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Rasmussen DGK, Hansen MK, Frederiksen P, Luo Y, Pehrsson M, Neal B, Karsdal MA, Genovese F. Association of type III collagen turnover with cardiovascular outcomes and impact with canagliflozin in the CANVAS Program: A post hoc analysis. Diabetes Obes Metab 2024; 26:4060-4068. [PMID: 39014523 DOI: 10.1111/dom.15761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
AIM To investigate type III collagen (COL III) turnover in participants from the CANVAS Program biomarker substudy. METHODS Biomarkers of COL III formation (PRO-C3) and COL III degradation fragments (C3M and CTX-III) were assessed in baseline and year 3 plasma from patients enrolled in CANVAS, investigating the effect of canagliflozin in participants with type 2 diabetes. The clinical outcomes investigated in this study were hospitalization for heart failure, cardiovascular death and all-cause mortality. RESULTS Higher levels of PRO-C3 and C3M at baseline were associated with an increased incidence of all investigated outcomes, whereas levels of CTX-III at baseline were not associated with any of the investigated outcomes. Levels of PRO-C3 decreased and levels of CTX-III increased following canagliflozin treatment. An increase from baseline to year 3 in PRO-C3 in the placebo arm was associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular outcomes, and in all participants was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality. CONCLUSIONS The changes in PRO-C3 and CTX-III reflect a shift in the dynamics of COL3 turnover following treatment with canagliflozin. These biomarkers are promising pharmacodynamic tools that can be used to monitor the impact of canagliflozin treatment and possibly other sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors on tissue remodelling in future interventional trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael K Hansen
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Spring House, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | | | - Bruce Neal
- The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Imperial College London, London, UK
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2
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Sanyal AJ, Kaplan LM, Frias JP, Brouwers B, Wu Q, Thomas MK, Harris C, Schloot NC, Du Y, Mather KJ, Haupt A, Hartman ML. Triple hormone receptor agonist retatrutide for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: a randomized phase 2a trial. Nat Med 2024; 30:2037-2048. [PMID: 38858523 PMCID: PMC11271400 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-03018-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Retatrutide is a novel triple agonist of the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, glucagon-like peptide 1 and glucagon receptors. A 48-week phase 2 obesity study demonstrated weight reductions of 22.8% and 24.2% with retatrutide 8 and 12 mg, respectively. The primary objective of this substudy was to assess mean relative change from baseline in liver fat (LF) at 24 weeks in participants from that study with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and ≥10% of LF. Here, in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, participants (n = 98) were randomly assigned to 48 weeks of once-weekly subcutaneous retatrutide (1, 4, 8 or 12 mg dose) or placebo. The mean relative change from baseline in LF at 24 weeks was -42.9% (1 mg), -57.0% (4 mg), -81.4% (8 mg), -82.4% (12 mg) and +0.3% (placebo) (all P < 0.001 versus placebo). At 24 weeks, normal LF (<5%) was achieved by 27% (1 mg), 52% (4 mg), 79% (8 mg), 86% (12 mg) and 0% (placebo) of participants. LF reductions were significantly related to changes in body weight, abdominal fat and metabolic measures associated with improved insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism. The ClinicalTrials.gov registration is NCT04881760 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun J Sanyal
- Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health and Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA.
| | - Lee M Kaplan
- Section of Obesity Medicine and Weight and Wellness Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Juan P Frias
- Velocity Clinical Research, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Qiwei Wu
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | | | | | - Yu Du
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | - Axel Haupt
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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3
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Reese-Petersen AL, Holm Nielsen S, Bülow Sand JM, Schattenberg JM, Bugianesi E, Karsdal MA. The sclerotic component of metabolic syndrome: Fibroblast activities may be the central common denominator driving organ function loss and death. Diabetes Obes Metab 2024; 26:2554-2566. [PMID: 38699780 DOI: 10.1111/dom.15615] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a common feature of more than 50 different diseases and the cause of more than 35% of deaths worldwide, of which liver, kidney, skin, heart and, recently, lungs are receiving the most attention. Tissue changes, resulting in loss of organ function, are both a cause and consequence of disease and outcome. Fibrosis is caused by an excess deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, which over time results in impaired organ function and organ failure, and the pathways leading to increased fibroblast activation are many. This narrative review investigated the common denominator of fibrosis, fibroblasts, and the activation of fibroblasts, in response to excess energy consumption in liver, kidney, heart, skin and lung fibrosis. Fibroblasts are the main drivers of organ function loss in lung, liver, skin, heart and kidney disease. Fibroblast activation in response to excess energy consumption results in the overproduction of a range of collagens, of which types I, III and VI seem to be the essential drivers of disease progression. Fibroblast activation may be quantified in serum, enabling profiling and selection of patients. Activation of fibroblasts results in the overproduction of collagens, which deteriorates organ function. Patient profiling of fibroblast activities in serum, quantified as collagen production, may identify an organ death trajectory, better enabling identification of the right treatment for use in different metabolic interventions. As metabolically activated patients have highly elevated risk of kidney, liver and heart failure, it is essential to identify which organ to treat first and monitor organ status to correct treatment regimes. In direct alignment with this, it is essential to identify the right patients with the right organ deterioration trajectory for enrolment in clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jörn M Schattenberg
- Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany
- University of the Saarland, Saarbrücken, Germany
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4
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Maroto-García J, Moreno Álvarez A, Sanz de Pedro MP, Buño-Soto A, González Á. Serum biomarkers for liver fibrosis assessment. ADVANCES IN LABORATORY MEDICINE 2024; 5:115-130. [PMID: 38939201 PMCID: PMC11206202 DOI: 10.1515/almed-2023-0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the result of chronic liver injury of different etiologies produced by an imbalance between the synthesis and degeneration of the extracellular matrix and dysregulation of physiological mechanisms. Liver has a high regenerative capacity in the early stage of chronic diseases so a prompt liver fibrosis detection is important. Consequently, an easy and economic tool that could identify patients with liver fibrosis at the initial stages is needed. To achieve this, many non-invasive serum direct, such as hyaluronic acid or metalloproteases, and indirect biomarkers have been proposed to evaluate liver fibrosis. Also, there have been developed formulas that combine these biomarkers, some of them also introduce clinical and/or demographic parameters, like FIB-4, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score (NFS), enhance liver fibrosis (ELF) or Hepamet fibrosis score (HFS). In this manuscript we critically reviewed different serum biomarkers and formulas for their utility in the diagnosis and progression of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Moreno Álvarez
- Biochemistry Department, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Antonio Buño-Soto
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
- Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPaz), Madrid, Spain
| | - Álvaro González
- Biochemistry Department, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
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5
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Maroto-García J, Moreno-Álvarez A, Sanz de Pedro MP, Buño-Soto A, González Á. Biomarcadores séricos para la evaluación de la fibrosis hepática. ADVANCES IN LABORATORY MEDICINE 2024; 5:131-147. [PMID: 38939202 PMCID: PMC11206201 DOI: 10.1515/almed-2023-0172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
La fibrosis hepática se desarrolla como respuesta a la presencia de daño hepático crónico de diferentes etiologías, provocando un desequilibrio entre la síntesis y degeneración de la matriz extracelular y la desregulación de diversos mecanismos fisiológicos. En los estadios iniciales de las patologías crónicas, el hígado posee una elevada capacidad de regeneración, por lo que la detección temprana de la fibrosis hepática resulta esencial. En este contexto, es preciso contar con herramientas sencillas y económicas que permitan detectar la fibrosis hepática en sus fases iniciales. Para evaluar la fibrosis hepática, se han propuesto multitud de biomarcadores séricos no invasivos, tanto directos, como el ácido hialurónico o las metaloproteasas, como indirectos. Así mismo, se han desarrollado diversas fórmulas que combinan dichos biomarcadores junto con parámetros demográficos, como el índice FIB-4, el índice de fibrosis en la enfermedad de hígado graso no alcohólico (NFS, por sus siglas en inglés), la prueba ELF o el score de fibrosis Hepamet (HFS, por sus siglas en inglés). En el presente manuscrito, realizamos una revisión crítica del valor diagnóstico y pronóstico de los diferentes biomarcadores séricos y fórmulas actualmente existentes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Maroto-García
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, España
| | - Ana Moreno-Álvarez
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, España
| | | | - Antonio Buño-Soto
- Departamento de Análisis Clínicos, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, España
- Instituto de investigación en salud del Hospital La (IdiPaz), Madrid, España
| | - Álvaro González
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, España
- Instituto Navarro de investigación en salud (IdiSNA), Pamplona, España
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6
