard Center for Reproductive Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Kathryn B Salnikov
- Reproductive Endocrine Unit and Harvard Center for Reproductive Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Lacey Plummer
- Reproductive Endocrine Unit and Harvard Center for Reproductive Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Margaret F Lippincott
- Reproductive Endocrine Unit and Harvard Center for Reproductive Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Hang Lee
- MGH Biostatistics Center and MGH Division of Clinical Research (DCR) Biostatistics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Stephanie B Seminara
- Reproductive Endocrine Unit and Harvard Center for Reproductive Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Ravikumar Balasubramanian
- Reproductive Endocrine Unit and Harvard Center for Reproductive Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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13
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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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14
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Jeong C, Han N, Jeon N, Rhee SJ, Staatz CE, Kim MS, Baek IH. Efficacy and Safety of Fibroblast Growth Factor-21 Analogs for the Treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2024; 116:72-81. [PMID: 38666606 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.3278] [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: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-21 analogs are potential therapeutic candidates for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the FGF-21 analogs, efruxifermin, pegbelfermin, and pegozafermin for MASH treatment. A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials from five major databases was conducted. Primary efficacy outcomes focused on liver histological improvement, while secondary efficacy outcomes encompassed reductions in liver fat content and improvements in biochemical parameters. Safety outcomes examined included treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), treatment-related TEAEs, TEAEs leading to discontinuation, and serious TEAEs. Eight eligible studies involving 963 patients were included in this review. Compared with the placebo group, the FGF-21 analog-treated group exhibited significantly improved primary efficacy outcomes, specifically ≥1 stage improvement in fibrosis with no worsening of MASH (risk ratio [RR] = 1.83; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27-2.62) and at least two-point improvement in the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score with no worsening of fibrosis (RR = 2.85; 95% CI = 2.06-3.95). Despite an increased risk of TEAEs (RR = 1.17; 95% CI = 1.08-1.27) and treatment-related adverse events (RR = 1.75; 95% CI = 1.40-2.19), FGF-21 analogs exhibited an acceptable safety profile. FGF-21 analogs were significantly better in achieving liver histological improvements and beneficial biochemical outcomes compared with placebo, with a tolerable safety pattern. These findings shed light on the efficacy and safety of FGF-21 analogs and provide valuable evidence for their application as MASH therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nayoung Han
- College of Pharmacy, Jeju National University, Jeju, Korea
| | - Nakyung Jeon
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute for Drug Development, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea
| | - Su-Jin Rhee
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Korea
| | - Christine E Staatz
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Min-Soo Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute for Drug Development, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea
| | - In-Hwan Baek
- College of Pharmacy, Kyungsung University, Busan, Korea
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Functional Food & Drug Convergence Research Center, Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation, Kyungsung University, Busan, Korea
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15
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Malandris K, Papandreou S, Vasilakou D, Kakotrichi P, Sarakapina A, Kalopitas G, Karagiannis T, Giouleme O, Bekiari E, Liakos A, Iatridi F, Paschos P, Sinakos E, Tsapas A. Efficacy of pharmacologic interventions on magnetic resonance imaging biomarkers in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: systematic review and network meta-analysis. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 39:1219-1229. [PMID: 38627972 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16559] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Several agents are under investigation for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We assessed the comparative efficacy of pharmacologic interventions for patients with NAFLD focusing on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) biomarkers. METHODS We searched Medline, Embase, and CENTRAL. We included randomized controlled trials of more than 12 weeks of intervention that recruited patients with biopsy-confirmed or MRI-confirmed NAFLD and assessed the efficacy of interventions on liver fat content (LFC) and fibrosis by means of MRI. We performed random-effects frequentist network meta-analyses and assessed confidence in our estimates using the CINeMA (Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis) approach. RESULTS We included 47 trials (8583 patients). Versus placebo, thiazolidinediones were the most efficacious for the absolute change in LFC, followed by vitamin E, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) analogs, and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) with mean differences ranging from -7.46% (95% confidence interval [-11.0, -3.9]) to -4.36% (-7.2, -1.5). No differences between drug classes were evident. Patients receiving GLP-1 RAs or glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)/GLP-1 RAs were more likely to achieve ≥30% relative reduction in LFC. Among agents, efruxifermin produced the largest reduction in LFC compared to placebo [-13.5% (-18.5, -8.5)], followed by pioglitazone, while being superior to most interventions. The effect of interventions on magnetic resonance elastography assessed fibrosis was small and insignificant. The confidence in our estimates was low to very low. CONCLUSIONS Several drug classes may reduce LFC in patients with NAFLD without a significant effect on fibrosis; nevertheless, trial duration was small, and confidence in the effect estimates was low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Malandris
- Clinical Research and Evidence-Based Medicine Unit, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stylianos Papandreou
- Clinical Research and Evidence-Based Medicine Unit, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Despoina Vasilakou
- Clinical Research and Evidence-Based Medicine Unit, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Panagiota Kakotrichi
- Clinical Research and Evidence-Based Medicine Unit, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anna Sarakapina
- First Medical Department, Papageorgiou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Kalopitas
- First Medical Department, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Thomas Karagiannis
- Clinical Research and Evidence-Based Medicine Unit, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Olga Giouleme
- Second Propaedeutic Medical Department, Hippokration General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Bekiari
- Clinical Research and Evidence-Based Medicine Unit, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Aris Liakos
- Clinical Research and Evidence-Based Medicine Unit, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Fotini Iatridi
- First Department of Nephrology, Hippokration General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Paschalis Paschos
- First Medical Department, Papageorgiou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Sinakos
- Fourth Medical Department, Hippokration General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Apostolos Tsapas
- Clinical Research and Evidence-Based Medicine Unit, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Harris Manchester College, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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16
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Richter MM, Kemp IM, Heebøll S, Winther-Sørensen M, Kjeldsen SAS, Jensen NJ, Nybing JD, Linden FH, Høgh-Schmidt E, Boesen MP, Madsbad S, Schiødt FV, Nørgaard K, Schmidt S, Gluud LL, Haugaard SB, Holst JJ, Nielsen S, Rungby J, Wewer Albrechtsen NJ. Glucagon augments the secretion of FGF21 and GDF15 in MASLD by indirect mechanisms. Metabolism 2024; 156:155915. [PMID: 38631460 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2024.155915] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Glucagon receptor agonism is currently explored for the treatment of obesity and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The metabolic effects of glucagon receptor agonism may in part be mediated by increases in circulating levels of Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) and Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15). The effect of glucagon agonism on FGF21 and GDF15 levels remains uncertain, especially in the context of elevated insulin levels commonly observed in metabolic diseases. METHODS We investigated the effect of a single bolus of glucagon and a continuous infusion of glucagon on plasma concentrations of FGF21 and GDF15 in conditions of endogenous low or high insulin levels. The studies included individuals with overweight with and without MASLD, healthy controls (CON) and individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The direct effect of glucagon on FGF21 and GDF15 was evaluated using our in-house developed isolated perfused mouse liver model. RESULTS FGF21 and GDF15 correlated with plasma levels of insulin, but not glucagon, and their secretion was highly increased in MASLD compared with CON and T1D. Furthermore, FGF21 levels in individuals with overweight with or without MASLD did not increase after glucagon stimulation when insulin levels were kept constant. FGF21 and GDF15 levels were unaffected by direct stimulation with glucagon in the isolated perfused mouse liver. CONCLUSION The glucagon-induced secretion of FGF21 and GDF15 is augmented in MASLD and may depend on insulin. Thus, glucagon receptor agonism may augment its metabolic benefits in patients with MASLD through enhanced secretion of FGF21 and GDF15.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael M Richter
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen 2400, Denmark; Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Ida M Kemp
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen 2400, Denmark; Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Sara Heebøll
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus 8200, Denmark; Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus 8200, Denmark
| | - Marie Winther-Sørensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Sasha A S Kjeldsen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen 2400, Denmark; Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Nicole J Jensen
- Department of Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen 2400, Denmark
| | - Janus D Nybing
- Department of Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen 2400, Denmark
| | - Frederik H Linden
- Department of Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen 2400, Denmark
| | - Erik Høgh-Schmidt
- Department of Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen 2400, Denmark
| | - Mikael P Boesen
- Department of Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen 2400, Denmark
| | - Sten Madsbad
- Department of Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Hvidovre, Hvidovre 2650, Denmark
| | - Frank Vinholt Schiødt
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Kirsten Nørgaard
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark; Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Herlev 2730, Denmark
| | - Signe Schmidt
- Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Herlev 2730, Denmark
| | - Lise Lotte Gluud
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark; Gastro Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital - Hvidovre, Hvidovre 2650, Denmark
| | - Steen B Haugaard
- Department of Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen 2400, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Jens J Holst
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark; Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Søren Nielsen
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus 8200, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus 8200, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Rungby
- Department of Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen 2400, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark; Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Herlev 2730, Denmark
| | - Nicolai J Wewer Albrechtsen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen 2400, Denmark; Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark.
