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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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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. [PMID: 39013015 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [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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Qi J, Wu Y, Guo Z, Zhu S, Xiong J, Hu F, Liang X, Ye X. Fibroblast growth factor 21 alleviates idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling and stimulating autophagy. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 273:132896. [PMID: 38851619 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132896] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive pulmonary disease with an unclear pathogenesis and no available specific drug treatment. The principal etiological factors are lung inflammation caused by environmental factors, damage to alveolar epithelial cells, leading to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and the abnormal proliferation of fibroblasts. Here, we have demonstrated that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) ameliorates IPF via the autophagy pathway. We administered FGF21 to bleomycin (BLM)-treated mice, which ameliorated their defects in lung function, reduced the accumulation of collagen, restored tissue structure, reduced the deposition of hydroxyproline, reduced the expression of collagen I and α-SMA and increased the expression of E-cadherin. The expression of LC3BII and the number of autophagosomes were significantly higher in the lungs. The expression of AKT and mTOR was significantly reduced by FGF21 treatment. We also determined the effects of FGF21 in A549 cells treated with TGF-β, and found that FGF21 significantly inhibits activation of the AKT signaling pathway, thereby reducing TGF-β-induced EMT and preventing the uncontrolled proliferation of fibroblasts. We conclude that FGF21 ameliorates IPF by inhibiting the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway and activating autophagy, which provides a theoretical basis for FGF21 to be used for the treatment of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianying Qi
- School of chemical engineering, Jiangxi Normal University, 99 Ziyang Avenue, Nanchang 330022, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wu
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Zhimou Guo
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang 330000, China; Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Zhongshan Road 457, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Shenglong Zhu
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jingjing Xiong
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Fei Hu
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Xinmiao Liang
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang 330000, China; Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Zhongshan Road 457, Dalian 116023, China.
| | - Xianlong Ye
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang 330000, China.
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Harrison SA, Rolph T, Knot M, Dubourg J. FGF21 Agonists: An Emerging Therapeutic for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis and Beyond. J Hepatol 2024:S0168-8278(24)00332-5. [PMID: 38710230 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The worldwide epidemics of obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) / metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) represents a major economic burden on healthcare systems. At-risk MASH patients, defined as MASH with moderate or significant fibrosis are at higher risk of comorbidity / mortality with a significant risk of cardiovascular diseases and/or major adverse liver outcomes. Despite a high unmet medical need, there is no approved therapy to date. Several drug candidates have reached the phase 3 development stage and could lead to several potential conditional drug approvals in the coming years. Within the armamentarium of future treatment options, FGF21 analogs exhibit an interesting positioning thanks to their pleiotropic effects in addition to their significant effect on both MASH resolution and fibrosis improvement. In this review, we summarize preclinical and clinical data from FGF21 analogs for MASH and explore additional potential therapeutic indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A Harrison
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford Oxford, UK OX3 9DU; Pinnacle Clinical Research, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
| | - Tim Rolph
- Akero Therapeutics, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Maddie Knot
- Pinnacle Clinical Research, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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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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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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Liang Y, Chen Q, Chang Y, Han J, Yan J, Chen Z, Zhou J. Critical role of FGF21 in diabetic kidney disease: from energy metabolism to innate immunity. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1333429. [PMID: 38312833 PMCID: PMC10834771 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1333429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) stands as the predominant cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on a global scale, with its incidence witnessing a consistent annual rise, thereby imposing a substantial burden on public health. The pathogenesis of DKD is primarily rooted in metabolic disorders and inflammation. Recent years have seen a surge in studies highlighting the regulatory impact of energy metabolism on innate immunity, forging a significant area of research interest. Within this context, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), recognized as an energy metabolism regulator, assumes a pivotal role. Beyond its role in maintaining glucose and lipid metabolism homeostasis, FGF21 exerts regulatory influence on innate immunity, concurrently inhibiting inflammation and fibrosis. Serving as a nexus between energy metabolism and innate immunity, FGF21 has evolved into a therapeutic target for diabetes, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and cardiovascular diseases. While the relationship between FGF21 and DKD has garnered increased attention in recent studies, a comprehensive exploration of this association has yet to be systematically addressed. This paper seeks to fill this gap by summarizing the mechanisms through which FGF21 operates in DKD, encompassing facets of energy metabolism and innate immunity. Additionally, we aim to assess the diagnostic and prognostic value of FGF21 in DKD and explore its potential role as a treatment modality for the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingnan Liang
- Department of Nephrology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Chang
- Department of Nephrology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Junsong Han
- Department of Nephrology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaxin Yan
- Department of Nephrology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenjie Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jingwei Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Carbonetti MP, Almeida-Oliveira F, Majerowicz D. Use of FGF21 analogs for the treatment of metabolic disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. ARCHIVES OF ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM 2023; 68:e220493. [PMID: 37948566 PMCID: PMC10916804 DOI: 10.20945/2359-4292-2022-0493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
FGF21 is a hormone produced primarily by the liver with several metabolic functions, such as induction of heat production, control of glucose homeostasis, and regulation of blood lipid levels. Due to these actions, several laboratories have developed FGF21 analogs to treat patients with metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Here, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that used FGF21 analogs and analyzed metabolic outcomes. Our search yielded 236 articles, and we included eight randomized clinical trials in the meta-analysis. The use of FGF21 analogs exhibited no effect on fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, HOMA index, blood free fatty acids or systolic blood pressure. However, the treatment significantly reduced fasting insulinemia, body weight and total cholesterolemia. None of the included studies were at high risk of bias. The quality of the evidence ranged from moderate to very low, especially due to imprecision and indirection issues. These results indicate that FGF21 analogs can potentially treat metabolic syndrome. However, more clinical trials are needed to increase the quality of evidence and confirm the effects seen thus far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Paula Carbonetti
