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Alfawaz S, Burzangi A, Esmat A. Mechanisms of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Beneficial Effects of Semaglutide: A Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e67080. [PMID: 39286709 PMCID: PMC11404706 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.67080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease stands as the predominant cause of chronic liver disease, with its prevalence and morbidity expected to escalate significantly, leading to substantial healthcare costs and diminished health-related quality of life. It comprises a range of disease manifestations that commence with basic steatosis, involving the accumulation of lipids in hepatocytes, a distinctive histological feature. If left untreated, it often advances to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, marked by inflammatory and/or fibrotic hepatic changes, leading to the eventual development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-related cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Because of the liver's vital role in body metabolism, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is considered both a consequence and a contributor to the metabolic abnormalities observed in the metabolic syndrome. As of date, there are no authorized pharmacological agents for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Semaglutide, with its glycemic and weight loss advantages, could potentially offer benefits for individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This review aims to investigate the impact of semaglutide on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sultan Alfawaz
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Medicine, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Abdulhadi Burzangi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Medicine, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Ahmed Esmat
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Medicine, Jeddah, SAU
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Hu Q, Zhang L, Tao Y, Xie S, Wang A, Luo C, Yang R, Shen Z, He B, Fang Y, Chen P. Semaglutide Ameliorates Hepatocyte Steatosis in a Cell Co-Culture System by Downregulating the IRE1α-XBP1-C/EBPα Signaling Pathway in Macrophages. Pharmacology 2024:1-10. [PMID: 39089233 DOI: 10.1159/000540654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently the most common type of chronic liver disease. Semaglutide is a glucose-lowering drug administered for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and is clinically effective in the treatment of NAFLD. X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) is related to the pathogenesis of both NAFLD and T2DM. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate whether the underlying mechanism of semaglutide treatment for NAFLD is via downregulation of the inositol-requiring transmembrane kinase/endonuclease-1α (IRE1α)-XBP1-CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα) signaling pathway in macrophages. METHODS In the present study, NAFLD cell modeling was induced by oleic acid (0.4 mm) and palmitic acid (0.2 mm). Hepatocytes (AML12) and macrophages (RAW264.7) were co-cultured in 6-well Transwell plates. Semaglutide (60 or 140 nm) was administrated for 24 h, while pioglitazone (2 μm) and toyocamycin (200 nm) were used as a positive control drug and a XBP1 inhibitor, respectively. Autophagy and apoptosis of AML12 cells were detected by transmission electron microscopy and Western blotting (WB). Hepatocyte steatosis was evaluated by adopting total intracellular triglyceride determination, analysis of the relative expression of proteins and genes associated with lipid metabolism and hepatocyte Oil red O staining. Detection of inflammation factors was conducted by ELISA and WB. To explore the underlying mechanism of NAFLD treatment with semaglutide, the relative expression of related proteins and genes were tested. RESULTS Our study demonstrated that semaglutide treatment improved autophagy and inhibited apoptosis of hepatocytes, while notably ameliorating steatosis of hepatocytes. In addition, inflammation was attenuated in the NAFLD cell co-culture model after semaglutide administration. Semaglutide also significantly reduced the protein and gene expression levels of the IRE1α-XBP1-C/EBPα signaling pathway in macrophages. CONCLUSION Semaglutide partially ameliorated NAFLD by downregulating the IRE1α-XBP1-C/EBPα signaling pathway in macrophages. These findings may provide a potential theoretical basis for semaglutide therapy for NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Pharmacology for Natural Products, Kunming, China
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Li Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Pharmacology for Natural Products, Kunming, China
| | - YiTing Tao
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - ShuangLin Xie
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Pharmacology for Natural Products, Kunming, China
| | - AiYun Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Pharmacology for Natural Products, Kunming, China
| | - Caiying Luo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Pharmacology for Natural Products, Kunming, China
| | - RenHua Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Pharmacology for Natural Products, Kunming, China
| | - Zhiqiang Shen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Pharmacology for Natural Products, Kunming, China
| | - Bo He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Pharmacology for Natural Products, Kunming, China
| | - Yu Fang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Peng Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Pharmacology for Natural Products, Kunming, China
- College of Modern Biomedical Industry, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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Zhou Q, Tian M, Cao Y, Tang M, Xiang X, Guo L, Lv H. YTHDC1 aggravates high glucose-induced retinal vascular endothelial cell injury via m6A modification of CDK6. Biol Direct 2024; 19:54. [PMID: 38978074 PMCID: PMC11229198 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-024-00498-7] [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: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Retinal vascular endothelial cell (RVECs) injury is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among the patients with diabetes. RVECs dysfunction is the predominant pathological manifestation of vascular complication in diabetic retinopathy. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) serves as the most prevalent modification in eukaryotic mRNAs. However, the role of m6A RNA modification in RVECs dysfunction is still unclear. METHODS RT-qPCR analysis and western blot were conducted to detect the change of m6A RNA modification in diabetic retinopathy. CCK-8 assay, transwell experiment, wound healing assay, tube formation experiment, m6A-IP-qPCR were performed to determine the role of YTHDC1 in RVECs. Retinal trypsin digestion test and H&E staining were used to evaluate histopathological changes. RESULTS The levels of m6A RNA methylation were significantly up-regulated in HG-induced RVECs, which were caused by increased expression of YTHDC1. YTHDC1 regulated the viability, proliferation, migration and tube formation ability in vitro. YTHDC1 overexpression impaired RVECs function by repressing CDK6 expression, which was mediated by YTHDC1-dependent mRNA decay. Moreover, it showed sh-YTHDC1 inhibited CDK6 nuclear export. Sh-YTHDC1 promotes the mRNA degradation of CDK6 in the nucleus but does not affect the cytoplasmic CDK6 mRNA. In vivo experiments showed that overexpression of CDK6 reversed the protective effect of sh-YTHDC1 on STZ-induced retinal tissue damage. CONCLUSION YTHDC1-mediated m6A methylation regulates diabetes-induced RVECs dysfunction. YTHDC1-CDK6 signaling axis could be therapeutically targeted for treating DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, 646000, China
| | - Min Tian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, 646000, China
| | - Yang Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, 646000, China
| | - Min Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, 646000, China
| | - Xiaohong Xiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, 646000, China
| | - Lu Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, 646000, China
| | - Hongbin Lv
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, 646000, China.
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Abdel-Halim NHM, Eid EA, Yehya YM, Taha M, Mosa AAH, Ammar O, Nasr ANA, Hussin E, Hussein AM. Effect of New Antidiabetics on Steatosis in Nerve Tissues and Nerve Conduction Velocity: Possible Role of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)/Synaptophysin and Nrf2/HO-1 Pathways. Cureus 2024; 16:e65726. [PMID: 39211670 PMCID: PMC11358857 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.65726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The current study aims to investigate the impact of the GLP1 analog (semaglutide) and SGLT2 inhibitor (dapagliflozin) on nerve functions, morphology, and the underlying mechanisms involving nerve growth factor (NGF)/synaptophysin and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways in obese rats. METHODS Forty male Sprague Dawley rats, aged six to eight weeks, were classified into five groups; normal group (high-fat diet {HFD} for 12 weeks, metformin group (HFD for 12 weeks + metformin in last four weeks), dapagliflozin group (HFD for 12 weeks +dapagliflozin in last four weeks, semaglutide group (HFD for 12 weeks + semaglutide in last four weeks). At the end of the experiment, the sciatic nerve was collected for nerve conduction study, oxidative stress marker (malondialdehyde, i.e., MDA), real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) study (for HO-1 and Nrf2), oil red O staining, electron microscopic examination and immunohistochemistry for NGF and synaptophysin. RESULTS The HFD group showed a significant rise in blood glucose, serum lipids, homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) index, lipid deposition in nerve tissues, and lipid peroxidation (MDA) in nerve tissues with significant attenuation in nerve conduction velocity (NCV), the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 genes and significant attenuation in area stained with NGF and synaptophysin. On the other hand, pretreatment with either dapagliflozin or semaglutide led to considerable enhancement in the deteriorated serum and nerve tissue parameters and reversed the pathological changes. CONCLUSION New antidiabetic drugs like SGLT2 inhibitors (more powerful) and GLP1 analog might have neuroprotective beneficial effects besides controlling the glycemic state in obese rats. This effect may result from reduced oxidative stress and increased Nrf2 levels, HO-1, synaptophysin, and NGF in the nerve tissues of obese rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nehal H M Abdel-Halim
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EGY
| | - Elsayed A Eid
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, EGY
| | - Yomna M Yehya
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EGY
| | - Medhat Taha
- Department of Anatomy, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-Qunfudhah, SAU
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EGY
| | - Ahmed A H Mosa
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, EGY
| | - Omar Ammar
- Department of Basic Sciences, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, EGY
| | - Ahmed N A Nasr
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EGY
| | - Emadeldeen Hussin
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EGY
| | - Abdelaziz M Hussein
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EGY
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Mao T, Zhang C, Yang S, Bi Y, Li M, Yu J. Semaglutide alters gut microbiota and improves NAFLD in db/db mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 710:149882. [PMID: 38583231 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). NAFLD can progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis, and even cancer, all of which have a very poor prognosis. Semaglutide, a novel glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, has been recognized as a specific drug for the treatment of diabetes. In this study, we used a gene mutation mouse model (db/db mice) to investigate the potential liver-improving effects of semaglutide. The results showed that semaglutide improved lipid levels and glucose metabolism in db/db mice. HE staining and oil red staining showed alleviation of liver damage and reduction of hepatic lipid deposition after injection of semaglutide. In addition, semaglutide also improved the integrity of gut barrier and altered gut microbiota, especially Alloprevotella, Alistpes, Ligilactobacillus and Lactobacillus. In summary, our findings validate that semaglutide induces modifications in the composition of the gut microbiota and ameliorates NAFLD, positioning it as a promising therapeutic candidate for addressing hepatic steatosis and associated inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuohua Mao
- Department of Endocrinology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China
| | - Chenxuan Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China
| | - Shuang Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China
| | - Yingying Bi
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China
| | - Man Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.