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Brouwers B, Rao G, Tang Y, Rodríguez Á, Glass LC, Hartman ML. Incretin-based investigational therapies for the treatment of MASLD/MASH. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2024; 211:111675. [PMID: 38636848 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2024.111675] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is the most common form of chronic liver disease. It exists as either simple steatosis or its more progressive form, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), formerly, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The global prevalence of MASLD is estimated to be 32% among adults and is projected to continue to rise with increasing rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. While simple steatosis is often considered benign and reversible, MASH is progressive, potentially leading to the development of cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Treatment of MASH is therefore directed at slowing, stopping, or reversing the progression of disease. Evidence points to improved liver histology with therapies that result in sustained body weight reduction. Incretin-based molecules, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), alone or in combination with glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and/or glucagon receptor agonists, have shown benefit here, and several are under investigation for MASLD/MASH treatment. In this review, we discuss current published data on GLP-1, GIP/GLP-1, GLP-1/glucagon, and GLP-1/GIP/glucagon RAs in MASLD/MASH, focusing on their efficacy on liver histology, liver fat, and MASH biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Girish Rao
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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7
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Terracciani F, Falcomatà A, Gallo P, Picardi A, Vespasiani-Gentilucci U. Prognostication in NAFLD: physiological bases, clinical indicators, and newer biomarkers. J Physiol Biochem 2023; 79:851-868. [PMID: 36472795 DOI: 10.1007/s13105-022-00934-0] [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: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming an epidemic in Western countries. Notably, while the majority of NAFLD patients will not evolve until advanced liver disease, a minority of them will progress towards liver-related events. Therefore, risk stratification and prognostication are emerging as fundamental in order to optimize human and economic resources for the care of these patients.Liver fibrosis has been clearly recognized as the main predictor of poor hepatic and extrahepatic outcomes. However, a prediction based only on the stage of fibrosis is near-sighted and static, as it does not capture the propensity of disease to further progress, the speed of progression and their changes over time. These determinants, which result from the interaction between genetic predisposition and acquired risk factors (obesity, diabetes, etc.), express themselves in disease activity, and can be synthesized by biomarkers of hepatic inflammation and fibrogenesis.In this review, we present the currently available clinical tools for risk stratification and prognostication in NAFLD specifically with respect to the risk of progression towards hard hepatic outcomes, i.e., liver-related events and death. We also discuss about the genetic and acquired drivers of disease progression, together with the physiopathological bases of their come into action. Finally, we introduce the most promising biomarkers in the direction of repeatedly assessing disease activity over time, mainly in response to future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Terracciani
- Hepatology and Clinical Medicine Unit, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Falcomatà
- Hepatology and Clinical Medicine Unit, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Gallo
- Hepatology and Clinical Medicine Unit, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Antonio Picardi
- Hepatology and Clinical Medicine Unit, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Nielsen MJ, Dolman GE, Harris R, Frederiksen P, Chalmers J, Grove JI, Irving WL, Karsdal MA, Patel K, Leeming DJ, Guha IN. PRO-C3 is a predictor of clinical outcomes in distinct cohorts of patients with advanced liver disease. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100743. [PMID: 37284140 PMCID: PMC10240276 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Fibroblast activity is a key feature of fibrosis progression and organ function loss, leading to liver-related complications and mortality. The fibrogenesis marker, PRO-C3, has been shown to have prognostic significance in relation to fibrosis progression and as a treatment efficacy marker. We investigated whether PRO-C3 was prognostic for clinical outcome and mortality in two distinct cohorts of compensated cirrhosis. Methods Cohort 1 was a rapid fibrosis progression cohort including 104 patients with HCV and biopsy-proven Ishak fibrosis stage ≥3 without prior clinical events. Cohort 2 was a prospective cohort including 172 patients with compensated cirrhosis of mixed aetiology. Patients were assessed for clinical outcomes. PRO-C3 was assessed in serum at baseline in cohorts 1 and 2, and compared with model for end-stage liver disease and albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) scores. Results In cohort 1, a 2-fold increase in PRO-C3 was associated with 2.7-fold increased hazard of liver-related events (95% CI 1.6-4.6), whereas a one unit increase in ALBI score was associated with a 6.5-fold increased hazard (95% CI 2.9-14.6). In cohort 2, a 2-fold increase in PRO-C3 was associated with a 2.7-fold increased hazard (95% CI 1.8-3.9), whereas a one unit increase in ALBI score was associated with a 6.3-fold increased hazard (95% CI 3.0-13.2). A multivariable Cox regression analysis identified PRO-C3 and ALBI as being independently associated with the hazard of liver-related outcomes. Conclusions PRO-C3 and ALBI were independent prognostic factors for predicting liver-related clinical outcomes. Understanding the dynamic range of PRO-C3 might enhance its use for both drug development and clinical practice. Impact and Implications We tested novel proteins of liver scarring (PRO-C3) in two groups of liver patients with advanced disease to see if they could predict clinical events. We found that this marker and an established test called ALBI were both independently associated with future liver-related clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Grace E. Dolman
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Rebecca Harris
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Jane Chalmers
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Jane I. Grove
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - William L. Irving
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Keyur Patel
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Toronto Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Indra Neil Guha
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Dutta P, Kumar Y, Babu AT, Giri Ravindran S, Salam A, Rai B, Baskar A, Dhawan A, Jomy M. Tirzepatide: A Promising Drug for Type 2 Diabetes and Beyond. Cureus 2023; 15:e38379. [PMID: 37265914 PMCID: PMC10231274 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.38379] [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: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Tirzepatide is a promising drug with dual-acting glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor activation that has revolutionized the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as an adjunct to diet and exercise. In phase 3 clinical trials (SURPASS 1-5), the dose-dependent efficacy and safety of tirzepatide were assessed by once-weekly subcutaneous injection (5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg), as monotherapy or combination therapy, in individuals with T2DM. Tirzepatide has been shown to achieve better glycemic control in terms of glycosylated hemoglobin reduction and improved fasting and postprandial glucose levels as compared to other diabetic medications. Moreover, the studies demonstrate a reduction in body weight (-6.2 to -12.9 kg), and other cardiovascular benefits by altering the lipid profile, reducing blood pressure, and visceral adiposity. Tirzepatide has acceptable side effects and is well tolerated, with a low risk of hypoglycemia. The SURPASS 4 clinical trial has shown positive cardiovascular outcomes in people with T2DM and elevated cardiovascular risk. Additionally, encouraging results from SURMOUNT trials and ongoing SURPASS-CVOT studies will shed more light on cardiovascular safety in the future. In this review, we have summarized the clinical trials and their respective outcomes and highlighted the potential future indications for tirzepatide in the management of obesity, heart failure, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palak Dutta
- General Medicine, Kyiv Medical University, Kyiv, UKR
| | | | - Alexis T Babu
- Medicine, Tbilisi State Medical University, Tbilisi, GEO
| | - Suganya Giri Ravindran
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Ajal Salam
- Medicine and Surgery, Government Medical College, Kottayam, IND
| | - Bhumish Rai
- Medicine and Surgery, Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS), Rohtak, IND
| | - Aakash Baskar
- Medicine and Surgery, K.A.P. Viswanatham Government Medical College, Tiruchirappalli, IND
| | - Ananya Dhawan
- Medicine and Surgery, Soochow University, Suzhou, CHN
| | - Manjima Jomy
- Medicine and Surgery, Southeast University, Nanjing, CHN
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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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11
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Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Performance of Non-Invasive Tests of Liver Fibrosis in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12020650. [PMID: 36675579 PMCID: PMC9862059 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12020650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aims: Non-invasive tests (NITs) are needed in clinical practice to replace histology for the identification of liver fibrosis and prognostication in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Novel collagen-derived fibrogenesis markers including N-terminal type III collagen pro-peptide (PRO-C3) are among the most promising tools in this field. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of PRO-C3, the derivative ADAPT score, and other NITs for the identification of advanced fibrosis (stages 3-4) and changes over 12 months of follow-up. Methods: In this longitudinal study, 96 patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD were evaluated at baseline, of which 50 underwent a follow-up visit after 12 months. Clinical-biochemical parameters, liver stiffness (LS) by transient elastography, PRO-C3, and other NITs (ADAPT, FIB-4, NFS, APRI) were collected at baseline and follow-up. Results: LS showed the best accuracy for the identification of advanced fibrosis, with Area under the Receiving Operator Curve (AUROC) 0.82 (0.73-0.89) for a cut-off value of 9.4 kPa. Among the other NITs, the ADAPT score showed the best accuracy, with AUROC 0.80 (0.71-0.88) for a cut-off of 5.02 (Se 62%, Sp 89%, PPV 74%, NPV 83%). The comparison between the AUROC of LS with that of ADAPT was not statistically different (DeLong test p value 0.348). At follow-up, LS was slightly reduced, whilst PRO-C3 displayed a significant increase from baseline median 11.2 ng/mL to 13.9 ng/mL at follow-up (p = 0.017). Accordingly, ADAPT score increased from median 5.3 to 6.1 (p = 0.019). The other NITs did not significantly change over 12 months. Conclusions: The ADAPT score shows the best performance among non-invasive scores for the identification of advanced fibrosis, not different from LS. Collagen-derived biomarker PRO-C3 and the derivative score ADAPT display significant changes over time, and may be useful tools for monitoring the progression of liver disease or assessing responses to treatments.
