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Lonardo A, Ballestri S, Mantovani A, Targher G, Bril F. Endpoints in NASH Clinical Trials: Are We Blind in One Eye? Metabolites 2024; 14:40. [PMID: 38248843 PMCID: PMC10820221 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14010040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
This narrative review aims to illustrate the notion that nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), recently renamed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), is a systemic metabolic disorder featuring both adverse hepatic and extrahepatic outcomes. In recent years, several NASH trials have failed to identify effective pharmacological treatments and, therefore, lifestyle changes are the cornerstone of therapy for NASH. with this context, we analyze the epidemiological burden of NASH and the possible pathogenetic factors involved. These include genetic factors, insulin resistance, lipotoxicity, immuno-thrombosis, oxidative stress, reprogramming of hepatic metabolism, and hypoxia, all of which eventually culminate in low-grade chronic inflammation and increased risk of fibrosis progression. The possible explanations underlying the failure of NASH trials are also accurately examined. We conclude that the high heterogeneity of NASH, resulting from variable genetic backgrounds, exposure, and responses to different metabolic stresses, susceptibility to hepatocyte lipotoxicity, and differences in repair-response, calls for personalized medicine approaches involving research on noninvasive biomarkers. Future NASH trials should aim at achieving a complete assessment of systemic determinants, modifiers, and correlates of NASH, thus adopting a more holistic and unbiased approach, notably including cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic outcomes, without restricting therapeutic perspectives to histological surrogates of liver-related outcomes alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amedeo Lonardo
- AOU—Modena—Ospedale Civile di Baggiovara, 41126 Modena, Italy;
| | | | - Alessandro Mantovani
- Section of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Piazzale Stefani, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Giovanni Targher
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy;
- Metabolic Diseases Research Unit, IRCCS Sacro Cuore—Don Calabria Hospital, 37024 Negrar di Valpolicella, Italy
| | - Fernando Bril
- Department of Medicine, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL 35233, USA;
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Yan M, Man S, Ma L, Gao W. Comprehensive molecular mechanisms and clinical therapy in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: An overview and current perspectives. Metabolism 2022; 134:155264. [PMID: 35810782 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2022.155264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) pathophysiology continues to advance rapidly. Given the complexity of the pathogenesis of NASH, the field has moved from describing the single pathogenesis of NASH to deeply phenotyping with a description of the multi-mechanism and multi-target pathogenesis that includes glucose, lipid and cholesterol metabolism, fibrotic progression, inflammation, immune reaction and apoptosis. To make the picture more complex, the pathogenesis of NASH involves pathological connections between the liver and several organs such as the adipose, pancreas, kidney and gut. Numerous pharmacologic candidates have been tested in clinical trials and have generated some positive results. Importantly, PPAR as triglyceride synthesis inhibitor and FXR as bile acids synthesis inhibitor have displayed beneficial effects on candidates for lipid and cholesterol metabolism. Although the efficacy of these drugs has been affirmed, serious side effects hinder their further development. It is a particularly important task to carry out the in-depth long-term research. Additionally, drug combination increases response rate and reduces side effects of a single drug. Mastering the advantages and limitations of clinical candidate drugs and continuous improvement and innovation are necessary to formulate a new strategy for the future treatment of NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyao Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Shuli Man
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China.
| | - Long Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, China.
| | - Wenyuan Gao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Modern Drug Delivery & High-Efficiency, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072, China.
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3
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Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a metabolic burden promoting atherosclerosis. Clin Sci (Lond) 2021; 134:1775-1799. [PMID: 32677680 DOI: 10.1042/cs20200446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the fastest growing chronic liver disease, with a prevalence of up to 25% worldwide. Individuals with NAFLD have a high risk of disease progression to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and liver failure. With the exception of intrahepatic burden, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and especially atherosclerosis (AS) are common complications of NAFLD. Furthermore, CVD is a major cause of death in NAFLD patients. Additionally, AS is a metabolic disorder highly associated with NAFLD, and individual NAFLD pathologies can greatly increase the risk of AS. It is increasingly clear that AS-associated endothelial cell damage, inflammatory cell activation, and smooth muscle cell proliferation are extensively impacted by NAFLD-induced systematic dyslipidemia, inflammation, oxidative stress, the production of hepatokines, and coagulations. In clinical trials, drug candidates for NAFLD management have displayed promising effects for the treatment of AS. In this review, we summarize the key molecular events and cellular factors contributing to the metabolic burden induced by NAFLD on AS, and discuss therapeutic strategies for the improvement of AS in individuals with NAFLD.