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Fernanda Almeida-Oliveira
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - David Majerowicz
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biociências, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil,
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10
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Loomba R, Sanyal AJ, Kowdley KV, Bhatt DL, Alkhouri N, Frias JP, Bedossa P, Harrison SA, Lazas D, Barish R, Gottwald MD, Feng S, Agollah GD, Hartsfield CL, Mansbach H, Margalit M, Abdelmalek MF. Randomized, Controlled Trial of the FGF21 Analogue Pegozafermin in NASH. N Engl J Med 2023; 389:998-1008. [PMID: 37356033 PMCID: PMC10718287 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa2304286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pegozafermin is a long-acting glycopegylated (pegylated with the use of site-specific glycosyltransferases) fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) analogue in development for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and severe hypertriglyceridemia. The efficacy and safety of pegozafermin in patients with biopsy-proven noncirrhotic NASH are not well established. METHODS In this phase 2b, multicenter, double-blind, 24-week, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, we randomly assigned patients with biopsy-confirmed NASH and stage F2 or F3 (moderate or severe) fibrosis to receive subcutaneous pegozafermin at a dose of 15 mg or 30 mg weekly or 44 mg once every 2 weeks or placebo weekly or every 2 weeks. The two primary end points were an improvement in fibrosis (defined as reduction by ≥1 stage, on a scale from 0 to 4, with higher stages indicating greater severity), with no worsening of NASH, at 24 weeks and NASH resolution without worsening of fibrosis at 24 weeks. Safety was also assessed. RESULTS Among the 222 patients who underwent randomization, 219 received pegozafermin or placebo. The percentage of patients who met the criteria for fibrosis improvement was 7% in the pooled placebo group, 22% in the 15-mg pegozafermin group (difference vs. placebo, 14 percentage points; 95% confidence interval [CI], -9 to 38), 26% in the 30-mg pegozafermin group (difference, 19 percentage points; 95% CI, 5 to 32; P = 0.009), and 27% in the 44-mg pegozafermin group (difference, 20 percentage points; 95% CI, 5 to 35; P = 0.008). The percentage of patients who met the criteria for NASH resolution was 2% in the placebo group, 37% in the 15-mg pegozafermin group (difference vs. placebo, 35 percentage points; 95% CI, 10 to 59), 23% in the 30-mg pegozafermin group (difference, 21 percentage points; 95% CI, 9 to 33), and 26% in the 44-mg pegozafermin group (difference, 24 percentage points; 95% CI, 10 to 37). The most common adverse events associated with pegozafermin therapy were nausea and diarrhea. CONCLUSIONS In this phase 2b trial, treatment with pegozafermin led to improvements in fibrosis. These results support the advancement of pegozafermin into phase 3 development. (Funded by 89bio; ENLIVEN ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04929483.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Loomba
- From the NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla (R.L.), Velocity Clinical Research, Los Angeles (J.P.F.), and 89bio, San Francisco (M.D.G., S.F., G.D.A., C.L.H., H.M.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond (A.J.S.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); Mount Sinai Heart, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Health System, New York (D.L.B.); Arizona Liver Health, Chandler (N.A.); Liverpat, Paris (P.B.); Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (S.A.H.); Pinnacle Clinical Research, San Antonio, TX (S.A.H.); ObjectiveHealth-Digestive Health Research, Nashville (D.L.); Ocala GI Research, Ocala, FL (R.B.); 89bio, Rehovot, Israel (M.M.); and the Division of Hepatobiliary Disease, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (M.F.A.)
| | - Arun J Sanyal
- From the NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla (R.L.), Velocity Clinical Research, Los Angeles (J.P.F.), and 89bio, San Francisco (M.D.G., S.F., G.D.A., C.L.H., H.M.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond (A.J.S.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); Mount Sinai Heart, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Health System, New York (D.L.B.); Arizona Liver Health, Chandler (N.A.); Liverpat, Paris (P.B.); Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (S.A.H.); Pinnacle Clinical Research, San Antonio, TX (S.A.H.); ObjectiveHealth-Digestive Health Research, Nashville (D.L.); Ocala GI Research, Ocala, FL (R.B.); 89bio, Rehovot, Israel (M.M.); and the Division of Hepatobiliary Disease, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (M.F.A.)
| | - Kris V Kowdley
- From the NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla (R.L.), Velocity Clinical Research, Los Angeles (J.P.F.), and 89bio, San Francisco (M.D.G., S.F., G.D.A., C.L.H., H.M.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond (A.J.S.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); Mount Sinai Heart, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Health System, New York (D.L.B.); Arizona Liver Health, Chandler (N.A.); Liverpat, Paris (P.B.); Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (S.A.H.); Pinnacle Clinical Research, San Antonio, TX (S.A.H.); ObjectiveHealth-Digestive Health Research, Nashville (D.L.); Ocala GI Research, Ocala, FL (R.B.); 89bio, Rehovot, Israel (M.M.); and the Division of Hepatobiliary Disease, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (M.F.A.)
| | - Deepak L Bhatt
- From the NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla (R.L.), Velocity Clinical Research, Los Angeles (J.P.F.), and 89bio, San Francisco (M.D.G., S.F., G.D.A., C.L.H., H.M.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond (A.J.S.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); Mount Sinai Heart, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Health System, New York (D.L.B.); Arizona Liver Health, Chandler (N.A.); Liverpat, Paris (P.B.); Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (S.A.H.); Pinnacle Clinical Research, San Antonio, TX (S.A.H.); ObjectiveHealth-Digestive Health Research, Nashville (D.L.); Ocala GI Research, Ocala, FL (R.B.); 89bio, Rehovot, Israel (M.M.); and the Division of Hepatobiliary Disease, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (M.F.A.)
| | - Naim Alkhouri
- From the NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla (R.L.), Velocity Clinical Research, Los Angeles (J.P.F.), and 89bio, San Francisco (M.D.G., S.F., G.D.A., C.L.H., H.M.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond (A.J.S.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); Mount Sinai Heart, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Health System, New York (D.L.B.); Arizona Liver Health, Chandler (N.A.); Liverpat, Paris (P.B.); Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (S.A.H.); Pinnacle Clinical Research, San Antonio, TX (S.A.H.); ObjectiveHealth-Digestive Health Research, Nashville (D.L.); Ocala GI Research, Ocala, FL (R.B.); 89bio, Rehovot, Israel (M.M.); and the Division of Hepatobiliary Disease, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (M.F.A.)
| | - Juan P Frias
- From the NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla (R.L.), Velocity Clinical Research, Los Angeles (J.P.F.), and 89bio, San Francisco (M.D.G., S.F., G.D.A., C.L.H., H.M.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond (A.J.S.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); Mount Sinai Heart, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Health System, New York (D.L.B.); Arizona Liver Health, Chandler (N.A.); Liverpat, Paris (P.B.); Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (S.A.H.); Pinnacle Clinical Research, San Antonio, TX (S.A.H.); ObjectiveHealth-Digestive Health Research, Nashville (D.L.); Ocala GI Research, Ocala, FL (R.B.); 89bio, Rehovot, Israel (M.M.); and the Division of Hepatobiliary Disease, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (M.F.A.)