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17
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Li S, Song Z, Fan C, Zhang W, Ma T, Li X, Zhang Q, Zhao M, Yu T, Li S. Potential of FGF21 in type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment based on untargeted metabolomics. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 225:116306. [PMID: 38782076 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116306] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has promise for treating diabetes and its associated comorbidities. It has been found to reduce blood glucose in mice and humans; however, its underlying mechanism is not known. Here, the metabolic function of FGF21 in diabetes was investigated. Diabetic db/db mice received intraperitoneal injections of FGF21 for 28 days, the serum of each mouse was collected, and their metabolites were analyzed by untargeted metabolomics using UHPLC-MS/MS. It was found that FGF21 reduced blood glucose and oral glucose tolerance without causing hypoglycemia. Moreover, administration of FGF21 reduced the levels of TG and LDL levels while increasing those of HDL and adiponectin. Importantly, the levels of 45 metabolites, including amino acids and lipids, were significantly altered, suggesting their potential as biomarkers. We speculated that FGF21 may treat T2DM through the regulation of fatty acid biosynthesis, the TCA cycle, and vitamin digestion and absorption. These findings provide insight into the mechanism of FGF21 in diabetes and suggest its potential for treating diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Li
- College of Life Sciences and Agriculture and Forestry, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar 161006, China; State Key Laboratory of New-Tech for Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Process, Jiangsu Kanion Parmaceutical CO. LTD, Lianyungang 222001, People s Republic of China
| | - Zilong Song
- College of Life Sciences and Agriculture and Forestry, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar 161006, China
| | - Chunxiang Fan
- College of Life Sciences and Agriculture and Forestry, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar 161006, China
| | - Weiwei Zhang
- College of Life Sciences and Agriculture and Forestry, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar 161006, China
| | - Tianyi Ma
- College of Life Sciences and Agriculture and Forestry, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar 161006, China
| | - Xu Li
- State Key Laboratory of New-Tech for Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Process, Jiangsu Kanion Parmaceutical CO. LTD, Lianyungang 222001, People s Republic of China
| | - Qi Zhang
- President's Office, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar 161006, China.
| | - Ming Zhao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar 161006, China.
| | - Tianfei Yu
- College of Life Sciences and Agriculture and Forestry, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar 161006, China.
| | - Shanshan Li
- College of Life Sciences and Agriculture and Forestry, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar 161006, China.
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18
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Liu L, Ning N, Xu S, Chen D, Zhou L, Guo Z, Liang X, Ye X. Double promoter and tandem gene strategy for efficiently expressing recombinant FGF21. Microb Cell Fact 2024; 23:171. [PMID: 38867280 PMCID: PMC11167883 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-024-02447-5] [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: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a promising candidate for treating metabolic disorder diseases and has been used in phase II clinical trials. Currently, metabolic diseases are prevalent worldwide, underscoring the significant market potential of FGF21. Therefore, the production of FGF21 must be effectively improved to meet market demand. RESULTS Herein, to investigate the impact of vectors and host cells on FGF21 expression, we successfully engineered strains that exhibit a high yield of FGF21. Surprisingly, the data revealed that vectors with various copy numbers significantly impact the expression of FGF21, and the results showed a 4.35-fold increase in expression levels. Furthermore, the performance of the double promoter and tandem gene expression construction design surpassed that of the conventional construction method, with a maximum difference of 2.67 times. CONCLUSION By exploring engineered vectors and host cells, we successfully achieved high-yield production of the FGF21 strain. This breakthrough lays a solid foundation for the future industrialization of FGF21. Additionally, FGF21 can be easily, quickly and efficiently expressed, providing a better tool and platform for the research and application of more recombinant proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longying Liu
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang, 330000, China
| | - Nuoyi Ning
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang, 330000, China
| | - Simeng Xu
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang, 330000, China
| | - Dongqing Chen
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang, 330000, China
| | - Luping Zhou
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang, 330000, China
| | - Zhimou Guo
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang, 330000, China
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan Road 457, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Xinmiao Liang
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang, 330000, China.
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan Road 457, Dalian, 116023, China.
| | - Xianlong Ye
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang, 330000, China.
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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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Béliard S, Mourre F, Valéro R. Hyperlipidaemia in diabetes: are there particular considerations for next-generation therapies? Diabetologia 2024; 67:974-984. [PMID: 38376536 PMCID: PMC11058750 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-024-06100-z] [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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Dyslipidaemias are major cardiovascular risk factors, especially in people with diabetes. In this area, next-generation therapies targeting circulating lipoparticle metabolism (LDL, VLDL, chylomicrons, HDL) have recently been approved by the European and US medical agencies, including anti- proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) antibodies; an siRNA targeting PCSK9; bempedoic acid, which targets ATP citrate lyase; an antisense oligonucleotide targeting apolipoprotein C-III; an anti-angiopoietin-like 3 antibody; and a purified omega-3 fatty acid, icosapent ethyl. Other therapies are in different phases of development. There are several important considerations concerning the link between these new lipid-lowering therapies and diabetes. First, since concerns were first raised in 2008 about an increased risk of new-onset diabetes mellitus (NODM) with intensive statin treatment, each new lipid-lowering therapy is being evaluated for its associated risk of NODM, particularly in individuals with prediabetes (impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance). Second, people with diabetes represent a large proportion of those at high or very high cardiovascular risk in whom these lipid-lowering drugs are currently, or will be, prescribed. Thus, the efficacy of these drugs in subgroups with diabetes should also be closely considered, as well as any potential effects on glycaemic control. In this review, we describe the efficacy of next-generation therapies targeting lipoprotein metabolism in subgroups of people with diabetes and their effects on glycaemic control in individuals with diabetes and prediabetes and in normoglycaemic individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Béliard
- APHM (Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille), Department of Nutrition, Metabolic Diseases, Endocrinology, La Conception Hospital, Marseille, France.
- Inserm, INRAE (Institut National de Recherche pour l'agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement), C2VN (Centre de recherche en CardioVasculaire et Nutrition), Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France.