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Simon TG, Corey KE, Cannon CP, Blazing M, Park JG, O'Donoghue ML, Chung RT, Giugliano RP. The nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) fibrosis score, cardiovascular risk stratification and a strategy for secondary prevention with ezetimibe. Int J Cardiol 2018; 270:245-252. [PMID: 29903515 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2018.05.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score (NFS) is comprised of unique metabolic risk indicators that may accurately predict residual cardiovascular (CV) risk in patients with established coronary disease and metabolic dysfunction. METHODS We applied the NFS prospectively to 14,819 post-ACS patients randomized to ezetimibe/simvastatin (E/S) or placebo/simvastatin (P/S), in the IMPROVE-IT trial, using validated NFS cutoffs. The primary endpoint included CV death, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, revascularization or stroke. Outcomes were compared between NFS categories and treatment arms using frequency of events, KM rates and adjusted Cox proportional hazard models. The ability of the NFS to predict recurrent CV events was independently validated in 5395 placebo-treated patients enrolled in the SOLID-TIMI 52 trial. RESULTS Among 14,819 patients enrolled in IMPROVE-IT, 14.2% (N = 2106) were high-risk (NFS > 0.67). The high-risk group had a 30% increased risk of recurrent major CV events, compared to the low-risk NFS group (HR 1.30 [1.19-1.43]; p < 0.001). Among high-risk patients, ezetimibe/simvastatin conferred a 3.7% absolute reduction in risk of recurrent CV events, compared to placebo/simvastatin (HR 0.85 [0.74-0.98]), translating to a number-needed-to-treat of 27. Similar benefit was not found in the low-risk group (HR ezetimibe/simvastatin vs. placebo/simvastatin, 1.01 [0.91-1.12]; p-interaction = 0.053). The relationship between NFS category and recurrent CV events was independently validated in patients enrolled in SOLID-TIMI 52 (HR for NFS > 0.67 vs. NFS < -1.455 = 1.55 [1.32-1.81]; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Stratification of cardiovascular risk by NFS identifies an independent population of patients who are at highest risk of recurrent events, and most likely to benefit from dual lipid-lowering therapy. Clinical trials.gov: NCT00202878.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey G Simon
- Liver Center, Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, United States; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kathleen E Corey
- Liver Center, Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, United States; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Christopher P Cannon
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; TIMI Study Group, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, United States
| | | | - Jeong-Gun Park
- TIMI Study Group, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, United States
| | - Michelle L O'Donoghue
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; TIMI Study Group, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, United States
| | - Raymond T Chung
- Liver Center, Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, United States; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Robert P Giugliano
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; TIMI Study Group, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, United States.
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Athyros VG, Alexandrides TK, Bilianou H, Cholongitas E, Doumas M, Ganotakis ES, Goudevenos J, Elisaf MS, Germanidis G, Giouleme O, Karagiannis A, Karvounis C, Katsiki N, Kotsis V, Kountouras J, Liberopoulos E, Pitsavos C, Polyzos S, Rallidis LS, Richter D, Tsapas AG, Tselepis AD, Tsioufis K, Tziomalos K, Tzotzas T, Vasiliadis TG, Vlachopoulos C, Mikhailidis DP, Mantzoros C. The use of statins alone, or in combination with pioglitazone and other drugs, for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and related cardiovascular risk. An Expert Panel Statement. Metabolism 2017; 71:17-32. [PMID: 28521870 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2017.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common liver disease, is characterized by accumulation of fat (>5% of the liver tissue), in the absence of alcohol abuse or other chronic liver diseases. It is closely related to the epidemic of obesity, metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). NAFLD can cause liver inflammation and progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis or hepatocellular cancer (HCC). Nevertheless, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common cause of death in NAFLD/NASH patients. Current guidelines suggest the use of pioglitazone both in patients with T2DM and in those without. The use of statins, though considered safe by the guidelines, have very limited use; only 10% in high CVD risk patients are on statins by tertiary centers in the US. There are data from several animal studies, 5 post hoc analyses of prospective long-term survival studies, and 5 rather small biopsy proven NASH studies, one at baseline and on at the end of the study. All these studies provide data for biochemical and histological improvement of NAFLD/NASH with statins and in the clinical studies large reductions in CVD events in comparison with those also on statins and normal liver. Ezetimibe was also reported to improve NAFLD. Drugs currently in clinical trials seem to have potential for slowing down the evolution of NAFLD and for reducing liver- and CVD-related morbidity and mortality, but it will take time before they are ready to be used in everyday clinical practice. The suggestion of this Expert Panel is that, pending forthcoming randomized clinical trials, physicians should consider using a PPARgamma agonist, such as pioglitazone, or, statin use in those with NAFLD/NASH at high CVD or HCC risk, alone and/or preferably in combination with each other or with ezetimibe, for the primary or secondary prevention of CVD, and the avoidance of cirrhosis, liver transplantation or HCC, bearing in mind that CVD is the main cause of death in NAFLD/NASH patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasilios G Athyros