| | - Pierre Bedossa
- From the NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla (R.L.), Velocity Clinical Research, Los Angeles (J.P.F.), and 89bio, San Francisco (M.D.G., S.F., G.D.A., C.L.H., H.M.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond (A.J.S.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); Mount Sinai Heart, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Health System, New York (D.L.B.); Arizona Liver Health, Chandler (N.A.); Liverpat, Paris (P.B.); Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (S.A.H.); Pinnacle Clinical Research, San Antonio, TX (S.A.H.); ObjectiveHealth-Digestive Health Research, Nashville (D.L.); Ocala GI Research, Ocala, FL (R.B.); 89bio, Rehovot, Israel (M.M.); and the Division of Hepatobiliary Disease, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (M.F.A.)
| | - Stephen A Harrison
- From the NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla (R.L.), Velocity Clinical Research, Los Angeles (J.P.F.), and 89bio, San Francisco (M.D.G., S.F., G.D.A., C.L.H., H.M.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond (A.J.S.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); Mount Sinai Heart, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Health System, New York (D.L.B.); Arizona Liver Health, Chandler (N.A.); Liverpat, Paris (P.B.); Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (S.A.H.); Pinnacle Clinical Research, San Antonio, TX (S.A.H.); ObjectiveHealth-Digestive Health Research, Nashville (D.L.); Ocala GI Research, Ocala, FL (R.B.); 89bio, Rehovot, Israel (M.M.); and the Division of Hepatobiliary Disease, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (M.F.A.)
| | - Donald Lazas
- From the NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla (R.L.), Velocity Clinical Research, Los Angeles (J.P.F.), and 89bio, San Francisco (M.D.G., S.F., G.D.A., C.L.H., H.M.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond (A.J.S.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); Mount Sinai Heart, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Health System, New York (D.L.B.); Arizona Liver Health, Chandler (N.A.); Liverpat, Paris (P.B.); Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (S.A.H.); Pinnacle Clinical Research, San Antonio, TX (S.A.H.); ObjectiveHealth-Digestive Health Research, Nashville (D.L.); Ocala GI Research, Ocala, FL (R.B.); 89bio, Rehovot, Israel (M.M.); and the Division of Hepatobiliary Disease, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (M.F.A.)
| | - Robert Barish
- From the NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla (R.L.), Velocity Clinical Research, Los Angeles (J.P.F.), and 89bio, San Francisco (M.D.G., S.F., G.D.A., C.L.H., H.M.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond (A.J.S.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); Mount Sinai Heart, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Health System, New York (D.L.B.); Arizona Liver Health, Chandler (N.A.); Liverpat, Paris (P.B.); Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (S.A.H.); Pinnacle Clinical Research, San Antonio, TX (S.A.H.); ObjectiveHealth-Digestive Health Research, Nashville (D.L.); Ocala GI Research, Ocala, FL (R.B.); 89bio, Rehovot, Israel (M.M.); and the Division of Hepatobiliary Disease, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (M.F.A.)
| | - Mildred D Gottwald
- From the NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla (R.L.), Velocity Clinical Research, Los Angeles (J.P.F.), and 89bio, San Francisco (M.D.G., S.F., G.D.A., C.L.H., H.M.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond (A.J.S.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); Mount Sinai Heart, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Health System, New York (D.L.B.); Arizona Liver Health, Chandler (N.A.); Liverpat, Paris (P.B.); Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (S.A.H.); Pinnacle Clinical Research, San Antonio, TX (S.A.H.); ObjectiveHealth-Digestive Health Research, Nashville (D.L.); Ocala GI Research, Ocala, FL (R.B.); 89bio, Rehovot, Israel (M.M.); and the Division of Hepatobiliary Disease, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (M.F.A.)
| | - Shibao Feng
- From the NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla (R.L.), Velocity Clinical Research, Los Angeles (J.P.F.), and 89bio, San Francisco (M.D.G., S.F., G.D.A., C.L.H., H.M.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond (A.J.S.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); Mount Sinai Heart, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Health System, New York (D.L.B.); Arizona Liver Health, Chandler (N.A.); Liverpat, Paris (P.B.); Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (S.A.H.); Pinnacle Clinical Research, San Antonio, TX (S.A.H.); ObjectiveHealth-Digestive Health Research, Nashville (D.L.); Ocala GI Research, Ocala, FL (R.B.); 89bio, Rehovot, Israel (M.M.); and the Division of Hepatobiliary Disease, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (M.F.A.)
| | - Germaine D Agollah
- From the NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla (R.L.), Velocity Clinical Research, Los Angeles (J.P.F.), and 89bio, San Francisco (M.D.G., S.F., G.D.A., C.L.H., H.M.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond (A.J.S.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); Mount Sinai Heart, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Health System, New York (D.L.B.); Arizona Liver Health, Chandler (N.A.); Liverpat, Paris (P.B.); Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (S.A.H.); Pinnacle Clinical Research, San Antonio, TX (S.A.H.); ObjectiveHealth-Digestive Health Research, Nashville (D.L.); Ocala GI Research, Ocala, FL (R.B.); 89bio, Rehovot, Israel (M.M.); and the Division of Hepatobiliary Disease, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (M.F.A.)
| | - Cynthia L Hartsfield
- From the NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla (R.L.), Velocity Clinical Research, Los Angeles (J.P.F.), and 89bio, San Francisco (M.D.G., S.F., G.D.A., C.L.H., H.M.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond (A.J.S.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); Mount Sinai Heart, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Health System, New York (D.L.B.); Arizona Liver Health, Chandler (N.A.); Liverpat, Paris (P.B.); Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (S.A.H.); Pinnacle Clinical Research, San Antonio, TX (S.A.H.); ObjectiveHealth-Digestive Health Research, Nashville (D.L.); Ocala GI Research, Ocala, FL (R.B.); 89bio, Rehovot, Israel (M.M.); and the Division of Hepatobiliary Disease, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (M.F.A.)
| | - Hank Mansbach
- From the NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla (R.L.), Velocity Clinical Research, Los Angeles (J.P.F.), and 89bio, San Francisco (M.D.G., S.F., G.D.A., C.L.H., H.M.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond (A.J.S.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); Mount Sinai Heart, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Health System, New York (D.L.B.); Arizona Liver Health, Chandler (N.A.); Liverpat, Paris (P.B.); Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (S.A.H.); Pinnacle Clinical Research, San Antonio, TX (S.A.H.); ObjectiveHealth-Digestive Health Research, Nashville (D.L.); Ocala GI Research, Ocala, FL (R.B.); 89bio, Rehovot, Israel (M.M.); and the Division of Hepatobiliary Disease, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (M.F.A.)