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12
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Brown EA, Minnich A, Sanyal AJ, Loomba R, Du S, Schwarz J, Ehman RL, Karsdal M, Leeming DJ, Cizza G, Charles ED. Effect of pegbelfermin on NASH and fibrosis-related biomarkers and correlation with histological response in the FALCON 1 trial. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100661. [PMID: 36866389 PMCID: PMC9971179 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2022.100661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims FALCON 1 was a phase IIb study of pegbelfermin in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and stage 3 fibrosis. This FALCON 1 post hoc analysis aimed to further assess the effect of pegbelfermin on NASH-related biomarkers, correlations between histological assessments and non-invasive biomarkers, and concordance between the week 24 histologically assessed primary endpoint response and biomarkers. Methods Blood-based composite fibrosis scores, blood-based biomarkers, and imaging biomarkers were evaluated for patients with available data from FALCON 1 at baseline through week 24. SomaSignal tests assessed protein signatures of NASH steatosis, inflammation, ballooning, and fibrosis in blood. Linear mixed-effect models were fit for each biomarker. Correlations and concordance were assessed between blood-based biomarkers, imaging, and histological metrics. Results At week 24, pegbelfermin significantly improved blood-based composite fibrosis scores (ELF, FIB-4, APRI), fibrogenesis biomarkers (PRO-C3 and PC3X), adiponectin, CK-18, hepatic fat fraction measured by MRI-proton density fat fraction, and all four SomaSignal NASH component tests. Correlation analyses between histological and non-invasive measures identified four main categories: steatosis/metabolism, tissue injury, fibrosis, and biopsy-based metrics. Concordant and discordant effects of pegbelfermin on the primary endpoint vs. biomarker responses were observed; the most clear and concordant effects were on measures of liver steatosis and metabolism. A significant association between hepatic fat measured histologically and by imaging was observed in pegbelfermin arms. Conclusions Pegbelfermin improved NASH-related biomarkers most consistently through improvement of liver steatosis, though biomarkers of tissue injury/inflammation and fibrosis were also improved. Concordance analysis shows that non-invasive assessments of NASH support and exceed the improvements detected by liver biopsy, suggesting that greater consideration should be given to the totality of available data when evaluating the efficacy of NASH therapeutics. Clinical trial number Post hoc analysis of NCT03486899. Impact and implications FALCON 1 was a study of pegbelfermin vs. placebo in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) without cirrhosis; in this study, patients who responded to pegbelfermin treatment were identified through examination of liver fibrosis in tissue samples collected through biopsy. In the current analysis, non-invasive blood- and imaging-based measures of fibrosis, liver fat, and liver injury were used to determine pegbelfermin treatment response to see how they compared with the biopsy-based results. We found that many of the non-invasive tests, particularly those that measured liver fat, identified patients who responded to pegbelfermin treatment, consistent with the liver biopsy findings. These results suggest that there may be additional value in using data from non-invasive tests, along with liver biopsy, to evaluate how well patients with NASH respond to treatment.
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Key Words
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- APRI, AST-to-platelet ratio index
- AST, aspartate aminotransferase
- CK-18 M30, caspase-cleaved cytokeratin 18
- ELF, enhanced liver fibrosis
- FGF21, fibroblast growth factor 21
- FIB-4, fibrosis-4 index
- MRE, magnetic resonance elastography
- MRI-PDFF, MRI-proton density fat fraction
- NAFLD, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- NAS, NAFLD activity score
- NASH, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
- P3NP, procollagen-3 N-terminal propeptide
- PC3X, crosslinked ADAMTS-2-released N-terminal type III collagen propeptide
- PGBF, pegbelfermin
- PRO-C3, monomeric ADAMTS-2-released N-terminal type III collagen propeptide
- SomaSignal
- T2D, type 2 diabetes
- TG, triglycerides
- TIMP-1, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases type 1
- fibroblast growth factor 21
- liver fibrosis
- non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
- precirrhotic NASH
- steatosis
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rohit Loomba
- University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Shuyan Du
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | | | | | - Morten Karsdal
- Nordic Bioscience, Biomarkers & Research, Herlev, Denmark
| | | | | | - Edgar D. Charles
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ, USA,Corresponding author. Address: 3401 Princeton Pike, Princeton, NJ, USA, 08648.
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Exosomal microRNAs and Progression of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113501. [PMID: 36362287 PMCID: PMC9654542 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is becoming a public health problem worldwide. Steatosis as the simple form and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) as its progression form are commonly seen in liver biopsy specimens from patients with obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and the use of certain drugs. Patients with NASH and advanced fibrosis were associated with increased risks of liver-related complications, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the mechanisms regarding the progression from simple steatosis to NASH fibrosis remain incompletely understood. Because NASH-caused liver injury is a complex process and multiple cell types are involved, intercellular communication is likely mediated by extracellular vesicles. Exosomes are a type of small extracellular vesicles and contain various cellular molecules, including proteins, messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs). MiRNAs are short, non-coding RNA species that are important post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of NALFD/NASH. In this article, we review the articles about NASH and exosomal miRNAs published in the most recent English literature through PubMed search and discuss the most recent criteria for histological diagnosis, pathogenesis from steatosis to NASH, roles of exosomal miRNAs in NASH pathogenesis and progression, as well as their potential in future clinical diagnosis and treatment for patients with NASH.