- 2nd Prop. Department of Internal Medicine, Hippocration Hospital, Medical School of Aristotle University Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Theodore K Alexandrides
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Greece
| | - Helen Bilianou
- Lipid Clinic, Cardiology Department, Tzaneio Hospital, Piraeus, Greece
| | - Evangelos Cholongitas
- 4th Prop. Department of Internal Medicine, Hippocration Hospital, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical School of Aristotle University Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Michael Doumas
- 2nd Prop. Department of Internal Medicine, Hippocration Hospital, Medical School of Aristotle University Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Emmanuel S Ganotakis
- Department of Internal Medicine University Hospital of Crete, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - John Goudevenos
- Department of Cardiology Medical School, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Moses S Elisaf
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Georgios Germanidis
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Section, AHEPA Hospital, Aristotle University Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Olga Giouleme
- 2nd Prop. Department of Internal Medicine, Hippocration Hospital, Medical School of Aristotle University Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Asterios Karagiannis
- 2nd Prop. Department of Internal Medicine, Hippocration Hospital, Medical School of Aristotle University Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Charalambos Karvounis
- First Cardiology Department, AHEPA Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Niki Katsiki
- 2nd Prop. Department of Internal Medicine, Hippocration Hospital, Medical School of Aristotle University Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vasilios Kotsis
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Papageorgiou Hospital, Aristotle University Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Jannis Kountouras
- 2nd Prop. Department of Internal Medicine, Hippocration Hospital, Medical School of Aristotle University Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evangelos Liberopoulos
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Christos Pitsavos
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Stergios Polyzos
- 2nd Prop. Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Hippocration Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Loukianos S Rallidis
- 2nd Department of Cardiology, University General Hospital Attikon, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Apostolos G Tsapas
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine-Diabetology, Hippocration Hospital, Aristotle University Thessaloniki, Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexandros D Tselepis
- Atherothrombosis Research Centre/Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Tsioufis
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Tziomalos
- 1st Prop. Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA Hospital, Aristotle University Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Themistoklis G Vasiliadis
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Papageorgiou Hospital, Aristotle University Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Charalambos Vlachopoulos
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitri P Mikhailidis
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Free Hospital Campus, University College London Medical School, University College London (UCL), London, UK
| | - Christos Mantzoros
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Patil R, Sood GK. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular risk. World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol 2017; 8:51-58. [PMID: 28573067 PMCID: PMC5437502 DOI: 10.4291/wjgp.v8.i2.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2016] [Revised: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. The spectrum of disease ranges from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis and progression to cirrhosis. Compelling evidence over the past several years has substantiated a significant link between NAFLD and cardiovascular disease ranging from coronary artery disease to subclinical carotid atherosclerosis. Close follow up, treatment of risk factors for NAFLD, and cardiovascular risk stratification are necessary to predict morbidity and mortality in this subset of patients.
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Perazzo H, Dufour JF. The therapeutic landscape of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Liver Int 2017; 37:634-647. [PMID: 27727520 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized by lobular inflammation and hepatocellular ballooning, and may be associated with liver fibrosis leading to cirrhosis and its complications. A pharmacological approach is necessary to treat NASH because of failure to change dietary habits and lifestyle in most patients. Insulin resistance with an increased release of free fatty acids, oxidative stress and activation of inflammatory cytokines seem to be key features for disease progression. Thiazolidinediones, such as pioglitazone and antioxidant agents, such as vitamin E, were the first pharmacological options to be evaluated for NASH. In recent years, several new molecules that target different pathways related to NASH pathogenesis, such as liver metabolic homeostasis, inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis, have been developed. Obeticholic acid (INT-747) and elafibranor (GFT-505) have provided promising results in phase IIb, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials and they are being evaluated in ongoing phase III studies. Most of the potential treatments for NASH are under investigation in phase II studies, with some at phase I. This diversity in possible treatments calls for a better understanding of NASH in order to enrich trial populations with patients more susceptible to progress and to respond. This manuscript aims to review the pharmacological NASH treatment landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Perazzo
- Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Disease (INI)-Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Laboratory of clinical research on STD/AIDS, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jean-François Dufour