| | - Maya Margalit
- From the NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla (R.L.), Velocity Clinical Research, Los Angeles (J.P.F.), and 89bio, San Francisco (M.D.G., S.F., G.D.A., C.L.H., H.M.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond (A.J.S.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); Mount Sinai Heart, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Health System, New York (D.L.B.); Arizona Liver Health, Chandler (N.A.); Liverpat, Paris (P.B.); Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (S.A.H.); Pinnacle Clinical Research, San Antonio, TX (S.A.H.); ObjectiveHealth-Digestive Health Research, Nashville (D.L.); Ocala GI Research, Ocala, FL (R.B.); 89bio, Rehovot, Israel (M.M.); and the Division of Hepatobiliary Disease, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (M.F.A.)
| | - Manal F Abdelmalek
- From the NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla (R.L.), Velocity Clinical Research, Los Angeles (J.P.F.), and 89bio, San Francisco (M.D.G., S.F., G.D.A., C.L.H., H.M.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond (A.J.S.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); Mount Sinai Heart, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Health System, New York (D.L.B.); Arizona Liver Health, Chandler (N.A.); Liverpat, Paris (P.B.); Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (S.A.H.); Pinnacle Clinical Research, San Antonio, TX (S.A.H.); ObjectiveHealth-Digestive Health Research, Nashville (D.L.); Ocala GI Research, Ocala, FL (R.B.); 89bio, Rehovot, Israel (M.M.); and the Division of Hepatobiliary Disease, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (M.F.A.)
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Rosoff DB, Mavromatis LA, Bell AS, Wagner J, Jung J, Marioni RE, Davey Smith G, Horvath S, Lohoff FW. Multivariate genome-wide analysis of aging-related traits identifies novel loci and new drug targets for healthy aging. NATURE AGING 2023; 3:1020-1035. [PMID: 37550455 PMCID: PMC10432278 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-023-00455-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
The concept of aging is complex, including many related phenotypes such as healthspan, lifespan, extreme longevity, frailty and epigenetic aging, suggesting shared biological underpinnings; however, aging-related endpoints have been primarily assessed individually. Using data from these traits and multivariate genome-wide association study methods, we modeled their underlying genetic factor ('mvAge'). mvAge (effective n = ~1.9 million participants of European ancestry) identified 52 independent variants in 38 genomic loci. Twenty variants were novel (not reported in input genome-wide association studies). Transcriptomic imputation identified age-relevant genes, including VEGFA and PHB1. Drug-target Mendelian randomization with metformin target genes showed a beneficial impact on mvAge (P value = 8.41 × 10-5). Similarly, genetically proxied thiazolidinediones (P value = 3.50 × 10-10), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 inhibition (P value = 1.62 × 10-6), angiopoietin-like protein 4, beta blockers and calcium channel blockers also had beneficial Mendelian randomization estimates. Extending the drug-target Mendelian randomization framework to 3,947 protein-coding genes prioritized 122 targets. Together, these findings will inform future studies aimed at improving healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B Rosoff
- Section on Clinical Genomics and Experimental Therapeutics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- NIH-Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program; Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Lucas A Mavromatis
- Section on Clinical Genomics and Experimental Therapeutics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Andrew S Bell
- Section on Clinical Genomics and Experimental Therapeutics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Josephin Wagner
- Section on Clinical Genomics and Experimental Therapeutics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jeesun Jung
- Section on Clinical Genomics and Experimental Therapeutics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Riccardo E Marioni
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - George Davey Smith
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Steve Horvath
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- San Diego Institute of Science, Alto Labs, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Falk W Lohoff
- Section on Clinical Genomics and Experimental Therapeutics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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12
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Tang Y, Zhang M. Fibroblast growth factor 21 and bone homeostasis. Biomed J 2023; 46:100548. [PMID: 35850479 PMCID: PMC10345222 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2022.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a member of the FGF subfamily, is produced primarily in the liver and adipose tissue. The main function of FGF21 is to regulate energy metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids in the body through endocrine and other means, making FGF21 have potential clinical value in the treatment of metabolic disorders. Although FGF21 and its receptors play a role in the regulation of bone homeostasis through a variety of signaling pathways, a large number of studies have reported that the abuse of FGF21 and its analogues and the abnormal expression of FGF21 in vivo may be associated with bone abnormalities. Due to limited research information on the effect of FGF21 on bone metabolism regulation, the role of FGF21 in the process of bone homeostasis regulation and the mechanism of its occurrence and development have not been fully clarified. Certainly, the various roles played by FGF21 in the regulation of bone homeostasis deserve increasing attention. In this review, we summarize the basic physiological knowledge of FGF21 and the effects of FGF21 on metabolic homeostasis of the skeletal system in animal and human studies. The information provided in this review may prove beneficial for the intervention of bone diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Tang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Mei Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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Yang M, Liu C, Jiang N, Liu Y, Luo S, Li C, Zhao H, Han Y, Chen W, Li L, Xiao L, Sun L. Fibroblast growth factor 21 in metabolic syndrome. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1220426. [PMID: 37576954 PMCID: PMC10414186 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1220426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome is a complex metabolic disorder that often clinically manifests as obesity, insulin resistance/diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. With the development of social and economic systems, the incidence of metabolic syndrome is increasing, bringing a heavy medical burden. However, there is still a lack of effective prevention and treatment strategies. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a member of the human FGF superfamily and is a key protein involved in the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis, including reducing fat mass and lowering hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Here, we review the current regulatory mechanisms of FGF21, summarize its role in obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension, and discuss the possibility of FGF21 as a potential target for the treatment of metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yang
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chongbin Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Na Jiang
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shilu Luo
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chenrui Li
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hao Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yachun Han
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Li Xiao
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lin Sun
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Basha A, May SC, Anderson RM, Samala N, Mirmira RG. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Translating Disease Mechanisms into Therapeutics Using Animal Models. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9996. [PMID: 37373143 PMCID: PMC10298283 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129996] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a range of pathologies arising from fat accumulation in the liver in the absence of excess alcohol use or other causes of liver disease. Its complications include cirrhosis and liver failure, hepatocellular carcinoma, and eventual death. NAFLD is the most common cause of liver disease globally and is estimated to affect nearly one-third of individuals in the United States. Despite knowledge that the incidence and prevalence of NAFLD are increasing, the pathophysiology of the disease and its progression to cirrhosis remain insufficiently understood. The molecular pathogenesis of NAFLD involves insulin resistance, inflammation, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Better insight into these molecular pathways would allow for therapies that target specific stages of NAFLD. Preclinical animal models have aided in defining these mechanisms and have served as platforms for screening and testing of potential therapeutic approaches. In this review, we will discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms thought to contribute to NAFLD, with a focus on the role of animal models in elucidating these mechanisms and in developing therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amina Basha