| | - Jia Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.
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Sun Y, Qu H, Niu X, Li T, Wang L, Peng H. Carvacrol improves blood lipid and glucose in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus by regulating short-chain fatty acids and the GPR41/43 pathway. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 28:1-10. [PMID: 38154959 PMCID: PMC10762484 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2024.28.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. Carvacrol (CAR) has demonstrated the potential to mitigate dyslipidemia. This study aims to investigate whether CAR can modulate blood glucose and lipid levels in a T2DM rat model by regulating short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and the GPR41/43 pathway. The T2DM rat model was induced by a high-fat diet combined with low-dose streptozocin injection and treated with oral CAR and/or mixed antibiotics. Fasting blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance, and insulin tolerance tests were assessed. Serum lipid parameters, hepatic and renal function indicators, tissue morphology, and SCFAs were measured. In vitro, high glucose (HG)-induced IEC-6 cells were treated with CAR, and optimal CAR concentration was determined. HG-induced IEC-6 cells were treated with SCFAs or/and GPR41/43 agonists. CAR significantly reduced blood lipid and glucose levels, improved tissue damage, and increased SCFA levels in feces and GPR41/43 expression in colonic tissues of T2DM rats. CAR also attenuated HG-induced apoptosis of IEC-6 cells and enhanced GPR41/43 expression. Overall, these findings suggest that CAR alleviates blood lipid and glucose abnormalities in T2DM rats by modulating SCFAs and the GPR41/43 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Sun
- Department of Endocrinology, Heji Hospital Affilicated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi 046011, China
| | - Hai Qu
- Department of General Surgery, Heji Hospital Affilicated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi 046011, China
| | - Xiaohong Niu
- Department of Endocrinology, Heji Hospital Affilicated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi 046011, China
| | - Ting Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Heji Hospital Affilicated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi 046011, China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Heji Hospital Affilicated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi 046011, China
| | - Hairui Peng
- Department of Endocrinology, Heji Hospital Affilicated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi 046011, China
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Zhu Y, Tan JK, Wong SK, Goon JA. Therapeutic Effects of microRNAs on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119168. [PMID: 37298120 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as a global health problem that affects people even at young ages due to unhealthy lifestyles. Without intervention, NAFLD will develop into nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and eventually liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although lifestyle interventions are therapeutic, effective implementation remains challenging. In the efforts to establish effective treatment for NAFLD/NASH, microRNA (miRNA)-based therapies began to evolve in the last decade. Therefore, this systematic review aims to summarize current knowledge on the promising miRNA-based approaches in NAFLD/NASH therapies. A current systematic evaluation and a meta-analysis were conducted according to the PRISMA statement. In addition, a comprehensive exploration of PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus databases was conducted to perform article searches. A total of 56 different miRNAs were reported as potential therapeutic agents in these studies. miRNA-34a antagonist/inhibitor was found to be the most studied variant (n = 7), and it significantly improved the hepatic total cholesterol, total triglyceride, Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), and Alanine Transaminase (ALT) levels based on a meta-analysis. The biological processes mediated by these miRNAs involved hepatic fat accumulation, inflammation, and fibrosis. miRNAs have shown enormous therapeutic potential in the management of NAFLD/NASH, wherein miRNA-34a antagonist has been found to be an exceptional potential agent for the treatment of NAFLD/NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuezhi Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Jen Kit Tan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Sok Kuan Wong
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Jo Aan Goon
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
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