| | - Florian Mourre
- APHM (Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille), Department of Nutrition, Metabolic Diseases, Endocrinology, La Conception Hospital, Marseille, France
- Inserm, INRAE (Institut National de Recherche pour l'agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement), C2VN (Centre de recherche en CardioVasculaire et Nutrition), Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - René Valéro
- APHM (Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille), Department of Nutrition, Metabolic Diseases, Endocrinology, La Conception Hospital, Marseille, France
- Inserm, INRAE (Institut National de Recherche pour l'agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement), C2VN (Centre de recherche en CardioVasculaire et Nutrition), Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
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22
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Vedunova M, Borysova O, Kozlov G, Zharova AM, Morgunov I, Moskalev A. Candidate molecular targets uncovered in mouse lifespan extension studies. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2024; 28:513-528. [PMID: 38656034 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2024.2346597] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Multiple interventions have demonstrated an increase in mouse lifespan. However, non-standardized controls, sex or strain-specific factors, and insufficient focus on targets, hinder the translation of these findings into clinical applications. AREAS COVERED We examined the effects of genetic and drug-based interventions on mice from databases DrugAge, GenAge, the Mouse Phenome Database, and publications from PubMed that led to a lifespan extension of more than 10%, identifying specific molecular targets that were manipulated to achieve the maximum lifespan in mice. Subsequently, we characterized 10 molecular targets influenced by these interventions, with particular attention given to clinical trials and potential indications for each. EXPERT OPINION To increase the translational potential of mice life-extension studies to clinical research several factors are crucial: standardization of mice lifespan research approaches, the development of clear criteria for control and experimental groups, the establishment of criteria for potential geroprotectors, and focusing on targets and their clinical application. Pinpointing the targets affected by geroprotectors helps in understanding species-specific differences and identifying potential side effects, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of clinical trials. Additionally, target review facilitates the optimization of treatment protocols and the evaluation of the clinical feasibility of translating research findings into practical therapies for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vedunova
- Institute of Biomedicine, Institute of Biogerontology, National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhni Novgorod (Lobachevsky University), Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | | | - Grigory Kozlov
- Institute of Biomedicine, Institute of Biogerontology, National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhni Novgorod (Lobachevsky University), Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Anna-Maria Zharova
- Institute of Biomedicine, Institute of Biogerontology, National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhni Novgorod (Lobachevsky University), Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | | | - Alexey Moskalev
- Institute of Biomedicine, Institute of Biogerontology, National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhni Novgorod (Lobachevsky University), Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
- Longaevus Technologies LTD, London, United Kingdom
- Russian Gerontology Research and Clinical Centre, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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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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Portincasa P, Khalil M, Mahdi L, Perniola V, Idone V, Graziani A, Baffy G, Di Ciaula A. Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: From Pathogenesis to Current Therapeutic Options. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5640. [PMID: 38891828 PMCID: PMC11172019 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115640] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The epidemiological burden of liver steatosis associated with metabolic diseases is continuously growing worldwide and in all age classes. This condition generates possible progression of liver damage (i.e., inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma) but also independently increases the risk of cardio-metabolic diseases and cancer. In recent years, the terminological evolution from "nonalcoholic fatty liver disease" (NAFLD) to "metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease" (MAFLD) and, finally, "metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease" (MASLD) has been paralleled by increased knowledge of mechanisms linking local (i.e., hepatic) and systemic pathogenic pathways. As a consequence, the need for an appropriate classification of individual phenotypes has been oriented to the investigation of innovative therapeutic tools. Besides the well-known role for lifestyle change, a number of pharmacological approaches have been explored, ranging from antidiabetic drugs to agonists acting on the gut-liver axis and at a systemic level (mainly farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonists, PPAR agonists, thyroid hormone receptor agonists), anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory agents. The intrinsically complex pathophysiological history of MASLD makes the selection of a single effective treatment a major challenge, so far. In this evolving scenario, the cooperation between different stakeholders (including subjects at risk, health professionals, and pharmaceutical industries) could significantly improve the management of disease and the implementation of primary and secondary prevention measures. The high healthcare burden associated with MASLD makes the search for new, effective, and safe drugs a major pressing need, together with an accurate characterization of individual phenotypes. Recent and promising advances indicate that we may soon enter the era of precise and personalized therapy for MASLD/MASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piero Portincasa
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePre-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.K.); (L.M.); (V.P.); (V.I.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Mohamad Khalil
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePre-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.K.); (L.M.); (V.P.); (V.I.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Laura Mahdi
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePre-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.K.); (L.M.); (V.P.); (V.I.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Valeria Perniola
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePre-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.K.); (L.M.); (V.P.); (V.I.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Valeria Idone
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePre-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.K.); (L.M.); (V.P.); (V.I.); (A.D.C.)
- Aboca S.p.a. Società Agricola, 52037 Sansepolcro, Italy
| | - Annarita Graziani
- Institut AllergoSan Pharmazeutische Produkte Forschungs- und Vertriebs GmbH, 8055 Graz, Austria;
| | - Gyorgy Baffy
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02132, USA
| | - Agostino Di Ciaula
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePre-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.K.); (L.M.); (V.P.); (V.I.); (A.D.C.)
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Suzuki M, Hayashi T, Nashiki K, Kawata H, Nagata S, Abe T. Influence of Gd-EOB-DTPA on proton-density fat fraction in the liver using chemical shift-encoded magnetic resonance imaging at 3-T. Radiol Phys Technol 2024:10.1007/s12194-024-00811-z. [PMID: 38730134 DOI: 10.1007/s12194-024-00811-z] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its advanced stage, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), have become increasingly prevalent owing to the rise in metabolic syndromes. Accurate assessment of hepatic fat deposition and inflammation is crucial for diagnosing and managing NAFLD/NASH. We investigated the influence of Gd-EOB-DTPA, (EOB) on proton-density fat fraction (PDFF) measurements using chemical shift-encoded magnetic resonance imaging (CSE-MRI) at 3-T. In total, 431 patients who underwent EOB contrast-enhanced MRI were included. PDFF measurements were obtained from pre- and post-contrast CSE-MRI. Linear regression and Bland-Altman analyses were performed to assess the correlation and agreement between pre- and post-EOB PDFF measurements. Relative enhancement (RE) of the liver was calculated as an EOB uptake index. There was a significant decrease in PDFF following EOB administration compared with the pre-contrast values (P < 0.0001), which was observed across all PDFF ranges (< 10% and ≥ 10%). Linear regression analysis revealed high correlation between pre- and post-EOB PDFF measurements. Bland-Altman analysis indicated a small bias between pre- and post-EOB PDFF values. Subgroup analysis based on RE showed a significant difference in ΔPDFF between patients with high RE (> 120%) and those with lower RE levels. EOB administration resulted in a slight decrease in PDFF measurements obtained using CSE-MRI at 3-T. We were able to generalize and clarify that the PDFF of the liver on 3D CSE-MRI at 3-T was slightly decreased after EOB administration as we used a larger group of patients compared to previous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Suzuki
- Department of Radiology, Kurume University Hospital, Asahimachi 67, Kurume, Japan.
| | - Tatsuya Hayashi
- Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Teikyo University, 2-11-1, Kaga, Itabashi-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Nashiki
- Department of Radiology, Kurume University Hospital, Asahimachi 67, Kurume, Japan
| | - Hidemichi Kawata
- Department of Radiology, Kurume University Hospital, Asahimachi 67, Kurume, Japan
| | - Shuji Nagata
- Department of Radiology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Asahimachi 67, Kurume, Japan
| | - Toshi Abe
- Department of Radiology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Asahimachi 67, Kurume, Japan
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Harrison SA, Rolph T, Knott 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] [Key Words] [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, dyslipidaemia, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)/metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) represent a major economic burden on healthcare systems. Patients with at-risk MASH, 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 only one drug approved for MASH. Several drug candidates have reached the phase III development stage and could lead to several potential conditional drug approvals in the coming years. Within the armamentarium of future treatment options, FGF21 analogues hold an interesting position thanks to their pleiotropic effects in addition to their significant effect on both MASH resolution and fibrosis improvement. In this review, we summarise preclinical and clinical data from FGF21 analogues 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, OX3 9DU UK; Pinnacle Clinical Research, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Tim Rolph
- Akero Therapeutics, South San Francisco, California, USA
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Kokkorakis M, Muzurović E, Volčanšek Š, Chakhtoura M, Hill MA, Mikhailidis DP, Mantzoros CS. Steatotic Liver Disease: Pathophysiology and Emerging Pharmacotherapies. Pharmacol Rev 2024; 76:454-499. [PMID: 38697855 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.123.001087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Steatotic liver disease (SLD) displays a dynamic and complex disease phenotype. Consequently, the metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)/metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) therapeutic pipeline is expanding rapidly and in multiple directions. In parallel, noninvasive tools for diagnosing and monitoring responses to therapeutic interventions are being studied, and clinically feasible findings are being explored as primary outcomes in interventional trials. The realization that distinct subgroups exist under the umbrella of SLD should guide more precise and personalized treatment recommendations and facilitate advancements in pharmacotherapeutics. This review summarizes recent updates of pathophysiology-based nomenclature and outlines both effective pharmacotherapeutics and those in the pipeline for MASLD/MASH, detailing their mode of action and the current status of phase 2 and 3 clinical trials. Of the extensive arsenal of pharmacotherapeutics in the MASLD/MASH pipeline, several have been rejected, whereas other, mainly monotherapy options, have shown only marginal benefits and are now being tested as part of combination therapies, yet others are still in development as monotherapies. Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved resmetirom, additional therapeutic approaches in development will ideally target MASH and fibrosis while improving cardiometabolic risk factors. Due to the urgent need for the development of novel therapeutic strategies and the potential availability of safety and tolerability data, repurposing existing and approved drugs is an appealing option. Finally, it is essential to highlight that SLD and, by extension, MASLD should be recognized and approached as a systemic disease affecting multiple organs, with the vigorous implementation of interdisciplinary and coordinated action plans. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Steatotic liver disease (SLD), including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, is the most prevalent chronic liver condition, affecting more than one-fourth of the global population. This review aims to provide the most recent information regarding SLD pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management according to the latest advancements in the guidelines and clinical trials. Collectively, it is hoped that the information provided furthers the understanding of the current state of SLD with direct clinical implications and stimulates research initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michail Kokkorakis
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (M.K., C.S.M.); Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands (M.K.); Endocrinology Section, Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Center of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro (E.M.); Faculty of Medicine, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro (E.M.); Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (Š.V.); Medical Faculty Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (Š.V.); Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon (M.C.); Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri (M.A.H.); Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri (M.A.H.); Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Free Hospital Campus, University College London Medical School, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom (D.P.M.); Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (D.P.M.); and Boston VA Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (C.S.M.)