- Kovler Diabetes Center, Section of Adult and Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Sarah C. May
- Kovler Diabetes Center, Section of Adult and Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Ryan M. Anderson
- Kovler Diabetes Center, Section of Adult and Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Niharika Samala
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Raghavendra G. Mirmira
- Kovler Diabetes Center, Section of Adult and Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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15
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Brodosi L, Petroni ML, Marchesini G. Looking ahead to potential incretin combination therapies for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in patients with diabetes. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2023; 24:989-1000. [PMID: 37114459 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2023.2208746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There are no drugs approved by regulatory agencies for the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); incretin combination therapies are being developed for treatment of type 2 diabetes and research has moved to test their usefulness in NAFLD. AREAS COVERED We reviewed the literature on the effectiveness of dual and triple peptides combining receptor agonists of the glucagon-like peptide 1, the glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide, and glucagon to treat NAFLD and its associated metabolic diseases, and/or the cardiovascular risk intimately connected with the cluster of the metabolic syndrome. Other combination peptides involved the glucagon-like peptide 2 receptor, the fibroblast growth factor 21, the cholecystokinin receptor 2, and the amylin receptor. EXPERT OPINION Both dual and triple agonists are promising, based on animal, pharmacokinetic and proof-of concept studies, showing effectiveness both in the presence and the absence of diabetes on a few validated surrogate NAFLD biomarkers, but the majority of studies are still in progress. Considering the long natural history of NAFLD, final proof of their efficacy on primary clinical liver outcomes might be also derived from the analysis of large databases of National Healthcare Systems or Insurance companies, when used in diabetes for improving glycemic control, after careful propensity-score matching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Brodosi
- IRCCS-Azienda Ospedaliera di Bologna Sant'Orsola-Malpighi, Via Massarenti 9, I-40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Petroni
- IRCCS-Azienda Ospedaliera di Bologna Sant'Orsola-Malpighi, Via Massarenti 9, I-40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulio Marchesini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater University of Bologna, I-40138 Bologna, Italy
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Régnier M, Carbinatti T, Parlati L, Benhamed F, Postic C. The role of ChREBP in carbohydrate sensing and NAFLD development. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2023; 19:336-349. [PMID: 37055547 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-023-00809-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Excessive sugar consumption and defective glucose sensing by hepatocytes contribute to the development of metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Hepatic metabolism of carbohydrates into lipids is largely dependent on the carbohydrate-responsive element binding protein (ChREBP), a transcription factor that senses intracellular carbohydrates and activates many different target genes, through the activation of de novo lipogenesis (DNL). This process is crucial for the storage of energy as triglycerides in hepatocytes. Furthermore, ChREBP and its downstream targets represent promising targets for the development of therapies for the treatment of NAFLD and T2DM. Although lipogenic inhibitors (for example, inhibitors of fatty acid synthase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase or ATP citrate lyase) are currently under investigation, targeting lipogenesis remains a topic of discussion for NAFLD treatment. In this Review, we discuss mechanisms that regulate ChREBP activity in a tissue-specific manner and their respective roles in controlling DNL and beyond. We also provide in-depth discussion of the roles of ChREBP in the onset and progression of NAFLD and consider emerging targets for NAFLD therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Régnier
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, CNRS, INSERM, Paris, France.
| | - Thaïs Carbinatti
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, CNRS, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Lucia Parlati
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, CNRS, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Fadila Benhamed
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, CNRS, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Catherine Postic
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, CNRS, INSERM, Paris, France.
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Stefan N, Schick F, Birkenfeld AL, Häring HU, White MF. The role of hepatokines in NAFLD. Cell Metab 2023; 35:236-252. [PMID: 36754018 PMCID: PMC10157895 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2023.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is not only a consequence of insulin resistance, but it is also an important cause of insulin resistance and major non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The close relationship of NAFLD with visceral obesity obscures the role of fatty liver from visceral adiposity as the main pathomechanism of insulin resistance and NCDs. To overcome this limitation, in analogy to the concept of adipokines, in 2008 we introduced the term hepatokines to describe the role of fetuin-A in metabolism. Since then, several other hepatokines were tested for their effects on metabolism. Here we address the dysregulation of hepatokines in people with NAFLD. Then, we discuss pathophysiological mechanisms of cardiometabolic diseases specifically related to NAFLD by focusing on hepatokine-related organ crosstalk. Finally, we propose how the determination of major hepatokines and adipokines can be used for pathomechanism-based clustering of insulin resistance in NAFLD and visceral obesity to better implement precision medicine in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Stefan
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Nephrology, University Hospital of Tübingen, Otfried-Müller Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Institute of Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases (IDM) of the Helmholtz Center Munich, Tübingen, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Fritz Schick
- Institute of Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases (IDM) of the Helmholtz Center Munich, Tübingen, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany; Section of Experimental Radiology, Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas L Birkenfeld
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Nephrology, University Hospital of Tübingen, Otfried-Müller Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Institute of Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases (IDM) of the Helmholtz Center Munich, Tübingen, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Hans-Ulrich Häring
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Nephrology, University Hospital of Tübingen, Otfried-Müller Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Institute of Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases (IDM) of the Helmholtz Center Munich, Tübingen, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Morris F White
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Recent updates on targeting the molecular mediators of NAFLD. J Mol Med (Berl) 2023; 101:101-124. [PMID: 36792729 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-022-02282-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rapidly becoming the most common disease worldwide in an era of rapid economic growth. NAFLD is a multifactorial disease, involving multiple genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors, and is closely associated with metabolic syndrome, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. NAFLD can be classified into nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFL) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can both progress to cirrhosis and even hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Due to the enormous burden of NAFLD and its complications, no FDA-approved drugs for the treatment of NAFLD are on the market, and therapeutic targets and drug therapies are being actively investigated. In view of the various pathological mechanisms of NAFLD, numbers of preclinical studies and clinical trials have made rapid progress. This review mainly summarizes the most recently characterized mechanisms and therapeutic targets in each mechanism of NAFLD, focusing on the mechanism and application potential.
