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Takahashi H, Asakawa K, Kosakai Y, Lee T, Rokuda M. Comparative effectiveness of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors on liver function in patients with type 2 diabetes in Japan: A real-world data analysis. Diabetes Obes Metab 2024; 26:997-1007. [PMID: 38086547 DOI: 10.1111/dom.15399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
AIM To compare the effects of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) versus dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4is) on liver function in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Japan. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a Japanese retrospective cohort study using the RWD Database (1 January 2015 to 24 September 2021). Patients newly treated with an SGLT2i or a DPP4i were matched 1:4 (SGLT2i:DPP4i) using propensity score. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline to 1 year after the index date in alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Secondary endpoints included change from baseline in various laboratory test results, including the Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), albumin and HbA1c. Endpoints were compared between treatment groups using Welch's t-test in the full population and in subgroups stratified by baseline characteristics. RESULTS Baseline characteristics of 955 and 3063 matched patients newly treated with an SGLT2i and a DPP4i, respectively, were well balanced. Patients receiving an SGLT2i had significantly greater reductions in ALT, FIB-4 index and GGT and a significantly greater increase in albumin than patients receiving a DPP4i. A significantly greater change from baseline in ALT was observed in the SGLT2i group than in the DPP4i group among subgroups with lower baseline FIB-4 index and HbA1c. CONCLUSIONS In this study, improvements in various measures, including ALT, the FIB-4 index, GGT and albumin, were observed with SGLT2is compared with DPP4is, suggesting that SGLT2is may provide hepatoprotective benefits, including the prevention of liver fibrosis, in patients with T2D in Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirokazu Takahashi
- Liver Center, Saga University Hospital, Saga, Japan
- Division of Metabolism and Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
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Zachou M, Flevari P, Nasiri-Ansari N, Varytimiadis C, Kalaitzakis E, Kassi E, Androutsakos T. The role of anti-diabetic drugs in NAFLD. Have we found the Holy Grail? A narrative review. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2024; 80:127-150. [PMID: 37938366 PMCID: PMC10781828 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-023-03586-1] [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: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a leading cause of liver disease, affecting 30% of the global population. NAFLD prevalence is particularly high in obese individuals and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). NAFLD ranges from simple fat deposition in the liver to necroinflammation and fibrosis (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)), NASH-cirrhosis, and/or hepatocellular carcinoma. Insulin resistance plays a key role in NAFLD pathogenesis, alongside dysregulation of adipocytes, mitochondrial dysfunction, genetic factors, and changes in gut microbiota. Since insulin resistance is also a major predisposing factor of T2DM, the administration of anti-diabetic drugs for the management of NAFLD seems reasonable. METHODS In this review we provide the NAFLD-associated mechanisms of action of some of the most widely used anti-diabetic drugs, namely metformin, pioglitazone, sodium-glucose transport protein-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor analogs (GLP1 RAs), and dipeptyl-peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i) and present available data regarding their use in patients with NAFLD, with and without T2DM. RESULTS Both metformin and DPP4i have shown rather contradictory results, while pioglitazone seems to benefit patients with NASH and is thus the only drug approved for NASH with concomitant significant liver fibrosis by all major liver societies. On the other hand, SGLT2i and GLP1 RAs seem to be beneficiary in patients with NAFLD, showing both remarkable results, with SGLT2i proving to be more efficient in the only head-to-head study so far. CONCLUSION In patients with NAFLD and diabetes, pioglitazone, GLP1 RAs, and SGLT2i seem to be logical treatment options. Larger studies are needed before these drugs can be recommended for non-diabetic individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Zachou
- Gastroenterology Department, "Sismanoglio" General Hospital, 151 26, Athens, Greece
| | - Pagona Flevari
- Expertise Center in Rare Haematological Diseases-Haemoglobinopathies, "Laiko" General Hospital, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Narjes Nasiri-Ansari
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Evangelos Kalaitzakis
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Heraklion, University of Crete, 715 00, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Eva Kassi
- Unit of Molecular Endocrinology, Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27, Athens, Greece
- Endocrine Unit, 1st Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, "Laiko" Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Theodoros Androutsakos
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias 75, 115 27, Athens, Greece.