| | - Emir Muzurović
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (M.K., C.S.M.); Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands (M.K.); Endocrinology Section, Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Center of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro (E.M.); Faculty of Medicine, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro (E.M.); Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (Š.V.); Medical Faculty Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (Š.V.); Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon (M.C.); Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri (M.A.H.); Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri (M.A.H.); Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Free Hospital Campus, University College London Medical School, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom (D.P.M.); Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (D.P.M.); and Boston VA Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (C.S.M.)
| | - Špela Volčanšek
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (M.K., C.S.M.); Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands (M.K.); Endocrinology Section, Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Center of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro (E.M.); Faculty of Medicine, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro (E.M.); Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (Š.V.); Medical Faculty Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (Š.V.); Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon (M.C.); Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri (M.A.H.); Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri (M.A.H.); Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Free Hospital Campus, University College London Medical School, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom (D.P.M.); Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (D.P.M.); and Boston VA Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (C.S.M.)
| | - Marlene Chakhtoura
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (M.K., C.S.M.); Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands (M.K.); Endocrinology Section, Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Center of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro (E.M.); Faculty of Medicine, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro (E.M.); Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (Š.V.); Medical Faculty Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (Š.V.); Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon (M.C.); Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri (M.A.H.); Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri (M.A.H.); Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Free Hospital Campus, University College London Medical School, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom (D.P.M.); Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (D.P.M.); and Boston VA Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (C.S.M.)
| | - Michael A Hill
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (M.K., C.S.M.); Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands (M.K.); Endocrinology Section, Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Center of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro (E.M.); Faculty of Medicine, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro (E.M.); Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (Š.V.); Medical Faculty Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (Š.V.); Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon (M.C.); Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri (M.A.H.); Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri (M.A.H.); Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Free Hospital Campus, University College London Medical School, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom (D.P.M.); Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (D.P.M.); and Boston VA Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (C.S.M.)
| | - Dimitri P Mikhailidis
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (M.K., C.S.M.); Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands (M.K.); Endocrinology Section, Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Center of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro (E.M.); Faculty of Medicine, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro (E.M.); Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (Š.V.); Medical Faculty Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (Š.V.); Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon (M.C.); Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri (M.A.H.); Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri (M.A.H.); Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Free Hospital Campus, University College London Medical School, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom (D.P.M.); Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (D.P.M.); and Boston VA Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (C.S.M.)
| | - Christos S Mantzoros
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (M.K., C.S.M.); Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands (M.K.); Endocrinology Section, Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Center of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro (E.M.); Faculty of Medicine, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro (E.M.); Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (Š.V.); Medical Faculty Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (Š.V.); Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon (M.C.); Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri (M.A.H.); Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri (M.A.H.); Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Free Hospital Campus, University College London Medical School, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom (D.P.M.); Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (D.P.M.); and Boston VA Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (C.S.M.)
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Chui ZSW, Shen Q, Xu A. Current status and future perspectives of FGF21 analogues in clinical trials. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024; 35:371-384. [PMID: 38423900 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2024.02.001] [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: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Recent advances in fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) biology and pharmacology have led to the development of several long-acting FGF21 analogues and antibody-based mimetics now in various phases of clinical trials for the treatment of obesity-related metabolic comorbidities. The efficacy of these FGF21 analogues/mimetics on glycaemic control and weight loss is rather mild and inconsistent; nevertheless, several promising therapeutic benefits have been reproducibly observed in most clinical studies, including amelioration of dyslipidaemia (particularly hypertriglyceridaemia) and hepatic steatosis, reduction of biomarkers of liver fibrosis and injury, and resolution of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Evidence is emerging that combination therapy with FGF21 analogues and other hormones (such as glucagon-like peptide 1; GLP-1) can synergise their pharmacological benefits, thus maximising the therapeutic efficacy for obesity and its comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zara Siu Wa Chui
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China; Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China; School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Qing Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China; Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Aimin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China; Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China; Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
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Ciardullo S, Muraca E, Vergani M, Invernizzi P, Perseghin G. Advancements in pharmacological treatment of NAFLD/MASLD: a focus on metabolic and liver-targeted interventions. Gastroenterol Rep (Oxf) 2024; 12:goae029. [PMID: 38681750 PMCID: PMC11052658 DOI: 10.1093/gastro/goae029] [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: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
In the present narrative review, we have summarized evidence on the pharmacological treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). We start by reviewing the epidemiology of the condition and its close association with obesity and type 2 diabetes. We then discuss how randomized-controlled trials are performed following guidance from regulatory agencies, including differences and similarities between requirements of the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicine Agency. Difficulties and hurdles related to limitations of liver biopsy, a large number of screening failures in recruiting patients, as well as unpredictable response rates in the placebo group are evaluated. Finally, we recapitulate the strategies employed for potential drug treatments of this orphan condition. The first is to repurpose drugs that originally targeted T2DM and/or obesity, such as pioglitazone, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (liraglutide and semaglutide), multi-agonists (tirzepatide and retatrutide), and sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors. The second is to develop drugs specifically targeting NAFLD/MASLD. Among those, we focused on resmetirom, fibroblast growth factor 21 analogs, and lanifibranor, as they are currently in Phase 3 of their clinical trial development. While many failures have characterized the field of pharmacological treatment of NAFLD/MASLD in the past, it is likely that approval of the first treatments is near. As occurs in many chronic conditions, combination therapy might lead to better outcomes. In the case of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, we speculate that drugs treating underlying metabolic co-morbidities might play a bigger role in the earlier stages of disease, while liver-targeting molecules will become vital in patients with more advanced disease in terms of inflammation and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Ciardullo
- Department of Medicine and Rehabilitation, Policlinico di Monza, Monza, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuele Muraca
- Department of Medicine and Rehabilitation, Policlinico di Monza, Monza, Italy
| | - Michela Vergani
- Department of Medicine and Rehabilitation, Policlinico di Monza, Monza, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Invernizzi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER) San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Gianluca Perseghin
- Department of Medicine and Rehabilitation, Policlinico di Monza, Monza, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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Lu Y, Yu B, Bu Y, Lou J, Jin Y. Pegbelfermin for reducing transaminase levels in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: a dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1293336. [PMID: 38646552 PMCID: PMC11026620 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1293336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The efficacy of Pegbelfermin (PGBF) in treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) remains controversial. Therefore, we conducted a dose-response meta-analysis to explore the effect and pattern of PGBF at different dosages and treatment durations on transaminase reduction in NASH patients. Methods We conducted searches on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov, and supplemented the search with gray literature and manual searches. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of PGBF in NASH patients were included. Risk of bias was assessed by Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0. We used random-effects models, generalized least squares regression, constrained maximum likelihood, and restricted cubic splines to explore the dose-response relationship. Egger's linear regression was employed to assess publication bias. The study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42023448024. Results Four RCT studies from the period 2018-2023, involving 546 participants, were included. No participants discontinued PGBF treatment due to adverse events. High-dose PGBF treatment significantly reduced transaminase levels in NASH patients compared to the low-dose group (ALT %: MD = 14.94, 95% CI = 2.11-27.77; AST %: MD = 9.05, 95% CI = 3.17-14.92). Longer treatment duration further decreased transaminase levels (ALT%: MD = 8.81, 95% CI = 4.07-13.56; AST%: MD = 6.72, 95% CI = 2.62-10.81). Egger's test did not reveal significant publication bias (p > 0.05). Further investigation indicated a ceiling effect of PGBF dosage on transaminase reduction at 30 mg/week, and NASH patients experienced a rebound in transaminase levels after 28 weeks of continuous treatment. Conclusion There is a positive correlation between PGBF dosage and transaminase reduction within a certain range, showing an overall non-linear dose-response relationship. This finding provides guidance for the clinical application of PGBF. Clinicians should be mindful of the dosage ceiling at 30 mg/week and monitor changes in transaminase levels after 28 weeks for timely adjustments in PGBF dosage. Systematic review registration PROSPERO, CRD42023448024. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=448024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangguang Lu