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Cusi K. A Simple Test to Identify the Risk of NASH and Cirrhosis in People With Obesity or Diabetes: The Time to Screen Is Now. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:e3076-e3077. [PMID: 35333917 PMCID: PMC9202686 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Cusi
- Correspondence: Kenneth Cusi, MD, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Rd, Rm H-2, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
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Cusi K, Isaacs S, Barb D, Basu R, Caprio S, Garvey WT, Kashyap S, Mechanick JI, Mouzaki M, Nadolsky K, Rinella ME, Vos MB, Younossi Z. American Association of Clinical Endocrinology Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Primary Care and Endocrinology Clinical Settings: Co-Sponsored by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD). Endocr Pract 2022; 28:528-562. [PMID: 35569886 DOI: 10.1016/j.eprac.2022.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 351] [Impact Index Per Article: 175.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide evidence-based recommendations regarding the diagnosis and management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) to endocrinologists, primary care clinicians, health care professionals, and other stakeholders. METHODS The American Association of Clinical Endocrinology conducted literature searches for relevant articles published from January 1, 2010, to November 15, 2021. A task force of medical experts developed evidence-based guideline recommendations based on a review of clinical evidence, expertise, and informal consensus, according to established American Association of Clinical Endocrinology protocol for guideline development. RECOMMENDATION SUMMARY This guideline includes 34 evidence-based clinical practice recommendations for the diagnosis and management of persons with NAFLD and/or NASH and contains 385 citations that inform the evidence base. CONCLUSION NAFLD is a major public health problem that will only worsen in the future, as it is closely linked to the epidemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Given this link, endocrinologists and primary care physicians are in an ideal position to identify persons at risk on to prevent the development of cirrhosis and comorbidities. While no U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved medications to treat NAFLD are currently available, management can include lifestyle changes that promote an energy deficit leading to weight loss; consideration of weight loss medications, particularly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists; and bariatric surgery, for persons who have obesity, as well as some diabetes medications, such as pioglitazone and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, for those with type 2 diabetes mellitus and NASH. Management should also promote cardiometabolic health and reduce the increased cardiovascular risk associated with this complex disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Cusi
- Guideine and Algorithm Task Forces Co-Chair, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Scott Isaacs
- Guideline and Algorithm Task Forces Co-Chair, Division of Endocrinology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Diana Barb
- University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Rita Basu
- Division of Endocrinology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Sonia Caprio
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - W Timothy Garvey
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | | | - Jeffrey I Mechanick
- The Marie-Josee and Henry R. Kravis Center for Cardiovascular Health at Mount Sinai Heart, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
| | | | - Karl Nadolsky
- Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, Michigan
| | - Mary E Rinella
- AASLD Representative, University of Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Miriam B Vos
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Emory University School of Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Zobair Younossi
- AASLD Representative, Inova Medicine, Inova Health System, Falls Church, Virginia
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Bel Lassen P, Nori N, Bedossa P, Genser L, Aron-Wisnewsky J, Poitou C, Surabattula R, Juul Nielsen M, Asser Karsdal M, Julie Leeming D, Schuppan D, Clément K. Fibrogenesis Marker PRO-C3 Is Higher in Advanced Liver Fibrosis and Improves in Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:e1356-e1366. [PMID: 34905051 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Serum propeptides of type III and type VI collagen (PRO-C3 and PRO-C6) are elevated in advanced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but their value in patients with severe obesity and their evolution after bariatric surgery (BS) is unknown. It is unclear if these markers of fibrogenesis are affected by adipose tissue fibrosis (ATF). OBJECTIVE We studied the association of PRO-C3 and PRO-C6 with liver fibrosis before BS, examined their evolution after BS, and evaluated how much patients' ATF contribute to their levels. METHODS Serum PRO-C3 and PRO-C6 were measured in 158 BS patients and compared with liver, subcutaneous, and omental adipose tissue histology obtained during surgery. PRO-C3 and PRO-C6 levels of 63 patients were determined in follow-up at 3 and 12 months post-BS. RESULTS Patients in the highest quartile of PRO-C3 had a higher risk of advanced liver fibrosis (stage F3-4; odds ratio 5.8; 95% CI [1.5-29.9]; P = 0.017) vs the lowest quartile (adjustment for age, gender, and BMI). PRO-C3 was positively correlated with markers of insulin resistance and liver enzymes. After BS, PRO-C3 levels decreased in patients with high baseline liver fibrosis. This decrease correlated with improvement of metabolic and liver parameters. PRO-C6 was not related to stage of liver fibrosis. ATF did not correlate with PRO-C3 or PRO-C6 levels at baseline or after BS. CONCLUSION PRO-C3 was associated with advanced liver fibrosis in patients with severe obesity, and decreased after BS, without being affected by ATF. These data suggest that BS prominently eliminates drivers of hepatic fibrogenesis in NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Bel Lassen
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Nutrition & Obesities: Systemic Approaches Research Group (NutriOmics), F-75013, Paris, France
- Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Nutrition department, CRNH Ile-de-France, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Nicole Nori
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Nutrition & Obesities: Systemic Approaches Research Group (NutriOmics), F-75013, Paris, France
| | | | - Laurent Genser
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Nutrition & Obesities: Systemic Approaches Research Group (NutriOmics), F-75013, Paris, France
- Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Department of Digestive Surgery, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Judith Aron-Wisnewsky
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Nutrition & Obesities: Systemic Approaches Research Group (NutriOmics), F-75013, Paris, France
- Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Nutrition department, CRNH Ile-de-France, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Christine Poitou
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Nutrition & Obesities: Systemic Approaches Research Group (NutriOmics), F-75013, Paris, France
- Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Nutrition department, CRNH Ile-de-France, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Rambabu Surabattula
- Institute of Translational Immunology and Research Center for Immune Therapy, Mainz University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Detlef Schuppan
- Institute of Translational Immunology and Research Center for Immune Therapy, Mainz University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Karine Clément
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Nutrition & Obesities: Systemic Approaches Research Group (NutriOmics), F-75013, Paris, France
- Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Nutrition department, CRNH Ile-de-France, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, 75013 Paris, France
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Crosstalk between Irisin Levels, Liver Fibrogenesis and Liver Damage in Non-Obese, Non-Diabetic Individuals with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11030635. [PMID: 35160087 PMCID: PMC8837035 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11030635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Insulin resistance plays a relevant role in the onset of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis. Irisin is an exercise-induced myokine involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis and glucose metabolism. Additionally, pre-clinical models have shown a potential role of irisin in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. The aim of this study is to explore the association between irisin, histological features and biomarkers of liver fibrogenesis in non-diabetic, non-obese, biopsy-proven NAFLD individuals. Methods: Forty-one patients with histological evidence of NAFLD were included. Circulating irisin and direct markers of fibrogenesis N-terminal type III collagen propeptide (PRO-C3) and type VI collagen cleavage product (PRO-C6) were measured by ELISA. Results: Median age of the cohort was 45 years (41–51) and 80.4% were male. Significant fibrosis (stage ≥ 2) was present in 36.6% of cases. Circulating irisin, PRO-C3 and PRO-C6 levels were significantly higher in subjects with fibrosis stage ≥ 2 when compared to those with fibrosis stage < 2 (5.96 ng/mL (95% CI = 4.42–9.19) vs. 2.42 ng/mL (95% CI = 1.73–5.95), p = 0.033; 9.5 ng/mL (95% CI = 7.7–13.6) vs. 6.2 ng/mL (95% CI = 4.9–8.9), p = 0.016; 6.6 ng/mL (95% CI = 5.6–7.9) vs. 5.1 ng/mL (95% CI = 4.2–5.4), p = 0.013, respectively). Irisin levels were similarly distributed between the features of NASH. Circulating irisin positively correlated with both PRO-C3 and PRO-C6 levels (r = 0.47, p = 0.008 and r = 0.46, p = 0.002). Conclusions: Increased circulating irisin levels may identify a more aggressive phenotype of liver disease with increased fibrogenesis and more severe liver damage.
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Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis: Diagnostic Accuracy of Pro-C3 for Hepatic Fibrosis in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121920. [PMID: 34944736 PMCID: PMC8698886 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence and severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing, yet adequately validated tests for care paths are limited and non-invasive markers of disease progression are urgently needed. The aim of this work was to summarize the performance of Pro-C3, a biomarker of active fibrogenesis, in detecting significant fibrosis (F ≥ 2), advanced fibrosis (F ≥ 3), cirrhosis (F4) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in patients with NAFLD. A sensitive search of five databases was performed in July 2021. Studies reporting Pro-C3 measurements and liver histology in adults with NAFLD without co-existing liver diseases were eligible. Meta-analysis was conducted by applying a bivariate random effects model to produce summary estimates of Pro-C3 accuracy. From 35 evaluated reports, eight studies met our inclusion criteria; 1568 patients were included in our meta-analysis of significant fibrosis and 2058 in that of advanced fibrosis. The area under the summary curve was 0.81 (95% CI 0.77–0.84) in detecting significant fibrosis and 0.79 (95% CI 0.73–0.82) for advanced fibrosis. Our results support Pro-C3 as an important candidate biomarker for non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis in NAFLD. Further direct comparisons with currently recommended non-invasive tests will demonstrate whether Pro-C3 panels can outperform these tests, and improve care paths for patients with NAFLD.