- University Clinic for Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland.,Hepatology, Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Lombardi R, Onali S, Thorburn D, Davidson BR, Gurusamy KS, Tsochatzis E. Pharmacological interventions for non-alcohol related fatty liver disease (NAFLD): an attempted network meta-analysis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017; 3:CD011640. [PMID: 28358980 PMCID: PMC6464620 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011640.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-alcohol related fatty liver disease (commonly called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)) is liver steatosis in the absence of significant alcohol consumption, use of hepatotoxic medication, or other disorders affecting the liver such as hepatitis C virus infection, Wilson's disease, and starvation. NAFLD embraces the full spectrum of disease from pure steatosis (i.e. uncomplicated fatty liver) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), via NASH-cirrhosis to cirrhosis. The optimal pharmacological treatment for people with NAFLD remains uncertain. OBJECTIVES To assess the comparative benefits and harms of different pharmacological interventions in the treatment of NAFLD through a network meta-analysis and to generate rankings of the available pharmacological treatments according to their safety and efficacy. However, it was not possible to assess whether the potential effect modifiers were similar across different comparisons. Therefore, we did not perform the network meta-analysis, and instead, assessed the comparative benefits and harms of different interventions using standard Cochrane methodology. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded, the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and ClinicalTrials.com to August 2016. SELECTION CRITERIA We included only randomised clinical trials (irrespective of language, blinding, or publication status) in participants with NAFLD. We excluded trials which included participants who had previously undergone liver transplantation. We considered any of the various pharmacological interventions compared with each other or with placebo or no intervention. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We calculated the odds ratio (OR) and rate ratio with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using both fixed-effect and random-effects models based on an available participant analysis with Review Manager. We assessed risk of bias according to the Cochrane risk of bias tool, controlled risk of random errors with Trial Sequential Analysis, and assessed the quality of the evidence using GRADE. MAIN RESULTS We identified 77 trials including 6287 participants that met the inclusion criteria of this review. Forty-one trials (3829 participants) provided information for one or more outcomes. Only one trial was at low risk of bias in all domains. All other trials were at high risk of bias in one or more domains. Overall, all the evidence was very low quality. Thirty-five trials included only participants with non-alcohol related steatohepatitis (NASH) (based on biopsy confirmation). Five trials included only participants with diabetes mellitus; 14 trials included only participants without diabetes mellitus. The follow-up in the trials ranged from one month to 24 months.We present here only the comparisons of active intervention versus no intervention in which two or more trials reported at least one of the following outcomes: mortality at maximal follow-up, serious adverse events, and health-related quality of life, the outcomes that determine whether a treatment should be used. Antioxidants versus no interventionThere was no mortality in either group (87 participants; 1 trial; very low quality evidence). None of the participants developed serious adverse events in the trial which reported the proportion of people with serious adverse events (87 participants; 1 trial; very low quality evidence). There was no evidence of difference in the number of serious adverse events between antioxidants and no intervention (rate ratio 0.89, 95% CI 0.36 to 2.19; 254 participants; 2 trials; very low quality evidence). None of the trials reported health-related quality of life. Bile acids versus no interventionThere was no evidence of difference in mortality at maximal follow-up (OR 5.11, 95% CI 0.24 to 107.34; 659 participants; 4 trials; very low quality evidence), proportion of people with serious adverse events (OR 1.56, 95% CI 0.84 to 2.88; 404 participants; 3 trials; very low quality evidence), or the number of serious adverse events (rate ratio 1.01, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.54; 404 participants; 3 trials; very low quality evidence) between bile acids and no intervention. None of the trials reported health-related quality of life. Thiazolidinediones versus no interventionThere was no mortality in either group (74 participants; 1 trial; very low quality evidence). None of the participants developed serious adverse events in the two trials which reported the proportion of people with serious adverse events (194 participants; 2 trials; very low quality evidence). There was no evidence of difference in the number of serious adverse events between thiazolidinediones and no intervention (rate ratio 0.25, 95% CI 0.06 to 1.05; 357 participants; 3 trials; very low quality evidence). None of the trials reported health-related quality of life. Source of fundingTwenty-six trials were partially- or fully-funded by pharmaceutical companies that would benefit, based on the results of the trial. Twelve trials did not receive any additional funding or were funded by parties with no vested interest in the results. The source of funding was not provided in 39 trials. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Due to the very low quality evidence, we are very uncertain about the effectiveness of pharmacological treatments for people with NAFLD including those with steatohepatitis. Further well-designed randomised clinical trials with sufficiently large sample sizes are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Lombardi
- Royal Free Hospital and the UCL Institute of Liver and Digestive HealthSheila Sherlock Liver CentreLondonUKNW3 2QG
| | - Simona Onali