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Raptis DD, Mantzoros CS, Polyzos SA. Fibroblast Growth Factor-21 as a Potential Therapeutic Target of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2023; 19:77-96. [PMID: 36713291 PMCID: PMC9879042 DOI: 10.2147/tcrm.s352008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a highly prevalent disease without any approved treatment to-date despite intensive research efforts by researchers and pharmaceutical industry. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-21 has been gaining increasing attention as a possible contributing factor and thus therapeutic target for obesity-related metabolic disorders, including NAFLD, mainly due to its effects on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Most animal and human observational studies have shown higher FGF-21 concentrations in NAFLD than non-NAFLD, implying that FGF-21 may be increased to counteract hepatic steatosis and inflammation. However, although Mendelian Randomization studies have revealed that variations of FGF-21 levels within the physiological range may have effects in hyperlipidemia and possibly nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, they also indicate that FGF-21, in physiological concentrations, may fail to reverse NAFLD and may not be able to control obesity and other diseases, indicating a state of FGF-21 resistance or insensitivity that could not respond to administration of FGF-21 in supraphysiological concentrations. Interventional studies with FGF-21 analogs (eg, pegbelfermin, efruxifermin, BOS-580) in humans have provided some favorable results in Phase 1 and Phase 2 studies. However, the definite effect of FGF-21 on NAFLD may be clarified after the completion of the ongoing clinical trials with paired liver biopsies and histological endpoints. The aim of this review is to critically summarize experimental and clinical data of FGF-21 in NAFLD, in an attempt to highlight existing knowledge and areas of uncertainty, and subsequently, to focus on the potential therapeutic effects of FGF-21 and its analogs in NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios D Raptis
- First Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece,Second Department of Internal Medicine, 424 General Military Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christos S Mantzoros
- Department of Internal Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Department of Internal Medicine, Boston VA Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Stergios A Polyzos
- First Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece,Correspondence: Stergios A Polyzos, First Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Campus of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece, Tel +30 2310 999316, Email
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Jin L, Yang R, Geng L, Xu A. Fibroblast Growth Factor-Based Pharmacotherapies for the Treatment of Obesity-Related Metabolic Complications. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2023; 63:359-382. [PMID: 36100222 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-032322-093904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family, which comprises 22 structurally related proteins, plays diverse roles in cell proliferation, differentiation, development, and metabolism. Among them, two classical members (FGF1 and FGF4) and two endocrine members (FGF19 and FGF21) are important regulators of whole-body energy homeostasis, glucose/lipid metabolism, and insulin sensitivity. Preclinical studies have consistently demonstrated the therapeutic benefits of these FGFs for the treatment of obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Several genetically engineered FGF19 and FGF21 analogs with improved pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties have been developed and progressed into various stages of clinical trials. These FGF analogs are effective in alleviating hepatic steatosis, steatohepatitis, and liver fibrosis in biopsy-confirmed NASH patients, whereas their antidiabetic and antiobesity effects are mildand vary greatly in different clinical trials. This review summarizes recent advances in biopharmaceutical development of FGF-based therapies against obesity-related metabolic complications, highlights major challenges in clinical implementation, and discusses possible strategies to overcome these hurdles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigang Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ranyao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Leiluo Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Aimin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China;
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21
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Ezpeleta M, Gabel K, Cienfuegos S, Kalam F, Lin S, Pavlou V, Song Z, Haus JM, Koppe S, Alexandria SJ, Tussing-Humphreys L, Varady KA. Effect of alternate day fasting combined with aerobic exercise on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized controlled trial. Cell Metab 2023; 35:56-70.e3. [PMID: 36549296 PMCID: PMC9812925 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Innovative non-pharmacological lifestyle strategies to treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are critically needed. This study compared the effects of alternate day fasting (ADF) combined with exercise to fasting alone, or exercise alone, on intrahepatic triglyceride (IHTG) content. Adults with obesity and NAFLD (n = 80, 81% female, age: 23-65 years) were randomized to 1 of 4 groups for 3 months: combination of ADF (600 kcal/2,500 kJ "fast day" alternated with an ad libitum intake "feast day") and moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (5 session per week, 60 min/session); ADF alone; exercise alone; or a no-intervention control group. By month 3, IHTG content was significantly reduced in the combination group (-5.48%; 95% CI, -7.77% to -3.18%), compared with the exercise group (-1.30%; 95% CI, -3.80% to 1.20%; p = 0.02) and the control group (-0.17%; 95% CI, -2.17% to 1.83%; p < 0.01) but was not significantly different versus the ADF group (-2.25%; 95% CI, -4.46% to -0.04%; p = 0.05). Body weight, fat mass, waist circumference, and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels significantly decreased, while insulin sensitivity significantly increased in the combination group compared with the control group. Lean mass, aspartate transaminase (AST), HbA1c, blood pressure, plasma lipids, liver fibrosis score, and hepatokines (fetuin-A, FGF-21, and selenoprotein P) did not differ between groups. Combining intermittent fasting with exercise is effective for reducing hepatic steatosis in patients with NAFLD but may offer no additional benefit versus fasting alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Ezpeleta
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kelsey Gabel
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sofia Cienfuegos
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Faiza Kalam
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Shuhao Lin
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Vasiliki Pavlou
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Zhenyuan Song
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jacob M Haus
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sean Koppe
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Shaina J Alexandria
- Department of Preventative Medicine (Biostatistics), Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lisa Tussing-Humphreys
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Krista A Varady
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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22
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Tan H, Yue T, Chen Z, Wu W, Xu S, Weng J. Targeting FGF21 in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases: from mechanism to medicine. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:66-88. [PMID: 36594101 PMCID: PMC9760446 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.73936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular and metabolic disease (CVMD) is becoming increasingly prevalent in developed and developing countries with high morbidity and mortality. In recent years, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has attracted intensive research interest due to its purported role as a potential biomarker and critical player in CVMDs, including atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, hypoxia/reoxygenation injury, heart failure, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. This review summarizes the recent developments in investigating the role of FGF21 in CVMDs and explores the mechanism whereby FGF21 regulates the development of CVMDs. Novel molecular targets and related pathways of FGF21 (adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase, silent information regulator 1, autophagy-related molecules, and gut microbiota-related molecules) are highlighted in this review. Considering the poor pharmacokinetics and biophysical properties of native FGF21, the development of new generations of FGF21-based drugs has tremendous therapeutic potential. Related preclinical and clinical studies are also summarized in this review to foster clinical translation. Thus, our review provides a timely and insightful overview of the physiology, biomarker potential, molecular targets, and therapeutic potential of FGF21 in CVMDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiling Tan
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, 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, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Tong Yue
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, 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, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Zhengfang Chen
- Changshu Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Changshu No.1 People's Hospital, Changshu 215500, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Weiming Wu
- Changshu Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Changshu, China
| | - Suowen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, 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, Anhui, 230001, China.,✉ Corresponding authors: E-mail: ;
| | - Jianping Weng
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, 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, Anhui, 230001, China.,✉ Corresponding authors: E-mail: ;
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23