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Lai J, Wang HL, Zhang X, Wang H, Liu X. Pathologic Diagnosis of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2021; 146:940-946. [PMID: 34871361 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2021-0339-ra] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT.— Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses steatosis and steatohepatitis. The cause may be multifactorial, and diagnosis requires correlation with clinical information and laboratory results. OBJECTIVE.— To provide an overview of the status of histology diagnosis of steatosis, steatohepatitis, and associated conditions. DATA SOURCES.— A literature search was performed using the PubMed search engine. The terms ''steatosis,'' ''steatohepatitis,'' ''nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD),'' ''nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH),'' "alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH)," ''type 2 diabetes (T2DM),'' "cryptogenic cirrhosis," "drug-induced liver injury (DILI)," "immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy," and "COVID-19 and liver" were used. CONCLUSIONS.— Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease has become the most common chronic liver disease in the United States. NASH is the progressive form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The hallmarks of steatohepatitis are steatosis, ballooned hepatocytes, and lobular inflammation. NASH and alcoholic steatohepatitis share similar histologic features, but some subtle differences may help their distinction. NASH is commonly seen in patients with metabolic dysfunction but can also be caused by other etiologies. Examples are medications including newly developed immune checkpoint inhibitors and viral infections such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). NASH is also a common cause of cryptogenic cirrhosis but can be reversed. The results from recent clinical trials for NASH treatment are promising in reducing the severity of steatosis, ballooning, and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinping Lai
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Sacramento Medical Center, Sacramento, California (Lai)
| | - Hanlin L Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California (HL Wang)
| | - Xuchen Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (Zhang)
| | - Huamin Wang
- Departments of Anatomic Pathology and Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston (H Wang)
| | - Xiuli Liu
- The Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville (Liu)
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Safety, Tolerability, and Biologic Activity of AXA1125 and AXA1957 in Subjects With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Am J Gastroenterol 2021; 116:2399-2409. [PMID: 34382947 PMCID: PMC8631161 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000001375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AXA1125 and AXA1957 are novel, orally administered endogenous metabolic modulator compositions, specifically designed to simultaneously support multiple metabolic and fibroinflammatory pathways associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study assessed safety, tolerability, and biologic activity of AXA1125 and AXA1957 in NAFLD. METHODS In this multicenter, 16-week, placebo-controlled, single-blind, randomized clinical study in subjects with NAFLD stratified by type 2 diabetes, AXA1125 24 g, AXA1957 13.5 g or 20.3 g, or placebo was administered twice daily. Key metabolism (MRI-proton density fat fraction [MRI-PDFF] and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR]) and fibroinflammation markers (alanine aminotransferase [ALT], corrected T1 [cT1], keratin-18 [K-18] M65, and N-terminal type III collagen propeptide [Pro-C3]) were evaluated. Safety outcomes included adverse events and standard laboratory assessments. RESULTS Baseline characteristics of the 102 enrolled subjects, including 40 with type 2 diabetes, were consistent with presumed nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. AXA1125 showed consistently greater biologic activity than AXA1957 or placebo. Week 16 changes from baseline with AXA1125 vs placebo: MRI-PDFF -22.9% vs -5.7%, HOMA-IR -4.4 vs +0.7, ALT -21.9% vs -7.2%, K-18 M65 -13.6% vs +20.1%, cT1 -69.6 vs +18.3 ms (P < 0.05), and Pro-C3 -13.6% vs -3.6%. Week 16 changes from baseline with AXA1957 20.3 g: MRI-PDFF -8.1%, HOMA-IR +8.4, ALT -20.7%, K-18 M65 6.6%, cT1 -34.7 ms, and Pro-C3 -15.6%. A greater proportion of subjects treated with AXA1125 achieved clinically relevant thresholds: ≥30% MRI-PDFF, ≥17-IU/L ALT, and ≥80-ms cT1 reductions at week 16. Study products were safe and well tolerated with stable lipid and weight profiles. DISCUSSION Both compositions showed multitargeted activity on relevant NAFLD pathways. AXA1125 demonstrated the greatest activity over 16 weeks, warranting continued clinical investigation in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis subjects.
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Cohen CC, Castillo-Leon E, Farris AB, Caltharp SA, Cleeton RL, Sinclair EM, Shevell DE, Karsdal MA, Nielsen MJF, Leeming DJ, Vos MB. PRO-C3, a Serological Marker of Fibrosis, During Childhood and Correlations With Fibrosis in Pediatric NAFLD. Hepatol Commun 2021; 5:1860-1872. [PMID: 34558828 PMCID: PMC8557318 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common chronic liver disease in children and may lead to cirrhosis requiring liver transplant. Thus, prompt diagnosis of advanced fibrosis is essential. Our objectives were to examine PRO-C3 (a neo-epitope pro-peptide of type III collagen formation) levels across childhood/adolescence and associations with advanced fibrosis in pediatric NAFLD. This cross-sectional study included 88 children and adolescents with biopsy-proven NAFLD (mean age: 13.9 ± 2.9 years, 71% male) and 65 healthy participants (11.8 ± 4.5 years, 38% male). PRO-C3, and the bone remodeling biomarkers C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I; bone resorption) and osteocalcin (N-MID; bone formation), were measured in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Fibrosis was assessed by liver biopsy in participants with NAFLD, who were categorized as having advanced (Ishak score ≥ 3) or none/mild fibrosis (Ishak score ≤ 2). Overall, PRO-C3 was similar in participants with NAFLD (median [interquartile range]: 20.6 [15.8, 25.9] ng/mL) versus healthy participants (19.0 [13.8, 26.0] ng/mL), but was significantly lower in older adolescents ≥ 15 years old (16.4 [13.0, 21.2] ng/mL) compared with children ≤ 10 years old (22.9 [18.1, 28.4] ng/mL; P < 0.001) or 11-14 years old (22.4 [18.3, 31.2] ng/mL; P < 0.001). PRO-C3 was also directly correlated with levels of CTX-I and N-MID (r = 0.64 and r = 0.62, respectively; both P < 0.001). Among participants with NAFLD, PRO-C3 was higher in those with advanced fibrosis (median [IQR]: 28.5 [21.6, 37.6]) compared with none/mild fibrosis (20.3 [18.2, 22.8]; P = 0.020) in models adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index z-score. However, associations were attenuated after additionally adjusting for bone-remodeling CTX-I (P = 0.09) or N-MID (P = 0.08). Conclusion: Collectively, these findings show that PRO-C3 levels are higher in children with advanced fibrosis in NAFLD, but are also influenced by age and pubertal growth spurt, assessed by bone remodeling biomarkers, and therefore may not be a reliable biomarker for liver fibrosis in pediatric NAFLD until late adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine C Cohen
- Department of PediatricsEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGAUSA.,Department of PediatricsUniversity of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraCOUSA
| | | | - Alton B Farris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGAUSA
| | - Shelley A Caltharp
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGAUSA.,Children's Healthcare of AtlantaAtlantaGAUSA
| | - Rebecca L Cleeton
- Department of PediatricsEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGAUSA
| | - Elizabeth M Sinclair
- Department of PediatricsEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGAUSA.,Children's Healthcare of AtlantaAtlantaGAUSA
| | - Diane E Shevell
- Translational MedicineBristol Myers SquibbLawrencevilleNJUSA
| | | | | | - Diana J Leeming
- Nordic BioscienceFibrosis Biology and BiomarkersHerlevDenmark
| | - Miriam B Vos
- Department of PediatricsEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGAUSA.,Children's Healthcare of AtlantaAtlantaGAUSA
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Thiele M, Johansen S, Gudmann NS, Madsen B, Kjærgaard M, Nielsen MJ, Leeming DJ, Jacobsen S, Bendtsen F, Møller S, Detlefsen S, Karsdal M, Krag A. Progressive alcohol-related liver fibrosis is characterised by imbalanced collagen formation and degradation. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2021; 54:1070-1080. [PMID: 34428307 PMCID: PMC9292476 DOI: 10.1111/apt.16567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis accumulation is considered a turnover disease, with formation exceeding degradation, although this hypothesis has never been tested in humans. AIMS To investigate extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling in a biopsy-controlled study of alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) patients. METHODS We evaluated the relationship between formation and degradation of four collagens as a function of histological fibrosis, inflammation and steatosis in 281 patients with ALD and 50 matched healthy controls. Post hoc, we tested the findings in a cohort of patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis and assessed the collagens' prognostic accuracy. We assessed the fibrillar collagens type III (PRO-C3/C3M) and V (PRO-C5/C5M), the basement membrane collagen IV (PRO-C4/C4M), and the microfilament interface collagen VI (PRO-C6/C6M). RESULTS Mean age was 54 ± 6 years, 74% male, fibrosis stage F0/1/2/3/4 = 33/98/84/18/48. Compared to controls, patients with ALD had higher levels of type III collagen formation and degradation, with the highest concentrations in those with cirrhosis (PRO-C3 = 8.2 ± 1.7 ng/mL in controls, 14.6 ± 13.5 in ALD, 34.8 ± 23.1 in cirrhosis; C3M 7.4 ± 1.9 in controls, 9.3 ± 4.4 in ALD, 14.0 ± 5 in cirrhosis). ECM remodelling became increasingly imbalanced in higher stages of liver fibrosis, with formation progressively superseding degradation. This was particularly pronounced for type III collagen. We observed similar imbalance for inflammatory severity, but not steatosis. CONCLUSIONS ALD is characterised by both elevated collagen formation and degradation, which becomes increasingly imbalanced with more severe disease. Net increase in fibrillar collagens contributes to fibrosis progression. This has important implications for monitoring and very early identification of patients at highest risk of progressing to cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Thiele