- The First School of Medicine, School of Information and Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Bohuai Yu
- The First School of Medicine, School of Information and Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yiran Bu
- The First School of Medicine, School of Information and Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jialing Lou
- The First School of Medicine, School of Information and Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yan Jin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
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Jiang Y, Wu L, Zhu X, Bian H, Gao X, Xia M. Advances in management of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: from mechanisms to therapeutics. Lipids Health Dis 2024; 23:95. [PMID: 38566209 PMCID: PMC10985930 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-024-02092-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease that affects over 30% of the world's population. For decades, the heterogeneity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has impeded our understanding of the disease mechanism and the development of effective medications. However, a recent change in the nomenclature from NAFLD to MASLD emphasizes the critical role of systemic metabolic dysfunction in the pathophysiology of this disease and therefore promotes the progress in the pharmaceutical treatment of MASLD. In this review, we focus on the mechanism underlying the abnormality of hepatic lipid metabolism in patients with MASLD, and summarize the latest progress in the therapeutic medications of MASLD that target metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiao Jiang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Zhongshan Hospital and Fudan Institute for Metabolic Diseases, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Rd, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lili Wu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Zhongshan Hospital and Fudan Institute for Metabolic Diseases, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Rd, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Integrated Medicine, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaopeng Zhu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Zhongshan Hospital and Fudan Institute for Metabolic Diseases, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Rd, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hua Bian
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Zhongshan Hospital and Fudan Institute for Metabolic Diseases, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Rd, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xin Gao
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Zhongshan Hospital and Fudan Institute for Metabolic Diseases, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Rd, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Mingfeng Xia
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Zhongshan Hospital and Fudan Institute for Metabolic Diseases, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Rd, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Wusong Branch of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Lin R, Zhou J, Sun Q, Xin X, Hu Y, Zheng M, Feng Q. Meta-analysis: Efficacy and safety of fibroblast growth factor 21 analogues for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-related fibrosis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2024; 59:802-811. [PMID: 38297816 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17889] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) analogues have emerged as promising therapeutic targets for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, the effects and safety of these analogues on NASH and NASH-related fibrosis remain unexplored. AIMS To estimate the efficacy and safety of FGF21 analogues for treating NASH and NASH-related fibrosis. METHODS PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for relevant studies up to 11 October 2023. Primary outcomes were defined as the fibrosis improvement ≥1 stage without worsening of NASH and NASH resolution without worsening fibrosis. Secondary outcomes included biomarkers of fibrosis, liver injury, and metabolism. Treatment-related adverse events were also analysed. RESULTS Nine studies, including 1054 patients with biopsy-proven NASH and stage F1-F4 fibrosis, were identified. Seven studies reported histological outcomes. The relative risk (RR) for obtaining fibrosis improvement ≥1 stage efficacy was 1.79 (95% CI 1.29-2.48, I2 = 37%, p < 0.001) with FGF21 analogues relative to placebo. Although no statistically significant difference was observed between FGF21 analogues in NASH resolution, sensitivity analyses and fragility index suggest that this result is unstable. The drugs improved hepatic fat fraction (HFF), along with other biomarkers of fibrosis, liver injury, and metabolism (MRE, LSM, Pro-C3, ELF, ALT, AST, TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C). Additionally, no significant difference in serious adverse event incidence rate was observed (RR = 1.26, 95% CI 0.82-1.94, I2 = 24%, p = 0.3). CONCLUSIONS FGF21 analogues appear as promising agents for the treatment of NASH and NASH-related fibrosis, and they generally seem to be safe and well tolerated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rutao Lin
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianghua Zhou
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, the Heart Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Qinmei Sun
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Xin
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiyang Hu
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Minghua Zheng
- MAFLD Research Center, Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment for the Development of Chronic Liver Disease in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
| | - Qin Feng
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Zhu S, Wu Z, Wang W, Wei L, Zhou H. A revisit of drugs and potential therapeutic targets against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: learning from clinical trials. J Endocrinol Invest 2024; 47:761-776. [PMID: 37839037 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02216-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease, with a worldwide prevalence of 25%. Although numerous clinical trials have been conducted over the last few decades, an effective treatment has not been approved yet. Extensive research has accumulated a large amount of data and experience; however, the vast number of clinical trials and new therapeutic targets for NAFLD make it impossible to keep abreast of the relevant information. Therefore, a systematic analysis of the existing trials is necessary. METHODS Here, we reviewed clinical trials on NAFLD registered in the mandated federal database, ClinicalTrials.gov, to generate a detailed overview of the trials related to drugs and therapeutic targets for NAFLD treatment. Following screening for pertinence to therapy, a total of 440 entries were identified that included active trials as well as those that have already been completed, suspended, terminated, or withdrawn. RESULTS We summarize and systematically analyze the state, drug development pipeline, and discovery of treatment targets for NAFLD. We consider possible factors that may affect clinical outcomes. Furthermore, we discussed these results to explore the mechanisms responsible for clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION We summarised the landscape of current clinical trials and suggested the directions for future NAFLD therapy to assist internal medicine specialists in treating the whole clinical spectrum of this highly prevalent liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Zhu
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Z Wu
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - W Wang
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - L Wei
- School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - H Zhou
- School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
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Stanic S, Bardova K, Janovska P, Rossmeisl M, Kopecky J, Zouhar P. Prolonged FGF21 treatment increases energy expenditure and induces weight loss in obese mice independently of UCP1 and adrenergic signaling. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 221:116042. [PMID: 38325495 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116042] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) reduces body weight, which was attributed to induced energy expenditure (EE). Conflicting data have been published on the role of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in this effect. Therefore, we aimed to revisit the thermoregulatory effects of FGF21 and their implications for body weight regulation. We found that an 8-day treatment with FGF21 lowers body weight to similar extent in both wildtype (WT) and UCP1-deficient (KO) mice fed high-fat diet. In WT mice, this effect is solely due to increased EE, associated with a strong activation of UCP1 and with excess heat dissipated through the tail. This thermogenesis takes place in the interscapular region and can be attenuated by a β-adrenergic inhibitor propranolol. In KO mice, FGF21-induced weight loss correlates with a modest increase in EE, which is independent of adrenergic signaling, and with a reduced energy intake. Interestingly, the gene expression profile of interscapular brown adipose tissue (but not subcutaneous white adipose tissue) of KO mice is massively affected by FGF21, as shown by increased expression of genes encoding triacylglycerol/free fatty acid cycle enzymes. Thus, FGF21 elicits central thermogenic and pyretic effects followed by a concomitant increase in EE and body temperature, respectively. The associated weight loss is strongly dependent on UCP1-based thermogenesis. However, in the absence of UCP1, alternative mechanisms of energy dissipation may contribute, possibly based on futile triacylglycerol/free fatty acid cycling in brown adipose tissue and reduced food intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Stanic
- Laboratory of Adipose Tissue Biology, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, Prague 142 00, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Vinicna 7, Prague 128 44, Czech Republic
| | - Kristina Bardova
- Laboratory of Adipose Tissue Biology, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, Prague 142 00, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Janovska
- Laboratory of Adipose Tissue Biology, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, Prague 142 00, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Rossmeisl
- Laboratory of Adipose Tissue Biology, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, Prague 142 00, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Kopecky
- Laboratory of Adipose Tissue Biology, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, Prague 142 00, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Zouhar
- Laboratory of Adipose Tissue Biology, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, Prague 142 00, Czech Republic.