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Larsson SC, Michaëlsson K, Mola-Caminal M, Höijer J, Mantzoros CS. Genome-wide association and Mendelian randomization study of fibroblast growth factor 21 reveals causal associations with hyperlipidemia and possibly NASH. Metabolism 2022; 137:155329. [PMID: 36208799 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2022.155329] [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: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a hepatokine that produces metabolic benefits, such as improvements of lipid profile. We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify genetic variants associated with circulating FGF21 and investigated the causal effects of FGF21 on pertinent outcomes using Mendelian randomization (MR). METHODS We conducted a GWAS testing ∼7.8 million DNA sequence variants with circulating FGF21 in a discovery cohort of 6259 Swedish adults with replication in 4483 Swedish women. We then performed two-sample MR analyses of genetically predicted circulating FGF21 in relation to alcohol and nutrient intake, cardiovascular and metabolic biomarkers and diseases, and liver function biomarkers using publicly available GWAS summary statistics data. RESULTS Our GWAS identified multiple single-nucleotide polymorphisms with genome-wide significant associations (P < 5 × 10-8) with circulating FGF21 on chromosomes 2 and 19 in or near the GCKR and FGF21 genes, respectively. The strongest signal at the FGF21 locus (rs2548957, β = 0.181, P < 2.18 × 10-42) displayed in two-sample MR analyses robust associations with lower alcohol intake, lower circulating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, C-reactive protein, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and galectin-3 concentrations, and higher circulating insulin-like growth factor-I and alkaline phosphatase concentrations after correcting for multiple testing (P < 0.0018) whereas associations with fat mass, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease were largely null. CONCLUSIONS We identified robust associations of certain genetic variants in or near the GCKR and FGF21 genes with circulating FGF21 concentrations. Furthermore, our results support a strong causal effect of FGF21 on improved lipid profile, reduced alcohol consumption and C-reactive protein concentrations, and liver function biomarkers including fibrosis. We found largely null or weak positive associations with fat mass, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease as well as higher insulin-like growth factor-I concentrations, which could indicate a compensatory increase to regulate the above FGF21 resistant states in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna C Larsson
- Unit of Medical Epidemiology, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Unit of Cardiovascular and Nutritional Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Karl Michaëlsson
- Unit of Medical Epidemiology, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marina Mola-Caminal
- Unit of Medical Epidemiology, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jonas Höijer
- Unit of Medical Epidemiology, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Christos S Mantzoros
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Section of Endocrinology, VA Boston Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Falamarzi K, Malekpour M, Tafti MF, Azarpira N, Behboodi M, Zarei M. The role of FGF21 and its analogs on liver associated diseases. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:967375. [PMID: 36457562 PMCID: PMC9705724 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.967375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a member of fibroblast growth factor family, is a hormone-like growth factor that is synthesized mainly in the liver and adipose tissue. FGF21 regulates lipid and glucose metabolism and has substantial roles in decreasing lipogenesis and increasing hepatic insulin sensitivity which causing lipid profile improvement. FGF21 genetic variations also affect nutritional and addictive behaviors such as smoking and alcohol consumption and eating sweets. The role of FGF21 in metabolic associated diseases like diabetes mellitus had been confirmed previously. Recently, several studies have demonstrated a correlation between FGF21 and liver diseases. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent type of chronic liver disease worldwide. NAFLD has a wide range from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis with or without fibrosis and cirrhosis. Elevated serum levels of FGF21 associated with NAFLD and its pathogenesis. Alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD), another condition that cause liver injury, significantly increased FGF21 levels as a protective factor; FGF21 can reverse the progression of AFLD and can be a potential therapeutic agent for it. Also, NAFLD and AFLD are the most important risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) which is the fourth deadliest cancer in the world. Several studies showed that lack of FGF21 induced oncogenic condition and worsened HCC. In this review article, we intend to discuss different aspects of FGF21 in NAFLD, AFLD and HCC; including the role of FGF21 in pathophysiology of these conditions, the effects of FGF21 mutations, the possible use of the FGF21 as a biomarker in different stages of these diseases, as well as the usage of FGF21 and its analog molecules in the treatment of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimia Falamarzi
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mahdi Malekpour
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mobin Fallah Tafti
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Negar Azarpira
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Behboodi
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Zarei
- Renal Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- John B. Little Center for Radiation Sciences, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
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Korkmaz D, Konya P, Demirtürk N. Investigation of the Characteristics of Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Cases Reported in Afyonkarahisar Province. TURKIYE PARAZITOLOJII DERGISI 2022; 46:224-227. [PMID: 36094125 DOI: 10.4274/tpd.galenos.2022.14633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF); fever, widespread pain in the body, deterioration in liver function tests; it is a tick-borne viral infectious disease that can cause bleeding and death in the skin, mucous membranes, and sometimes internal organs. In this study, we retrospectively evaluated the clinical, laboratory, and epidemiological characteristics of CCHF cases diagnosed in Afyonkarahisar. METHODS Demographic and clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, treatments, and prognoses of patients diagnosed with CCHF in Afyonkarahisar were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS In Afyonkarahisar, it was determined that 35 case reports were made between 2002 and November 2019, the date when the CCHF was first seen in Turkey. A history of tick attachment was detected in 31 subjects. Tick arrest cases were most common in June (12 cases; 34.3%) and July (9 cases; 2.9%). There was a history of living in rural areas in twenty-seven (77.1%) patients, close contact with animals in 12 patients, and a history of contact with animal blood in 4 patients. All the 35 cases that followed resulted in healing and no mortality was observed. CONCLUSION CCHF is an endemic disease that still maintains its importance in our country. The most important factor in the control with the disease is to prevent virus contact to prevent transmission. People living in endemic areas should be informed about the precautions to be taken against tick bites, and awareness should be raised by providing education about the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derya Korkmaz
- Afyonkarahisar Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi, Sağlık Uygulama ve Araştırma Merkezi, Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları ve Klinik Mikrobiyoloji Anabilim Dalı, Afyonkarahisar, Türkiye
| | - Petek Konya
- Afyonkarahisar Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi, Sağlık Uygulama ve Araştırma Merkezi, Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları ve Klinik Mikrobiyoloji Anabilim Dalı, Afyonkarahisar, Türkiye
| | - Neşe Demirtürk
- Afyonkarahisar Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi, Sağlık Uygulama ve Araştırma Merkezi, Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları ve Klinik Mikrobiyoloji Anabilim Dalı, Afyonkarahisar, Türkiye
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Glucagon-like peptide 1 and fibroblast growth factor-21 in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: An experimental to clinical perspective. Pharmacol Res 2022; 184:106426. [PMID: 36075510 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106426] [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: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/06/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive form of Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which slowly progresses toward cirrhosis and finally leads to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus and the metabolic syndrome are major risk factors contributing to NAFLD. Targeting these risk factors is a rational option for inhibiting NASH progression. In addition, NASH could be treated with therapies that target the metabolic abnormalities causing disease pathogenesis (such as de novo lipogenesis and insulin resistance) as well with medications targeting downstream processes such as cellular damage, apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1), is an incretin hormone dysregulated in both experimental and clinical NASH, which triggers many signaling pathways including fibroblast growth factor (FGF) that augments NASH pathogenesis. Growing evidence indicates that GLP-1 in concert with FGF-21 plays crucial roles in the conservation of glucose and lipid homeostasis in metabolic disorders. In line, GLP-1 stimulation improves hepatic ballooning, steatosis, and fibrosis in NASH. A recent clinical trial on NASH patients showed that the upregulation of FGF-21 decreases liver fibrosis and hepatic steatosis, thus improving the pathogenesis of NASH. Hence, therapeutic targeting of the GLP-1/FGF axis could be therapeutically beneficial for the remission of NASH. This review outlines the significance of the GLP-1/FGF-21 axis in experimental and clinical NASH and highlights the activity of modulators targeting this axis as potential salutary agents for the treatment of NASH.