- Royal Free Hospital and the UCL Institute of Liver and Digestive HealthSheila Sherlock Liver CentreLondonUKNW3 2QG
| | - Douglas Thorburn
- Royal Free Hospital and the UCL Institute of Liver and Digestive HealthSheila Sherlock Liver CentreLondonUKNW3 2QG
| | - Brian R Davidson
- Royal Free Campus, UCL Medical SchoolDepartment of SurgeryPond StreetLondonUKNW3 2QG
| | | | - Emmanuel Tsochatzis
- Royal Free Hospital and the UCL Institute of Liver and Digestive HealthSheila Sherlock Liver CentreLondonUKNW3 2QG
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Lin SC, Heba E, Bettencourt R, Lin GY, Valasek MA, Lunde O, Hamilton G, Sirlin CB, Loomba R. Assessment of treatment response in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis using advanced magnetic resonance imaging. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2017; 45:844-854. [PMID: 28116801 PMCID: PMC5346270 DOI: 10.1111/apt.13951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Magnetic resonance imaging-derived measures of liver fat and volume are emerging as accurate, non-invasive imaging biomarkers in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Little is known about these measures in relation to histology longitudinally. AIM To examine any relationship between MRI-derived proton-density fat-fraction (PDFF), total liver volume (TLV), total liver fat index (TLFI), vs. histology in a NASH trial. METHODS This is a secondary analysis of a 24-week randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 50 patients with biopsy-proven NASH randomised to oral ezetimibe 10 mg daily (n = 25) vs. placebo (n = 25). Baseline and post-treatment anthropometrics, biochemical profiling, MRI and biopsies were obtained. RESULTS Baseline mean PDFF correlated strongly with TLFI (Spearman's ρ = 0.94, n = 45, P < 0.0001) and had good correlation with TLV (ρ = 0.57, n = 45, P < 0.0001). Mean TLV correlated strongly with TLFI (ρ = 0.78, n = 45, P < 0.0001). After 24 weeks, PDFF remained strongly correlated with TLFI (ρ = 0.94, n = 45, P < 0.0001), maintaining good correlation with TLV (ρ = 0.51, n = 45, P = 0.0004). TLV remained strongly correlated with TLFI (ρ = 0.74, n = 45, P < 0.0001). Patients with Grade 1 vs. 3 steatosis had lower PDFF, TLV, and TLFI (P < 0.0001, P = 0.0003, P < 0.0001 respectively). Regression analysis of changes in MRI-PDFF vs. TLV indicates that 10% reduction in MRI-PDFF predicts 257 mL reduction in TLV. CONCLUSIONS The MRI-PDFF and TLV strongly correlated with TLFI. Decreases in steatosis were associated with an improvement in hepatomegaly. Lower values of these measures reflect lower histologic steatosis grades. MRI-derived measures of liver fat and volume may be used as dynamic and more responsive imaging biomarkers in a NASH trial, than histology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven C. Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,NAFLD Research Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Elhamy Heba
- Liver Imaging Group, Department of Radiology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Ricki Bettencourt
- NAFLD Research Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA,Division of Epidemiology, Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Grace Y. Lin
- Department of Pathology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Mark A. Valasek
- Department of Pathology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Ottar Lunde
- Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Gavin Hamilton
- Liver Imaging Group, Department of Radiology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Claude B. Sirlin
- Liver Imaging Group, Department of Radiology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Rohit Loomba
- NAFLD Research Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA,Division of Epidemiology, Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA,Division of Gastroenterology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA
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10
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Mintziori G, Polyzos SA. Emerging and future therapies for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in adults. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2016; 17:1937-46. [DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2016.1225727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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11
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Katsiki N, Mikhailidis DP, Mantzoros CS. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and dyslipidemia: An update. Metabolism 2016; 65:1109-23. [PMID: 27237577 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2016.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 394] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease worldwide, progressing from simple steatosis to necroinflammation and fibrosis (leading to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, NASH), and in some cases to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Inflammation, oxidative stress and insulin resistance are involved in NAFLD development and progression. NAFLD has been associated with several cardiovascular (CV) risk factors including obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, hypertension and smoking. NAFLD is also characterized by atherogenic dyslipidemia, postprandial lipemia and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) dysfunction. Most importantly, NAFLD patients have an increased risk for both liver and CV disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality. In this narrative review, the associations between NAFLD, dyslipidemia and vascular disease in NAFLD patients are discussed. NAFLD treatment is also reviewed with a focus on lipid-lowering drugs. Finally, future perspectives in terms of both NAFLD diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niki Katsiki
- Second Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippocration Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitri P Mikhailidis
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry (Vascular Disease Prevention Clinics), Royal Free Hospital Campus, University College London Medical School, University College London (UCL), London, UK.
| | - Christos S Mantzoros
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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