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Wei S, Wang L, Evans PC, Xu S. NAFLD and NASH: etiology, targets and emerging therapies. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:103910. [PMID: 38301798 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.103910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) pose a significant threat to human health and cause a tremendous socioeconomic burden. Currently, the molecular mechanisms of NAFLD and NASH remain incompletely understood, and no effective pharmacotherapies have been approved. In the past five years, significant advances have been achieved in our understanding of the pathomechanisms and potential pharmacotherapies of NAFLD and NASH. Research advances include the investigation of the effects of the fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) analog pegozafermin and the thyroid hormone receptor-β (THRβ) agonist resmetriom on hepatic fat content, NASH resolution and/or fibrosis regression. Future directions of NAFLD and NASH research (including combination therapy, organoids and humanized mouse models) are also discussed in this state-of-the-art review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shulin Wei
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China; Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, China
| | - Paul C Evans
- Centre for Biochemical Pharmacology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Suowen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
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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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Manoli I, Sysol JR, Head PE, Epping MW, Gavrilova O, Crocker MK, Sloan JL, Koutsoukos SA, Wang C, Ktena YP, Mendelson S, Pass AR, Zerfas PM, Hoffmann V, Vernon HJ, Fletcher LA, Reynolds JC, Tsokos MG, Stratakis CA, Voss SD, Chen KY, Brown RJ, Hamosh A, Berry GT, Chen XS, Yanovski JA, Venditti CP. Lipodystrophy in methylmalonic acidemia associated with elevated FGF21 and abnormal methylmalonylation. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e174097. [PMID: 38271099 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.174097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
A distinct adipose tissue distribution pattern was observed in patients with methylmalonyl-CoA mutase deficiency, an inborn error of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism, characterized by centripetal obesity with proximal upper and lower extremity fat deposition and paucity of visceral fat, that resembles familial multiple lipomatosis syndrome. To explore brown and white fat physiology in methylmalonic acidemia (MMA), body composition, adipokines, and inflammatory markers were assessed in 46 patients with MMA and 99 matched controls. Fibroblast growth factor 21 levels were associated with acyl-CoA accretion, aberrant methylmalonylation in adipose tissue, and an attenuated inflammatory cytokine profile. In parallel, brown and white fat were examined in a liver-specific transgenic MMA mouse model (Mmut-/- TgINS-Alb-Mmut). The MMA mice exhibited abnormal nonshivering thermogenesis with whitened brown fat and had an ineffective transcriptional response to cold stress. Treatment of the MMA mice with bezafibrates led to clinical improvement with beiging of subcutaneous fat depots, which resembled the distribution seen in the patients. These studies defined what we believe to be a novel lipodystrophy phenotype in patients with defects in the terminal steps of BCAA oxidation and demonstrated that beiging of subcutaneous adipose tissue in MMA could readily be induced with small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irini Manoli
- Metabolic Medicine Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute
| | - Justin R Sysol
- Metabolic Medicine Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute
| | | | | | - Oksana Gavrilova
- Mouse Metabolism Core, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
| | - Melissa K Crocker
- Section on Growth and Obesity, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; and
| | - Jennifer L Sloan
- Metabolic Medicine Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute
| | | | - Cindy Wang
- Metabolic Medicine Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute
| | - Yiouli P Ktena
- Metabolic Medicine Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute
| | - Sophia Mendelson
- Section on Growth and Obesity, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; and
| | - Alexandra R Pass
- Metabolic Medicine Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute
| | - Patricia M Zerfas
- Office of Research Services, Division of Veterinary Resources, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Victoria Hoffmann
- Office of Research Services, Division of Veterinary Resources, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Hilary J Vernon
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Laura A Fletcher
- Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
| | | | - Maria G Tsokos
- Ultrastructural Pathology Section, Center for Cancer Research; and
| | - Constantine A Stratakis
- Section on Endocrinology & Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephan D Voss
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kong Y Chen
- Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
| | - Rebecca J Brown
- Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
| | - Ada Hamosh
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Gerard T Berry
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, The Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Xiaoyuan Shawn Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Nanomedicine, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jack A Yanovski
- Section on Growth and Obesity, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; and
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Richter MM, Thomsen MN, Skytte MJ, Kjeldsen SAS, Samkani A, Frystyk J, Magkos F, Holst JJ, Madsbad S, Krarup T, Haugaard SB, Wewer Albrechtsen NJ. Effect of a 6-Week Carbohydrate-Reduced High-Protein Diet on Levels of FGF21 and GDF15 in People With Type 2 Diabetes. J Endocr Soc 2024; 8:bvae008. [PMID: 38379856 PMCID: PMC10875725 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvae008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Context Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) are increased in type 2 diabetes and are potential regulators of metabolism. The effect of changes in caloric intake and macronutrient composition on their circulating levels in patients with type 2 diabetes are unknown. Objective To explore the effects of a carbohydrate-reduced high-protein diet with and without a clinically significant weight loss on circulating levels of FGF21 and GDF15 in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods We measured circulating FGF21 and GDF15 in patients with type 2 diabetes who completed 2 previously published diet interventions. Study 1 randomized 28 subjects to an isocaloric diet in a 6 + 6-week crossover trial consisting of, in random order, a carbohydrate-reduced high-protein (CRHP) or a conventional diabetes (CD) diet. Study 2 randomized 72 subjects to a 6-week hypocaloric diet aiming at a ∼6% weight loss induced by either a CRHP or a CD diet. Fasting plasma FGF21 and GDF15 were measured before and after the interventions in a subset of samples (n = 24 in study 1, n = 66 in study 2). Results Plasma levels of FGF21 were reduced by 54% in the isocaloric study (P < .05) and 18% in the hypocaloric study (P < .05) in CRHP-treated individuals only. Circulating GDF15 levels increased by 18% (P < .05) following weight loss in combination with a CRHP diet but only in those treated with metformin. Conclusion The CRHP diet significantly reduced FGF21 in people with type 2 diabetes independent of weight loss, supporting the role of FGF21 as a "nutrient sensor." Combining metformin treatment with carbohydrate restriction and weight loss may provide additional metabolic improvements due to the rise in circulating GDF15.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael M Richter
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital—Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, 2400, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2200, Denmark
| | - Mads N Thomsen
- Department of Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital—Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, 2400, Denmark
| | - Mads J Skytte
- Department of Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital—Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, 2400, Denmark
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
| | - Sasha A S Kjeldsen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital—Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, 2400, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2200, Denmark
| | - Amirsalar Samkani
- Department of Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital—Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, 2400, Denmark
| | - Jan Frystyk
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, 5000, Denmark
| | - Faidon Magkos
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2200, Denmark
| | - Jens J Holst
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2200, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2200, Denmark
| | - Sten Madsbad
- Department of Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital—Hvidovre, Hvidovre, 2650, Denmark
| | - Thure Krarup
- Department of Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital—Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, 2400, Denmark
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2200, Denmark
| | - Steen B Haugaard
- Department of Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital—Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, 2400, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2200, Denmark
| | - Nicolai J Wewer Albrechtsen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital—Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, 2400, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2200, Denmark
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Malo-Vintimilla L, Aguirre C, Vergara A, Fernández-Verdejo R, Galgani JE. Resting energy metabolism and sweet taste preference during the menstrual cycle in healthy women. Br J Nutr 2024; 131:384-390. [PMID: 37641942 PMCID: PMC10784125 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114523001927] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Differences in blood concentration of sex hormones in the follicular (FP) and luteal (LP) phases may influence energy metabolism in women. We compared fasting energy metabolism and sweet taste preference on a representative day of the FP and LP in twenty healthy women (25·3 (sd 5·1) years, BMI: 22·2 (sd 2·2) kg/m2) with regular self-reported menses and without the use of hormonal contraceptives. From the self-reported duration of the three prior menstrual cycles, the predicted FP and LP visits were scheduled for days 5-12 and 20-25 after menses, respectively. The order of the FP and LP visits was randomly assigned. On each visit, RMR and RQ by indirect calorimetry, sweet taste preference by the Monell two-series forced-choice tracking procedure, serum fibroblast growth factor 21 by a commercial ELISA (FGF21, a liver-derived protein with action in energy balance, fuel oxidation and sugar preference) and dietary food intake by a 24-h dietary recall were determined. Serum progesterone and oestradiol concentrations displayed the expected differences between phases. RMR was lower in the FP v. LP (5042 (sd 460) v. 5197 (sd 490) kJ/d, respectively; P = 0·04; Cohen effect size, d rm = 0·33), while RQ showed borderline significant higher values (0·84 (sd 0·05) v. 0·81 (sd 0·05), respectively; P = 0·07; d rm = 0·62). Also, in the FP v. LP, sweet taste preference was lower (12 (sd 8) v. 16 (sd 9) %; P = 0·04; d rm = 0·47) concomitant with higher serum FGF21 concentration (294 (sd 164) v. 197 (sd 104) pg/ml; P < 0·01; d rm = 0·66). The menstrual cycle is associated with changes in energy expenditure, sweet taste preference and oxidative fuel partitioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Malo-Vintimilla
- Departamento de Nutrición, Diabetes y Metabolismo, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carolina Aguirre
- Carrera de Nutrición y Dietética, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Angie Vergara
- División de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Fernández-Verdejo
- Laboratorio de Fisiología del Ejercicio y Metabolismo (LABFEM), Escuela de Kinesiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Finis Terrae, Santiago, Chile
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Jose E. Galgani
- Departamento de Nutrición, Diabetes y Metabolismo, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Carrera de Nutrición y Dietética, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