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Hepatocyte-Secreted Autotaxin Exacerbates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Through Autocrine Inhibition of the PPARα/FGF21 Axis. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 14:1003-1023. [PMID: 35931383 PMCID: PMC9490100 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has reached epidemic proportions globally as a result of the rapid increase in obesity. However, there is no Food and Drug Administration-approved pharmacotherapy available for NAFLD. This study investigated the role of autotaxin, a secreted enzyme that hydrolyzes lysophosphatidylcholine to produce lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and to explore whether genetic or pharmacologic interventions targeting autotaxin ameliorate NAFLD. METHODS The clinical association of autotaxin with the severity of NAFLD was analyzed in 125 liver biopsy-proven NAFLD patients. C57BL/6N mice or fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21)-null mice were fed a high-fat diet or a choline-deficient diet to investigate the role of the autotaxin-FGF21 axis in NAFLD development by hepatic knockdown and antibody neutralization. Huh7 cells were used to investigate the autocrine effects of autotaxin. RESULTS Serum autotaxin levels were associated positively with histologic scores and NAFLD severity. Hepatocytes, but not adipocytes, were the major contributor to increased circulating autotaxin in both patients and mouse models with NAFLD. In mice, knocking-down hepatic autotaxin or treatment with a neutralizing antibody against autotaxin significantly reduced high-fat diet-induced NAFLD and high fat- and choline-deficient diet-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and fibrosis, accompanied by a marked increase of serum FGF21. Mechanistically, autotaxin inhibited the transcriptional activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α through LPA-induced activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinas, thereby leading to suppression of hepatic FGF21 production. The therapeutic benefit of anti-autotaxin neutralizing antibody against NAFLD was abrogated in FGF21-null mice. CONCLUSIONS Liver-secreted autotaxin acts in an autocrine manner to exacerbate NAFLD through LPA-induced suppression of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α-FGF21 axis and is a promising therapeutic target for NAFLD.
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28
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Lee CH. Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease - How relevant is this to primary care physicians and diabetologists? Prim Care Diabetes 2022; 16:245-251. [PMID: 35086794 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcd.2022.01.005] [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: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic-dysfunction associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a newly introduced entity hoping to more precisely define fatty liver disease. Despite the controversies surrounding MAFLD, the definition is getting more widely accepted by the global liver-health community. MAFLD represents a cohort of patients enriched with more advanced liver disease, cardio-renal and metabolic complications with increased mortality. This review aims to provide all primary care physicians and diabetologists with a clinical management update from a non-hepatologist's perspective, and a summary of important findings from recent studies to raise disease awareness and highlight the relevance of MAFLD to their daily clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Ho Lee
- Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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29
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Yang R, Xu A, Kharitonenkov A. Another Kid on the Block: Long-acting FGF21 Analogue to Treat Dyslipidemia and Fatty Liver. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:e417-e419. [PMID: 34529079 PMCID: PMC8684496 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ranyao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Aimin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Department of Pharmacology & Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Correspondence: Aimin Xu, Department of Pharmacology & Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong, L8-39, Laboratory Block, 21 Sassoon Rd, Pokfulam, Hong Kong 999077, China.
| | - Alexei Kharitonenkov
- AK Biotechnologies LLC, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401, USA
- Alexei Kharitonenkov, AK Biotechnologies LLC, 430 Amador Ln, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, USA.
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Klein Hazebroek M, Keipert S. Obesity-resistance of UCP1-deficient mice associates with sustained FGF21 sensitivity in inguinal adipose tissue. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:909621. [PMID: 36034414 PMCID: PMC9402904 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.909621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic diseases represent the major health burden of our modern society. With the need of novel therapeutic approaches, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a promising target, based on metabolic improvements upon FGF21 administration in mice and humans. Endogenous FGF21 serum levels, however, are increased during obesity-related diseases, suggesting the development of FGF21 resistance during obesity and thereby lowering FGF21 efficacy. In uncoupling protein 1 knockout (UCP1 KO) mice, however, elevated endogenous FGF21 levels mediate resistance against diet-induced obesity. Here, we show that after long-term high fat diet feeding (HFD), circulating FGF21 levels become similarly high in obese wildtype and obesity-resistant UCP1 KO mice, suggesting improved FGF21 sensitivity in UCP1 KO mice. To test this hypothesis, we injected FGF21 after long-term HFD and assessed the metabolic and molecular effects. The UCP1 KO mice lost weight directly upon FGF21 administration, whereas body weights of WT mice resisted weight loss in the initial phase of the treatment. The FGF21 treatment induced expression of liver Pck1, a typical FGF21-responsive gene, in both genotypes. In iWAT, FGF21-responsive genes were selectively induced in UCP1 KO mice, strongly associating FGF21-sensitivity in iWAT with healthy body weights. Thus, these data support the concept that FGF21-sensitivity in adipose tissue is key for metabolic improvements during obesogenic diets.
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