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

Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists and Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors and the Prevention of Cirrhosis Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, separately, compared with dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are associated with a reduced risk of cirrhosis and other adverse liver outcomes among patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

With an active comparator, new-user approach, we conducted a cohort study using the U.K. Clinical Practice Research Datalink linked with hospital and national statistics databases. Cox proportional hazards models using propensity score fine stratification weighting were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for cirrhosis (primary outcome) and decompensated cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver-related mortality (secondary outcomes).

RESULTS

In the first cohort comparing 25,516 patients starting GLP-1RAs and 186,752 starting DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1RAs were not associated with the incidence of cirrhosis (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.68-1.19) or the secondary outcomes. In a separate cohort comparing 33,161 patients starting SGLT-2 inhibitors and 124,431 starting DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT-2 inhibitors were associated with a reduced incidence of cirrhosis (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.46-0.90), as also decompensated cirrhosis (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.54-1.00), but not with a lower risk of hepatocellular carcinoma or liver-related mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with type 2 diabetes in the U.K., GLP-1RAs were not associated with a lower risk of cirrhosis compared with DPP-4 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, SGLT-2 inhibitors were associated with a lower risk of cirrhosis compared with DPP-4 inhibitors.

Pharmacological treatment options for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is closely related to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) through a common root in insulin resistance. The more severe stage, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), increases the risk for cardiovascular complications, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Several trials investigating established antidiabetic-drugs in patients with T2DM and MASLD have yielded promising results. Therefore, we aimed to systematically review the effect of T2DM-drug treatment on MALSD parameters.

METHODS

Medical databases were searched until January 2025 for controlled trials in patients with T2DM and MASLD/MASH. Studies that evaluated the effect of T2DM-medication on the severity of MASLD/MASH in T2DM patients were included. The quality of the studies was assessed by three independent reviewers using a set of Cochrane risk-of-bias tools.

RESULTS

Of 1748 references, 117 studies fulfilled the inclusion-criteria and were assessed for eligibility in full-text. Fifty-two articles were included. Data included a total of 64.708 patients and study populations ranged from 9 to 50.742. Heterogeneity in study-design and analysis hampered the comparability of the results. Most evidence was present for GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT2-inhibitors and PPAR-γ-agonists for regression of liver fibrosis and MASH.

CONCLUSION

Studies on the value of T2DM-drug treatment in the improvement of MASLD vary significantly in study design, size and quality. GLP-1 receptor agonists, PPAR-γ-agonists, SGLT2-inhibitors may all be preferred pharmacological interventions for patients with MASLD/MASH and T2DM. Newer agents like dual GLP-1/GIP or triple GLP-1/GIP/Glucagon agonists will likely play an important role in the treatment of MASLD/MASH in the near future.

Canagliflozin alleviates acetaminophen-induced renal and hepatic injury in mice by modulating the p-GSK3β/Fyn-kinase/Nrf-2 and p-AMPK-α/STAT-3/SOCS-3 pathways

Despite the fact that canagliflozin (Cana), a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, is an anti-diabetic medication with additional effects on the kidney, there is limited experimental data to deliberate its hepato-reno-protective potentiality. Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose remains one of the prominent contributors to hepato-renal damage.

AIM

Our study assessed the novel effect of Cana against APAP-induced toxicities.

MAIN METHODS

mice were randomized into five groups: negative control, Cana25, APAP, Cana10 + APAP, and Cana25 + APAP. Cana was given for 5 days; a single dose of APAP was injected on the 6th day, followed by the scarification of animals 24 h later.

KEY FINDINGS

Pre-treatment with Cana ameliorated hepatic and renal functions, whereas, on the molecular levels, Cana promoted hepatic/renal P-AMP-activated protein kinase-α/ protein kinase B (p-Akt)/Glycogen synthase kinase (p-GSK3β) protein expression. Alternatively, Cana dampened the expression of STAT-3 and Fyn-kinase genes with a subsequent increase in the contents of suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-3 and also boosted the contents of the nuclear factor erythroid related factor 2 (Nrf-2)/heme oxygenase (HO)-1/ NADPH quinone oxidoreductase (NQO)-1 axis. The crosstalk between these paths ameliorated the APAP-induced hepatorenal structural alterations.