- Fibrosis, Fatty Liver and Steatohepatitis Research Centre Odense (FLASH)Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark,Department of Clinical ResearchFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
| | - Stine Johansen
- Fibrosis, Fatty Liver and Steatohepatitis Research Centre Odense (FLASH)Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark
| | | | - Bjørn Madsen
- Fibrosis, Fatty Liver and Steatohepatitis Research Centre Odense (FLASH)Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark
| | - Maria Kjærgaard
- Fibrosis, Fatty Liver and Steatohepatitis Research Centre Odense (FLASH)Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark
| | | | | | - Suganya Jacobsen
- Fibrosis, Fatty Liver and Steatohepatitis Research Centre Odense (FLASH)Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark
| | - Flemming Bendtsen
- Gastro Unit, Medical SectionHvidovre University HospitalHvidovreDenmark,Department of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenHvidovreDenmark
| | - Søren Møller
- Department of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenHvidovreDenmark,Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear MedicineCentre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and ResearchHvidovre HospitalHvidovreDenmark
| | - Sönke Detlefsen
- Department of Clinical ResearchFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark,Department of PathologyOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark
| | - Morten Karsdal
- Nordic Bioscience A/SHerlevDenmark,Department of Molecular MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
| | - Aleksander Krag
- Fibrosis, Fatty Liver and Steatohepatitis Research Centre Odense (FLASH)Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark,Department of Clinical ResearchFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
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23
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Alhinai A, Patel K, Fonseca VA, Sebastiani G. Non-invasive diagnosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. J Diabetes Complications 2021; 35:107978. [PMID: 34183247 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2021.107978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver disease has emerged as a significant cause of death in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Due to a common underlying pathogenic mechanism, namely insulin resistance, T2D represents the main risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), characterized by a buildup of fat in the liver. Globally, NAFLD is the most common liver disease, affecting a quarter of the general adult population. The development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) signifies an increased risk of liver fibrosis progression that can result in cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and death. Liver fibrosis progression and development of cirrhosis is mostly asymptomatic until complications from decompensated end-stage liver disease arise. Traditionally, liver biopsy is used to diagnose NASH and stage fibrosis, however, it is invasive and costly. Non-invasive diagnostic alternatives include serum biomarkers and imaging techniques. Early identification of advanced liver fibrosis is pivotal to prompt initiation of targeted surveillance, including screening for HCC, as well as providing options for current and investigational therapeutic interventions to reduce fibrosis progression. This review gives an update on non-invasive diagnostic tools for NAFLD and liver fibrosis in the specific context of T2D, providing clinicians a pragmatic diagnostic approach to this frequent comorbidity in diabetes medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alshaima Alhinai
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Keyur Patel
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Health Network Toronto, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Vivian A Fonseca
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, School of Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Giada Sebastiani
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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24
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Erhardtsen E, Rasmussen DG, Frederiksen P, Leeming DJ, Shevell D, Gluud LL, Karsdal MA, Aithal GP, Schattenberg JM. Determining a healthy reference range and factors potentially influencing PRO-C3 - A biomarker of liver fibrosis. JHEP Rep 2021; 3:100317. [PMID: 34466796 PMCID: PMC8385245 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Progressive fibrosis has been identified as the major predictor of mortality in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Several biomarkers are currently being evaluated for their ability to substitute the liver biopsy as the reference standard. Recent clinical studies in NAFLD/NASH patients support the utility of PRO-C3, a marker of type III collagen formation, as a marker for the degree of fibrosis, disease activity, and effect of treatment. Here we establish the healthy reference range, optimal sample handling conditions for both short- and long-term serum storage, and robustness for the PRO-C3 assay. METHODS PRO-C3 was measured in 269 healthy volunteers and in 222 NAFLD patients. Robustness of the PRO-C3 assay was measured according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute standards and included validation of interference, precision, and reagent stability, whilst sample stability was defined for storage at different temperatures and for 3 freeze-thaw cycles. Fibrosis scoring was based on histological assessments and used as a reference for the diagnostic ability of PRO-C3 to discriminate between patients with different levels of fibrosis. RESULTS Robustness of the PRO-C3 analysis validated by interference, precision, and reagent stability was found to be within the predefined acceptance criteria. The healthy reference range was determined to be 6.1-14.7 ng/ml. Levels of PRO-C3 were not affected by sex, age, BMI, or ethnicity. Levels of PRO-C3 were able to identify patients with clinically significant fibrosis and advanced fibrosis (AUC = 0.83 (95% CI [0.77-0.88], p <0.0001), and AUC = 0.79 (95% CI [0.73-0.85], p <0.0001), respectively). CONCLUSIONS The assay proved to be robust and sample stability was found to comply with hospital sample handling requirements. PRO-C3 measured in samples from patients with NAFLD/NASH was diagnostic for significant and advanced liver fibrosis. LAY SUMMARY We showed that PRO-C3 levels were stable under conditions conforming with hospital sample-handling requirements. We determined a healthy reference range and showed that PRO-C3 levels were not associated with sex, age, BMI, or ethnicity. Finally, we provide further evidence of an association of PRO-C3 with increasing liver fibrosis.
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Key Words
- ADAM, A Disintegrin and Metalloproteases
- ALP, alkaline phosphatase
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- AST, aspartate aminotransferase
- AUROC, area under the receiver operating characteristics curve
- Biomarkers
- Biopsy
- Body mass index
- CLSI, Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute
- Collagen type III
- ELF™ test, Enhanced Liver Fibrosis test
- Ethnic groups
- FIB-4, fibrosis-4
- Fibrosis
- Healthy volunteers
- Hospitals
- Humans
- LITMUS, Liver Investigation: Testing Marker Utility in Steatohepatitis (consortium)
- NAFLD, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- NAS, NAFLD Activity Score
- NASH, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
- NASH-CRN, NASH Clinical Research Network
- NIMBLE, Non-Invasive Biomarkers of Metabolic Liver Disease (consortium)
- NPV, negative predictive value
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- PPV, positive predictive value
- Reference standards
- Reference values
- T2DM, type 2 diabetes mellitus
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Diane Shevell
- Innovative Medicine, Bristol Myers-Squibb, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Lise Lotte Gluud
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Gastro Unit, Medical Division, Hvidovre Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | | | - Guruprasad P. Aithal
- Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre at the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Medical Research Council (MRC), Nottingham Molecular Pathology Node, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Jörn M. Schattenberg
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
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25
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Lin CY, Adhikary P, Cheng K. Cellular protein markers, therapeutics, and drug delivery strategies in the treatment of diabetes-associated liver fibrosis. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 174:127-139. [PMID: 33857552 PMCID: PMC8217274 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix due to chronic injuries, such as viral infection, alcohol abuse, high-fat diet, and toxins. Liver fibrosis is reversible before it progresses to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Type 2 diabetes significantly increases the risk of developing various complications including liver diseases. Abundant evidence suggests that type 2 diabetes and liver diseases are bidirectionally associated. Patients with type 2 diabetes experience more severe symptoms and accelerated progression of live diseases. Obesity and insulin resistance resulting from hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia are regarded as the two major risk factors that link type 2 diabetes and liver fibrosis. This review summarizes possible mechanisms of the association between type 2 diabetes and liver fibrosis. The cellular protein markers that can be used for diagnosis and therapy of type 2 diabetes-associated liver fibrosis are discussed. We also highlight the potential therapeutic agents and their delivery systems that have been investigated for type 2 diabetes-associated liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Yu Lin
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2464 Charlotte Street, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
| | - Pratik Adhikary
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2464 Charlotte Street, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
| | - Kun Cheng
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2464 Charlotte Street, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States.