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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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Guo X, Asthana P, Zhai L, Cheng KW, Gurung S, Huang J, Wu J, Zhang Y, Mahato AK, Saarma M, Ustav M, Kwan HY, Lyu A, Chan KM, Xu P, Bian ZX, Wong HLX. Artesunate treats obesity in male mice and non-human primates through GDF15/GFRAL signalling axis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1034. [PMID: 38310105 PMCID: PMC10838268 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45452-3] [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: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Obesity, a global health challenge, is a major risk factor for multiple life-threatening diseases, including diabetes, fatty liver, and cancer. There is an ongoing need to identify safe and tolerable therapeutics for obesity management. Herein, we show that treatment with artesunate, an artemisinin derivative approved by the FDA for the treatment of severe malaria, effectively reduces body weight and improves metabolic profiles in preclinical models of obesity, including male mice with overnutrition-induced obesity and male cynomolgus macaques with spontaneous obesity, without inducing nausea and malaise. Artesunate promotes weight loss and reduces food intake in obese mice and cynomolgus macaques by increasing circulating levels of Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15), an appetite-regulating hormone with a brainstem-restricted receptor, the GDNF family receptor α-like (GFRAL). Mechanistically, artesunate induces the expression of GDF15 in multiple organs, especially the liver, in mice through a C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP)-directed integrated stress response. Inhibition of GDF15/GFRAL signalling by genetic ablation of GFRAL or tissue-specific knockdown of GDF15 abrogates the anti-obesity effect of artesunate in mice with diet-induced obesity, suggesting that artesunate controls bodyweight and appetite in a GDF15/GFRAL signalling-dependent manner. These data highlight the therapeutic benefits of artesunate in the treatment of obesity and related comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanming Guo
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Pallavi Asthana
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Lixiang Zhai
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ka Wing Cheng
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development Limited, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Susma Gurung
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jiangang Huang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jiayan Wu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yijing Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Arun Kumar Mahato
- Institute of Biotechnology-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology-HILIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Hiu Yee Kwan
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Aiping Lyu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kui Ming Chan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Pingyi Xu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhao-Xiang Bian
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development Limited, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Harris SJ, Smith N, Hummer B, Schreibman IR, Faust AJ, Geyer NR, Chinchilli VM, Sciamanna C, Loomba R, Stine JG. Exercise training improves serum biomarkers of liver fibroinflammation in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. Liver Int 2024; 44:532-540. [PMID: 38014619 PMCID: PMC10844956 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Exercise training is recommended for all patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and may reverse liver fibrosis. Whether exercise training improves liver fibrosis without body weight loss remains controversial. We further investigated this relationship using serum biomarkers of liver fibroinflammation in a post hoc analysis of an exercise trial where patients did not lose significant body weight. METHODS In the NASHFit trial, patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis were randomized to receive either moderate-intensity aerobic exercise training or standard clinical care for 20 weeks. Mediterranean-informed dietary counselling was provided to each group. Change in serum biomarkers was measured and compared between the two groups. RESULTS Exercise training led to improvement in serum biomarkers of liver fibroinflammation, including (1) ≥17 IU/L reduction in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in 53% of individuals in the exercise training group compared to 13% in the standard clinical care group (p < 0.001; mean reduction 24% vs. 10% respectively) and (2) improvement in CK18 (-61 vs. +71 ng/mL, p = 0.040). ALT improvement ≥17 IU/L was correlated with ≥30% relative reduction in magnetic resonance imaging-measured liver fat and PNPLA3 genotype. CONCLUSION Exercise training improves multiple serum biomarkers of liver fibroinflammation at clinically significant thresholds of response without body weight loss. This study provides further evidence that exercise training should be viewed as a weight-neutral intervention for which response to intervention can be readily monitored with widely available non-invasive biomarkers that can be applied at the population level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara J. Harris
- College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University,
Hershey PA
| | - Nataliya Smith
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of
Medicine, Penn State Health- Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey PA
- Fatty Liver Program, Penn State Health- Milton S. Hershey
Medical Center, Hershey PA
| | - Breianna Hummer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of
Medicine, Penn State Health- Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey PA
- Fatty Liver Program, Penn State Health- Milton S. Hershey
Medical Center, Hershey PA
| | - Ian R. Schreibman
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of
Medicine, Penn State Health- Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey PA
- Fatty Liver Program, Penn State Health- Milton S. Hershey
Medical Center, Hershey PA
- Liver Center, Penn State Health- Milton S. Hershey Medical
Center, Hershey PA
| | - Alison J. Faust
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of
Medicine, Penn State Health- Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey PA
- Fatty Liver Program, Penn State Health- Milton S. Hershey
Medical Center, Hershey PA
- Liver Center, Penn State Health- Milton S. Hershey Medical
Center, Hershey PA
| | - Nathaniel R. Geyer
- Department of Public Health Sciences, The Pennsylvania
State University- College of Medicine, Hershey PA
| | - Vernon M. Chinchilli
- Department of Public Health Sciences, The Pennsylvania
State University- College of Medicine, Hershey PA
| | - Chris Sciamanna
- College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University,
Hershey PA
| | - Rohit Loomba
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of
Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego CA
- NAFLD Research Center, University of California San Diego,
San Diego CA
| | - Jonathan G. Stine
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of
Medicine, Penn State Health- Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey PA
- Fatty Liver Program, Penn State Health- Milton S. Hershey
Medical Center, Hershey PA
- Liver Center, Penn State Health- Milton S. Hershey Medical
Center, Hershey PA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, The Pennsylvania
State University- College of Medicine, Hershey PA
- Cancer Institute, Penn State Health- Milton S. Hershey
Medical Center, Hershey PA
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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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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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Larson KR, Jayakrishnan D, Soto Sauza KA, Goodson ML, Chaffin AT, Davidyan A, Pathak S, Fang Y, Gonzalez Magaña D, Miller BF, Ryan KK. FGF21 Induces Skeletal Muscle Atrophy and Increases Amino Acids in Female Mice: A Potential Role for Glucocorticoids. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqae004. [PMID: 38244215 PMCID: PMC10849119 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21) is an intercellular signaling molecule secreted by metabolic organs, including skeletal muscle, in response to intracellular stress. FGF21 crosses the blood-brain barrier and acts via the nervous system to coordinate aspects of the adaptive starvation response, including increased lipolysis, gluconeogenesis, fatty acid oxidation, and activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis. Given its beneficial effects for hepatic lipid metabolism, pharmaceutical FGF21 analogues are used in clinical trials treatment of fatty liver disease. We predicted pharmacologic treatment with FGF21 increases HPA axis activity and skeletal muscle glucocorticoid signaling and induces skeletal muscle atrophy in mice. Here we found a short course of systemic FGF21 treatment decreased muscle protein synthesis and reduced tibialis anterior weight; this was driven primarily by its effect in female mice. Similarly, intracerebroventricular FGF21 reduced tibialis anterior muscle fiber cross-sectional area; this was more apparent among female mice than male littermates. In agreement with the reduced muscle mass, the topmost enriched metabolic pathways in plasma collected from FGF21-treated females were related to amino acid metabolism, and the relative abundance of plasma proteinogenic amino acids was increased up to 3-fold. FGF21 treatment increased hypothalamic Crh mRNA, plasma corticosterone, and adrenal weight, and increased expression of glucocorticoid receptor target genes known to reduce muscle protein synthesis and/or promote degradation. Given the proposed use of FGF21 analogues for the treatment of metabolic disease, the study is both physiologically relevant and may have important clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karlton R Larson
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, College of Biological Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Devi Jayakrishnan
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, College of Biological Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Karla A Soto Sauza
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, College of Biological Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Michael L Goodson
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, College of Biological Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Aki T Chaffin
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, College of Biological Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Arik Davidyan
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, College of Biological Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University Sacramento, Sacramento, CA 95819, USA
| | - Suraj Pathak
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, College of Biological Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Yanbin Fang
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, College of Biological Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Diego Gonzalez Magaña
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, College of Biological Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Benjamin F Miller
- Aging & Metabolism Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Karen K Ryan
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, College of Biological Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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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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Zhou C, Pan X, Huang L, Wu T, Zhao T, Qi J, Wu J, Mukondiwa AV, Tang Y, Luo Y, Tu Q, Huang Z, Niu J. Fibroblast growth factor 21 ameliorates cholestatic liver injury via a hepatic FGFR4-JNK pathway. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:166870. [PMID: 37696161 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Cholestasis is characterized by hepatic accumulation of cytotoxic bile acids (BAs), which often subsequently leads to liver injury, inflammation, fibrosis, and liver cirrhosis. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a liver-secreted hormone with pleiotropic effects on the homeostasis of glucose, lipid, and energy metabolism. However, whether hepatic FGF21 plays a role in cholestatic liver injury remains elusive. We found that serum and hepatic FGF21 levels were significantly increased in response to cholestatic liver injury. Hepatocyte-specific deletion of Fgf21 exacerbated hepatic accumulation of BAs, further accentuating liver injury. Consistently, administration of rFGF21 ameliorated cholestatic liver injury caused by α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) treatment and Mdr2 deficiency. Mechanically, FGF21 activated a hepatic FGFR4-JNK signaling pathway to decrease Cyp7a1 expression, thereby reducing hepatic BAs pool. Our study demonstrates that hepatic FGF21 functions as an adaptive stress-responsive signal to downregulate BA biosynthesis, thereby ameliorating cholestatic liver injury, and FGF21 analogs may represent a candidate therapy for cholestatic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanren Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Xiaomin Pan
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Lei Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Tianzhen Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Tiantian Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Jie Qi
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China; Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Jiamin Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Alan Vengai Mukondiwa
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Yuli Tang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Yongde Luo
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Qi Tu
- Hangzhou Biomedical Research Institute, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China.