SIGNIFICANCE

Cana hepatorenal protective impact was provoked partly through modulating p-AMPK-α /SOCS-3/STAT-3 and GSK3β/Fyn-kinase signaling for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Current and experimental pharmacotherapy for the management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease, with its incidence increasing in parallel with the global prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Despite our steadily increasing knowledge of its pathogenesis, there is as yet no available pharmacotherapy specifically tailored for NAFLD. To define the appropriate management, it is important to clarify the context in which the disease appears. In the case of concurrent metabolic comorbidities, NAFLD patients are treated by targeting these comorbidities, such as diabetes and obesity. Thus, GLP-1 analogs, PPAR, and SGLT2 inhibitors have recently become central to the treatment of NAFLD. In parallel, randomized trials are being conducted to explore new agents targeting known pathways involved in NAFLD progression. However, there is an imperative need to intensify the effort to design new, safe drugs with biopsy-proven efficacy. Of note, the main target of the pharmacotherapy should be directed to the regression of fibrotic NASH, as this histologic stage has been correlated with increased overall as well as liver-related morbidity and mortality. Herein we discuss the drugs currently at the forefront of NAFLD treatment.

Associations of metabolic disorders with hypertension and cardiovascular disease: recent findings and therapeutic perspectives

We theoretically know that metabolic disorders, including overweight/obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and relevant tissue/organ damage, play a critical role in elevating blood pressure and developing hypertension. However, staying abreast of the ever-evolving and current research on the various metabolic disorder topics is difficult. At the same time, as hypertension in childhood and adolescence is attracting significant attention globally, it is becoming increasingly evident that metabolic disorders exert an important role in its pathogenesis. In order to effectively prevent hypertension, it is essential to appropriately approach metabolic disorders, and importantly, this approach must be practiced continuously throughout all generations. Thus, focusing on metabolic disorders is the first and essential step in effectively managing and preventing hypertension. In this Mini-Review, we introduce cutting-edge research findings on "Metabolism," published in 2023 by Hypertension Research, and discuss relevant topics and therapeutic and future perspectives.

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors versus dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors on major liver outcomes in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

AIM

To compare the effectiveness of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4is) on major liver outcomes (MLO) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We included adult patients with T2D and MASLD, using metformin without specific liver conditions or surgeries, from the Merative MarketScan database. Patients initiating SGLT2is or DPP4is from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2022 were identified. The primary outcome was time to MLO diagnosis. Overlap weighting balanced covariates, integrated with a Cox proportional hazards model for survival analysis.

RESULTS

Among 44 651 patients, 22 100 initiated SGLT2is, and 22 551 began DPP4is. After weighting, the incidence rate of MLO in the SGLT2i group was 3.8 per 1000 person-years, and it was 3.9 per 1000 person-years in the DPP4i group, resulting in an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 0.82 (95% CI, 0.60-1.10). SGLT2i initiation was not associated with cirrhosis (aHR: 0.77; 95% CI, 0.55-1.06) or hepatocellular carcinoma (aHR: 0.99; 95% CI, 0.47-1.83) separately. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses did not yield significant results.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with T2D and MASLD, SGLT2is did not show a lower risk of MLO compared with DPP4is. Clinicians should consider the overall patient conditions and the additional benefits of SGLT2is to support the decision to switch from DPP4is.

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

BACKGROUND

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Exploring Varied Treatment Strategies for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) represents a liver disorder characterized by steatosis with underlying metabolic risk factors. The prevalence of MASLD continues to rise, leading to increased patient risk of various complications. Recent research has been focused on new therapeutic strategies to reduce the incidence of MASLD and provide effective treatment plans to prevent further irreversible liver damage. The treatment approach is multifactorial, with a primary focus on weight loss and management of underlying comorbidities through lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, or surgical options. Ongoing research is exploring new pharmacological therapies that could enhance the treatment of MASLD.

Steatotic Liver Disease: Pathophysiology and Emerging Pharmacotherapies

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

Targeting metabolic-associated fatty liver disease in diabetic kidney disease: A call to action

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a common condicion with increasing prevalence and incidence, specially in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Both cardiovascular and renal disease are clearly increased in these patients, particularly in those with diabetic nephropathy. In the liver-heart-kidney-metabolic axis, the common pathophysiological basis of MAFLD, cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and T2DM is the same. The clinical relationship between all of them is clear and is multidirectional: MAFLD may precede the development of cardiovascular and renal disease, and may also worsen the prognosis of these complications once developed. In this review we emphasize the importance of targeting MAFLD in Diabetic kidney disease, with the goal of detecting high-risk patients in order to improve their prognosis.