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26
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Nahra R, Wang T, Gadde KM, Oscarsson J, Stumvoll M, Jermutus L, Hirshberg B, Ambery P. Effects of Cotadutide on Metabolic and Hepatic Parameters in Adults With Overweight or Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes: A 54-Week Randomized Phase 2b Study. Diabetes Care 2021; 44:1433-1442. [PMID: 34016612 PMCID: PMC8247525 DOI: 10.2337/dc20-2151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cotadutide, a dual GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonist, is under development for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and chronic kidney disease with type 2 diabetes. The effects of cotadutide on hepatic and metabolic parameters were evaluated in participants with overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In this phase 2b study, 834 adults with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 and type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with metformin (glycated hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c] of 7.0%-10.5% [53-91 mmol/mol]) were randomized to double-blind cotadutide 100 μg (n = 100), 200 μg (n = 256), or 300 μg (n = 256); placebo (n = 110); or open-label liraglutide 1.8 mg (n = 110)-all administered subcutaneously. Coprimary end points were changes in HbA1c and body weight at week 14. The originally randomized interventions were continued to week 54. Liver damage biomarkers and liver fibrosis algorithms were assessed. RESULTS Cotadutide significantly decreased HbA1c and body weight at weeks 14 and 54 versus placebo (all P < 0.001). Improvements in lipid profile, AST and ALT levels, propeptide of type III collagen level, fibrosis-4 index, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score were observed with cotadutide 300 μg versus placebo, but not with liraglutide. Weight loss with cotadutide 200 μg was similar to that with liraglutide 1.8 mg and greater with cotadutide 300 μg versus liraglutide 1.8 mg. The most common adverse events with cotadutide (nausea, 35%; vomiting, 17%) decreased over time. CONCLUSIONS Cotadutide treatment for 54 weeks improved glycemic control and weight loss in participants with overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes. Ad hoc analyses demonstrated improvements in hepatic parameters and support further evaluation of cotadutide in NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajaa Nahra
- Clinical Metabolism, Late-stage Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD
| | - Tao Wang
- Clinical Biostatistics, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD
| | - Kishore M Gadde
- Clinical Trials Unit, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA
| | - Jan Oscarsson
- Clinical Metabolism, Late-stage Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Michael Stumvoll
- Division of Endocrinology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lutz Jermutus
- Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, U.K
| | - Boaz Hirshberg
- Research and Early Development, Early CVRM, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD
| | - Philip Ambery
- Clinical Metabolism, Late-stage Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
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27
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Godinez-Leiva E, Bril F. Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) for Primary Care Providers: Beyond the Liver. Curr Hypertens Rev 2020; 17:94-111. [DOI: 10.2174/1573402116999201209203534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract::
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has consolidated as a major public health problem, affecting ~25% of the global population. This percentage is significantly higher in the setting of obesity and/or type 2 diabetes. Presence of NAFLD is associated with severe liver complications, such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH; i.e., presence of inflammation and necrosis), cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the majority of these patients die of cardiovascular disease. For this reason, management of this condition requires a multidisciplinary team, where primary care providers are at center stage. However, important misconceptions remain among primary care providers, preventing them from appropriately approach these patients. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease should be understood as part of a systemic disease, characterized for abnormal accumulation of fat in tissues other than the adipose tissue. This, in turn, produces dysfunction of those organs or tissues (process sometimes referred to as lipotoxicity). Therefore, due to the systemic nature of this condition, it should not surprise that NAFLD is closely related to other metabolic conditions. In this review, we will focus on the extrahepatic manifestations of NAFLD and its metabolic and cardiovascular implications. We believe these are the most important issues primary care providers should understand, in order to effectively manage these complicated patients. In addition, we have provided a simple and straightforward approach to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with NAFLD and/or NASH. We hope this review will serve as a guide for primary care providers to approach their patients with NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eddison Godinez-Leiva
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL;, United States
| | - Fernando Bril
- Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama in Birmingham, Birmingham, AL., United States
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28
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Karsdal MA, Kraus VB, Shevell D, Bay-Jensen AC, Schattenberg J, Rambabu Surabattula R, Schuppan D. Profiling and targeting connective tissue remodeling in autoimmunity - A novel paradigm for diagnosing and treating chronic diseases. Autoimmun Rev 2020; 20:102706. [PMID: 33188918 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2020.102706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Connective tissue (ConT) remodeling is an essential process in tissue regeneration, where a balanced replacement of old tissue by new tissue occurs. This balance is disturbed in chronic diseases, often autoimmune diseases, usually resulting in the buld up of fibrosis and a gradual loss of organ function. During progression of liver, lung, skin, heart, joint, skeletal and kidney diseasesboth ConT formation and degradation are elevated, which is tightly linked to immune cell activation and a loss of specific cell types and extracellular matrix (ECM) structures that are required for normal organ function. Here, we address the balance of key general and organ specific components of the ECM during homeostasis and in disease, with a focus on collagens, which are emerging as both structural and signaling molecules harbouring neoepitopes and autoantigens that are released during ConT remodeling. Specific collagen molecular signatures of ConT remodeling are linked to disease activity and stage, and to prognosis across different organs. These signatures accompany and further drive disease progression, and often become detectable before clinical disease manifestation (illness). Recent advances allow to quantify and define the nature of ConT remodeling via blood-based assays that measure the levels of well-defined collagen fragments, reflecting different facets of ConT formation and degradation, and associated immunological processes. These novel serum assays are becoming important tools of precision medicine, to detect various chronic and autoimmune diseases before their clinical manifestation, and to non-invasively monitor the efficacy of a broad range of pharmacological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Asser Karsdal
- Nordic Bioscience, Biomarkers & Research A/S, Herlev, Metabolic Liver Research Program, Denmark
| | - Virginia Byers Kraus
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute and Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Diane Shevell
- Clinical Biomarkers and Immunology, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Westfield, NJ, USA
| | | | | | - R Rambabu Surabattula
- Institute of Translational Immunology and Research Center for Immune Therapy, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Detlef Schuppan
- Institute of Translational Immunology and Research Center for Immune Therapy, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany; Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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29
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Dewidar B, Kahl S, Pafili K, Roden M. Metabolic liver disease in diabetes - From mechanisms to clinical trials. Metabolism 2020; 111S:154299. [PMID: 32569680 PMCID: PMC7305712 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2020.154299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) comprises fatty liver (steatosis), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis/cirrhosis and may lead to end-stage liver failure or hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD is tightly associated with the most frequent metabolic disorders, such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Both multisystem diseases share several common mechanisms. Alterations of tissue communications include excessive lipid and later cytokine release by dysfunctional adipose tissue, intestinal dysbiosis and ectopic fat deposition in skeletal muscle. On the hepatocellular level, this leads to insulin resistance due to abnormal lipid handling and mitochondrial function. Over time, cellular oxidative stress and activation of inflammatory pathways, again supported by multiorgan crosstalk, determine NAFLD progression. Recent studies show that particularly the severe insulin resistant diabetes (SIRD) subgroup (cluster) associates with NAFLD and its accelerated progression and increases the risk of diabetes-related cardiovascular and kidney diseases, underpinning the critical role of insulin resistance. Consequently, lifestyle modification and certain drug classes used to treat T2DM have demonstrated effectiveness for treating NAFLD, but also some novel therapeutic concepts may be beneficial for both NAFLD and T2DM. This review addresses the bidirectional relationship between mechanisms underlying T2DM and NAFLD, the relevance of novel biomarkers for improving the diagnostic modalities and the identification of subgroups at specific risk of disease progression. Also, the role of metabolism-related drugs in NAFLD is discussed in light of the recent clinical trials. Finally, this review highlights some challenges to be addressed by future studies on NAFLD in the context of T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bedair Dewidar