| | - Zhifeng Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China; Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China.
| | - Jianlou Niu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China.
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48
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Abdelmalek MF, Sanyal AJ, Nakajima A, Neuschwander-Tetri BA, Goodman ZD, Lawitz EJ, Harrison SA, Jacobson IM, Imajo K, Gunn N, Halegoua-DeMarzio D, Akahane T, Boone B, Yamaguchi M, Chatterjee A, Tirucherai GS, Shevell DE, Du S, Charles ED, Loomba R. Pegbelfermin in Patients With Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and Compensated Cirrhosis (FALCON 2): A Randomized Phase 2b Study. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 22:113-123.e9. [PMID: 37088458 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Pegbelfermin is a polyethylene glycol-conjugated analog of human fibroblast growth factor 21, a nonmitogenic hormone that regulates energy metabolism. This phase 2b study evaluated 48-week pegbelfermin treatment in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with compensated cirrhosis. METHODS FALCON 2 (NCT03486912) was a randomized (1:1:1:1), double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Eligible adults had biopsy-confirmed NASH and stage 4 fibrosis. Pegbelfermin (10, 20, or 40 mg) or placebo was injected subcutaneously once weekly. The primary endpoint was 1 or more stages of improvement in the NASH Clinical Research Network fibrosis score without NASH worsening at week 48; pegbelfermin dose response was assessed using a Cochran-Armitage trend test across proportions (1-sided α = .05). Additional endpoints included histologic and noninvasive measures of steatosis, fibrosis, and liver injury/inflammation. RESULTS Overall, 155 patients were randomized, and 154 patients received treatment. At week 48, 24% to 28% of the pegbelfermin arms had primary endpoint responses vs 31% of the placebo arm (P = .361). Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score improvements were more frequent with pegbelfermin vs placebo and were driven primarily by reduced lobular inflammation. Numerically higher proportions of the pegbelfermin arms had liver stiffness (magnetic resonance elastography) and steatosis (magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction) improvements vs placebo; these differences were not statistically significant. Mean N-terminal type III collagen propeptide, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase values were numerically lower in the 20- and/or 40-mg pegbelfermin arms compared with placebo. Serious adverse events were more frequent with pegbelfermin vs placebo, although none were treatment related. One patient (40-mg pegbelfermin) discontinued treatment because of a treatment-emergent adverse event (worsening ascites). CONCLUSIONS FALCON 2 did not meet its primary endpoint of 1 or more stages of improvement in the NASH Clinical Research Network fibrosis without NASH worsening assessed via biopsy. Pegbelfermin generally was well tolerated in this advanced NASH population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal F Abdelmalek
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Arun J Sanyal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Atsushi Nakajima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | | | - Zachary D Goodman
- Center for Liver Diseases, Inova Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, Virginia
| | - Eric J Lawitz
- The Texas Liver Institute, University of Texas San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | | | - Ira M Jacobson
- Department of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Kento Imajo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | | | | | - Takemi Akahane
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Shuyan Du
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, New Jersey
| | | | - Rohit Loomba
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
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49
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Zhang B, Chang JY, Lee MH, Ju SH, Yi HS, Shong M. Mitochondrial Stress and Mitokines: Therapeutic Perspectives for the Treatment of Metabolic Diseases. Diabetes Metab J 2024; 48:1-18. [PMID: 38173375 PMCID: PMC10850273 DOI: 10.4093/dmj.2023.0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial stress and the dysregulated mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) are linked to various diseases, including metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Mitokines, signaling molecules released by mitochondrial stress response and UPRmt, are crucial mediators of inter-organ communication and influence systemic metabolic and physiological processes. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of mitokines, including their regulation by exercise and lifestyle interventions and their implications for various diseases. The endocrine actions of mitokines related to mitochondrial stress and adaptations are highlighted, specifically the broad functions of fibroblast growth factor 21 and growth differentiation factor 15, as well as their specific actions in regulating inter-tissue communication and metabolic homeostasis. Finally, we discuss the potential of physiological and genetic interventions to reduce the hazards associated with dysregulated mitokine signaling and preserve an equilibrium in mitochondrial stress-induced responses. This review provides valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying mitochondrial regulation of health and disease by exploring mitokine interactions and their regulation, which will facilitate the development of targeted therapies and personalized interventions to improve health outcomes and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benyuan Zhang
- Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Joon Young Chang
- Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Min Hee Lee
- Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Sang-Hyeon Ju
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Hyon-Seung Yi
- Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Minho Shong
- Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
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50
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Loomba R, Sanyal AJ, Nakajima A, Neuschwander-Tetri BA, Goodman ZD, Harrison SA, Lawitz EJ, Gunn N, Imajo K, Ravendhran N, Akahane T, Boone B, Yamaguchi M, Chatterjee A, Tirucherai GS, Shevell DE, Du S, Charles ED, Abdelmalek MF. Pegbelfermin in Patients With Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and Stage 3 Fibrosis (FALCON 1): A Randomized Phase 2b Study. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 22:102-112.e9. [PMID: 37088457 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Pegbelfermin is a polyethlene glycol-conjugated analog of human fibroblast growth factor 21, a nonmitogenic hormone that regulates energy metabolism. This phase 2b study evaluated 48-week pegbelfermin treatment in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and stage 3 (bridging) fibrosis. METHODS The FALCON 1 study (NCT03486899) was a multicenter, randomized (1:1:1:1), double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Patients with biopsy-confirmed NASH and stage 3 fibrosis (N = 197) received weekly subcutaneous pegbelfermin (10, 20, or 40 mg) or placebo injections for 48 weeks. The week 24 primary endpoint was a ≥1-point decrease in fibrosis score without NASH worsening or NASH improvement without fibrosis worsening; pegbelfermin dose response was assessed using a Cochran-Armitage trend test across proportions (1-sided α = 0.05). Secondary/exploratory endpoints included histological and noninvasive measures of steatosis, fibrosis, and liver injury/inflammation. RESULTS At week 24, the primary endpoint was met by 14% (placebo) vs 24%-31% (pegbelfermin arms); statistical significance was not reached due to lack of pegbelfermin dose response (P = .134). At weeks 24 and 48, more patients who received pegbelfermin had ≥30% relative reductions in hepatic fat fraction (magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction) vs placebo, although no differences reached statistical significance. In the pegbelfermin arms, improvements in liver fibrosis (magnetic resonance elastography and N-terminal type III collagen propeptide) and liver injury/inflammation (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase) were observed vs placebo. Adverse events occurred at similar frequencies across arms. No treatment-related serious adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS The FALCON 1 study did not meet its primary endpoint; a ≥1-point decrease in fibrosis score without NASH worsening or NASH improvement without fibrosis worsening assessed via biopsy. Pegbelfermin was generally well tolerated during 48 weeks of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Loomba
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Arun J Sanyal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Atsushi Nakajima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | | | - Zachary D Goodman
- Center for Liver Diseases, Inova Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, Virginia
| | | | - Eric J Lawitz
- Texas Liver Institute, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | | | - Kento Imajo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | | | - Takemi Akahane
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Shuyan Du
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, New Jersey
| | | | - Manal F Abdelmalek
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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