Steatotic liver disease, MASLD and risk of chronic kidney disease

With the rising tide of fatty liver disease related to metabolic dysfunction worldwide, the association of this common liver disease with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become increasingly evident. In 2020, the more inclusive term metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) was proposed to replace the old term non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In 2023, a modified Delphi process was led by three large pan-national liver associations. There was consensus to change the fatty liver disease nomenclature and definition to include the presence of at least one of five common cardiometabolic risk factors as diagnostic criteria. The name chosen to replace NAFLD was metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The change of nomenclature from NAFLD to MAFLD and then MASLD has resulted in a reappraisal of the epidemiological trends and associations with the risk of developing CKD. The observed association between MAFLD/MASLD and CKD and our understanding that CKD can be an epiphenomenon linked to underlying metabolic dysfunction support the notion that individuals with MASLD are at substantially higher risk of incident CKD than those without MASLD. This narrative review provides an overview of the literature on (a) the evolution of criteria for diagnosing this highly prevalent metabolic liver disease, (b) the epidemiological evidence linking MASLD to the risk of CKD, (c) the underlying mechanisms by which MASLD (and factors strongly linked with MASLD) may increase the risk of developing CKD, and (d) the potential drug treatments that may benefit both MASLD and CKD.

Potential Therapeutic Strategies in the Treatment of Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease

Metabolic-associated Fatty Liver Disease is one of the outstanding challenges in gastroenterology. The increasing incidence of the disease is undoubtedly connected with the ongoing obesity pandemic. The lack of specific symptoms in the early phases and the grave complications of the disease require an active approach to prompt diagnosis and treatment. Therapeutic lifestyle changes should be introduced in a great majority of patients; but, in many cases, the adherence is not satisfactory. There is a great need for an effective pharmacological therapy for Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease, especially before the onset of steatohepatitis. Currently, there are no specific recommendations on the selection of drugs to treat liver steatosis and prevent patients from progression toward more advanced stages (steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and cancer). Therefore, in this Review, we provide data on the clinical efficacy of therapeutic interventions that might improve the course of Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease. These include the drugs used in the treatment of obesity and hyperlipidemias, as well as affecting the gut microbiota and endocrine system, and other experimental approaches, including functional foods. Finally, we provide advice on the selection of drugs for patients with concomitant Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease.

Dietary factors in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: impacts on human and animal health - a review

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is defined as a clinical syndrome characterized by excessive fat accumulation in liver, predominantly influenced by dietary choices. This study provides an extensive quantitative literature analysis on dietary influences on NAFLD. Bibliometric data were collected through the search string TOPIC = (“NAFLD*” OR “nonalcoholic fatty liver*” OR “non-alcoholic fatty liver*”) AND TOPIC = (“diet*” OR “nutrition*” OR “food*” OR “feed*”), which yielded 12,445 publications indexed within the Web of Science Core Collection. Utilizing VOSviewer software, term maps were generated to visually illustrate recurring phrases alongside citation data. The literature, which has seen exponential growth since the 2010s, predominantly consists of original articles, with a ratio of 4.7:1 compared to reviews. Notably, the significant contributors to this field were China and the United States. The majority of publications were found journals specialized in Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Nutrition & Dietetics, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Endocrinology & Metabolism, and Pharmacology & Pharmacy. Key dietary compounds/compounds classes such as resveratrol, polyphenols, curcumin, berberine, quercetin, flavonoids, omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), genistein, and palmitic acid were frequently mentioned and cited. Many of them were demonstrated to have some potential benefits on NAFLD, both in human and animal studies.

The role of atherogenic lipoproteins in diabetes: Molecular aspects and clinical significance

Dyslipidaemia plays a prominent role in the genesis of atherosclerotic plaque and the increased cardiovascular risk in diabetes. Macrophages readily take up atherogenic lipoproteins, transforming into foam cells and amplifying vascular damage in the presence of endothelial dysfunction. We discuss the importance of distinct lipoprotein subclasses in atherogenic diabetic dyslipidaemia as well as the effects of novel anti-diabetic agents on lipoprotein fractions and ultimately on cardiovascular risk prevention. In patients with diabetes, lipid abnormalities should be aggressively identified and treated in conjunction with therapeutical agents used to prevent cardiovascular disease. The use of drugs that improve diabetic dyslipidaemia plays a prominent role in conferring cardiovascular benefit in individuals with diabetes.