- Institute of Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Düsseldorf, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research, München-Neuherberg, Germany; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Sabine Kahl
- Institute of Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Düsseldorf, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research, München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Kalliopi Pafili
- Institute of Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Michael Roden
- Institute of Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Düsseldorf, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research, München-Neuherberg, Germany; Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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30
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Villesen IF, Daniels SJ, Leeming DJ, Karsdal MA, Nielsen MJ. Review article: the signalling and functional role of the extracellular matrix in the development of liver fibrosis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2020; 52:85-97. [PMID: 32419162 DOI: 10.1111/apt.15773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with liver fibrosis show a large heterogeneity, and for that reason effective treatments are still lacking. Emerging data suggest that there is more to fibrosis than previously understood. Opposed to earlier belief of being a passive scaffold for cells to reside in, the extracellular matrix (ECM) is now known to hold both signalling and functional properties important for the development of fibrosis. The interaction between the ECM and the collagen-producing cells determines the course of the disease but is still poorly understood. Exploring the dynamics of this interplay will aid in the development of effective treatments. AIM To summarise and discuss the latest advances in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis as well as key mediators of early disease progression. METHODS Through literature search using databases including PubMed and Google Scholar, manuscripts published between 1961 and 2019 were included to assess both well-established and recent theories of fibrosis development. Both pre-clinical and clinical studies were included. RESULTS Fibrosis alters the structure of the ECM releasing signalling fragments with the potential to escalate disease severity. In a diseased liver, hepatic stellate cells and other fibroblasts, together with hepatocytes and sinusoidal cells, produce an excessive amount of collagens. The cell-to-collagen interactions are unique in the different liver aetiologies, generating ECM profiles with considerable patient-monitoring potential. CONCLUSIONS The local milieu in the injured area affects the course of fibrosis development in a site-specific manner. Future research should focus on the dissimilarities in the ECM profile between different aetiologies of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Falk Villesen
- Nordic Bioscience A/S, Herlev, Denmark.,University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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31
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Hartman ML, Sanyal AJ, Loomba R, Wilson JM, Nikooienejad A, Bray R, Karanikas CA, Duffin KL, Robins DA, Haupt A. Effects of Novel Dual GIP and GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Tirzepatide on Biomarkers of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care 2020; 43:1352-1355. [PMID: 32291277 PMCID: PMC7245348 DOI: 10.2337/dc19-1892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of tirzepatide, a dual agonist of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptors, on biomarkers of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Patients with T2DM received either once weekly tirzepatide (1, 5, 10, or 15 mg), dulaglutide (1.5 mg), or placebo for 26 weeks. Changes from baseline in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), keratin-18 (K-18), procollagen III (Pro-C3), and adiponectin were analyzed in a modified intention-to-treat population. RESULTS Significant (P < 0.05) reductions from baseline in ALT (all groups), AST (all groups except tirzepatide 10 mg), K-18 (tirzepatide 5, 10, 15 mg), and Pro-C3 (tirzepatide 15 mg) were observed at 26 weeks. Decreases with tirzepatide were significant compared with placebo for K-18 (10 mg) and Pro-C3 (15 mg) and with dulaglutide for ALT (10, 15 mg). Adiponectin significantly increased from baseline with tirzepatide compared with placebo (10, 15 mg). CONCLUSIONS In post hoc analyses, higher tirzepatide doses significantly decreased NASH-related biomarkers and increased adiponectin in patients with T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark L Hartman
- Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Arun J Sanyal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - Rohit Loomba
- NAFLD Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA.,Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | | | | | - Ross Bray
- Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN
| | | | - Kevin L Duffin
- Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN
| | | | - Axel Haupt
- Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN
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Bril F, McPhaul MJ, Caulfield MP, Clark VC, Soldevilla-Pico C, Firpi-Morell RJ, Lai J, Shiffman D, Rowland CM, Cusi K. Performance of Plasma Biomarkers and Diagnostic Panels for Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and Advanced Fibrosis in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care 2020; 43:290-297. [PMID: 31604692 DOI: 10.2337/dc19-1071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The 2019 Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes suggested that patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) should be evaluated for liver fibrosis. However, the performance of noninvasive clinical models/scores and plasma biomarkers for the diagnosis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and advanced fibrosis has not been carefully assessed in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In this cross-sectional study, patients (n = 213) had a liver MRS, and those with a diagnosis of NAFLD underwent a percutaneous liver biopsy. Several noninvasive clinical models/scores and plasma biomarkers were measured to identify NASH and advanced fibrosis (NASH: ALT, cytokeratin-18, NashTest 2, HAIR, BARD, and OWLiver; advanced fibrosis: AST, fragments of propeptide of type III procollagen [PRO-C3], FIB-4, APRI, NAFLD fibrosis score, and FibroTest). RESULTS None of the noninvasive tools assessed for the diagnosis of NASH in patients with T2DM had an optimum performance (all areas under the curve [AUCs] <0.80). Of note, none of the panels or biomarkers was able to outperform plasma ALT (AUC 0.78 [95% CI 0.71-0.84]). Performance was better to diagnose advanced fibrosis, in which plasma PRO-C3, AST, and APRI showed better results than the other approaches (AUC 0.90 [0.85-0.95], 0.85 [0.80-0.91], and 0.86 [0.80-0.91], respectively). Again, none of the approaches did significantly better than plasma AST. Sequential use of plasma AST and other noninvasive tests may help in limiting the number of liver biopsies required to identify patients with advanced fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Performance of noninvasive clinical models/scores and plasma biomarkers for the diagnosis of NASH or advanced fibrosis was suboptimal in patients with T2DM. Combination of multiple tests may provide an alternative to minimize the need for liver biopsies to detect fibrosis in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Bril
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.,Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | | | | | - Virginia C Clark
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | | | - Roberto J Firpi-Morell
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Jinping Lai
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Dov Shiffman
- Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute, San Juan Capistrano, CA
| | | | - Kenneth Cusi
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL .,Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, Gainesville, FL
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Cusi K. A diabetologist's perspective of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): Knowledge gaps and future directions. Liver Int 2020; 40 Suppl 1:82-88. [PMID: 32077613 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
There is a close link between steatohepatitis (NASH) and Type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Recently, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommended screening for NASH and advanced fibrosis in patients with diabetes and hepatic steatosis or elevated plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT). This is because as many as ~30% to 40% may have NASH and ~10% to 15% advanced fibrosis. The role of hyperglycemia and the natural history of NASH in diabetes remain poorly understood, as well as which diagnostic algorithm or interventions are most cost-effective. There is significant clinical inertia and most patients today are still not receiving adequate lifestyle intervention or pharmacological treatment with diabetes agents known to be effective against NASH. Lifestyle intervention improves steatohepatitis in proportion to the magnitude of weight loss, but this trend is not as consistent for regression of fibrosis. This limited success supports the need for concomitant pharmacological therapy. Pioglitazone has been shown to consistently induce resolution of NASH in both patients with or without diabetes in a total of 498 participants in five randomized controlled trials (RCTs), but with modest effects on liver fibrosis. Proof-of-concept studies suggest a potential role for GLP-1RAs and SGLT2 inhibitors. Combination therapy is on the horizon. Treating diabetes and NASH with a combination of pioglitazone, GLP-1RAs or SGLT2i, could be a cost-effective strategy to treat both diseases while reducing their high cardiovascular risk. Future combination therapies will likely combine existing diabetes agents with novel NASH-spechfic drugs under development. This review highlights current knowledge gaps and proposes future directions for the treatment of NASH in diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Cusi
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Malcom Randall Veterans Administration Medical Center, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Cusi K. Time to Include Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in the Management of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care 2020; 43:275-279. [PMID: 31959644 DOI: 10.2337/dci19-0064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Cusi
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL .,Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Gainesville, FL
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