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Huynh DJ, Renelus BD, Jamorabo DS. Reduced mortality and morbidity associated with metformin and SGLT2 inhibitor therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and cirrhosis. BMC Gastroenterol 2023; 23:450. [PMID: 38114915 PMCID: PMC10731715 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-023-03085-8] [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: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Evidence for dual antidiabetic therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with cirrhosis is limited. This study compared 5-year mortality, composite hepatic decompensation risk, and hepatocellular carcinoma occurrence in patients with diabetes and cirrhosis who were either on metformin monotherapy or on dual metformin and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2-I) therapy. METHODS This retrospective study used the TriNetX Research Network to identify propensity score-matched patients treated with either metformin or dual metformin and SGLT2-I therapy. Our outcomes were all-cause mortality, a composite of hepatic decompensation events, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence over 5 years. We estimated hazard ratios within each cohort with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and Kaplan-Meier estimates for time-to-event distributions with Log-rank tests. We were able to stratify our cohorts by age, sex, race, and ethnicity. We further investigated a subset of diabetic patients with cirrhosis due to MASH. RESULTS In our propensity score-matched cohorts of type 2 diabetes patients with cirrhosis, those on dual metformin and SGLT2-I therapy had decreased risk for mortality (HR 0.57, 95%CI 0.41-0.81), reduced composite risk of becoming decompensated (HR 0.63, 95%CI 0.43-0.93) and less than half the risk for developing HCC (HR 0.43, 95%CI 0.21-0.88) compared to those on mono metformin therapy. We did not find a difference between mono or dual therapy treatment for mortality, decompensation, or HCC risks in the subset of patients with MASH cirrhosis. CONCLUSION Dual metformin and SGLT2-I treatment in type 2 diabetes patients with cirrhosis are associated with improved mortality and hepatic complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Huynh
- Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin D Renelus
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Daniel S Jamorabo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stony Brook Medicine, 101 Nicolls Road, Health Sciences Center, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8167, USA.
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Kaur S, Sojitra V, Zahra A, Hutchinson J, Folawemi O, Bittla P, Ramphall S. Efficacy of SGLT2 Inhibitors Versus Pioglitazone in the Treatment of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease or Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e45789. [PMID: 37745748 PMCID: PMC10516583 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.45789] [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: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a complication related to obesity and metabolic syndrome. There are increased incidences of NAFLD/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) due to rising obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This has resulted in significant morbidity and mortality. The two promising therapeutic agents for treating NAFLD/NASH are sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and pioglitazone. The reason is their potential to target underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. SGLT2 inhibitors may help treat NAFLD/NASH by reducing insulin resistance and improving glucose control, thereby lowering hepatic fat accumulation and inflammation, although their exact mechanism in this context is still being studied. This systematic review aims to compare the efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors and pioglitazone in treating NAFLD/NASH. Major research literature databases were searched, and appropriate keywords were used to find relevant articles published in the last three years. Eighteen studies were critically evaluated using standardized quality assessment tools. Among those, nine studies qualified as medium or high quality and were included in the review. Both SGLT2 inhibitors and pioglitazone showed promising results in improving NAFLD/NASH. The efficacy outcomes assessed liver fat content, liver enzyme levels, histological improvement, and metabolic parameters. The safety outcomes considered adverse events and cardiovascular events. The conducted review suggests that SGLT2 inhibitors and pioglitazone are potential treatment options for NAFLD/NASH. Having said that, individualized considerations are essential. It includes patient comorbidities, preferences, and overall safety profiles. Further research is needed to assess long-term effects and outcomes. It would provide more definitive evidence of these treatment options' comparative efficacy and safety for NAFLD/NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simran Kaur
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Vani Sojitra
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
- Medicine, Bavadia Hospital, Una, IND
| | - Anam Zahra
- Surgery, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Jhenelle Hutchinson
- Psychiatry, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Oluwa Folawemi
- Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Parikshit Bittla
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Shivana Ramphall
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
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Nysather J, Kaya E, Manka P, Gudsoorkar P, Syn WK. Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Chronic Kidney Disease Cross Talk. ADVANCES IN KIDNEY DISEASE AND HEALTH 2023; 30:315-335. [PMID: 37657879 DOI: 10.1053/j.akdh.2023.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a multisystem condition with effects beyond the liver. The identification of chronic kidney disease as an independent mediator of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or associated entity with shared cardiometabolic risk factors remains controversial and continues to draw scientific interest. With increasing prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and lack of Food and Drug Administration approved therapies, these shared cardiometabolic risk factors have drawn significant attention. In this article, we review shared pathophysiological mechanisms between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and chronic kidney disease along with current treatment strategies that might be useful for both disease processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Nysather
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney C.A.R.E. Program, University of Cincinnati, OH
| | - Eda Kaya
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Paul Manka
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Prakash Gudsoorkar
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney C.A.R.E. Program, University of Cincinnati, OH
| | - Wing-Kin Syn
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea/Universidad del País Vasco, Leioa, Spain.
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Salmen T, Bobirca FT, Bica IC, Mihai DA, Pop C, Stoian AP. The Safety Profile of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors and Glucagon-like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists in the Standard of Care Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13030839. [PMID: 36983994 PMCID: PMC10051290 DOI: 10.3390/life13030839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM We evaluated the safety of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) for their use with other glucose-lowering drugs and drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), in a standard-of-care regimen with maximum tolerated doses, and, respectively, when compared with metformin. METHODS We conducted a retrospective, observational study on 405 patients that were seen in the outpatient clinic of the N Paulescu National Institute for Diabetes Mellitus, Bucharest, Romania, in 2019. Their demographics, metabolic parameters, and medication safety were evaluated at three follow-up visits, from baseline, six months, and twelve months. RESULTS Both SGLT-2is and GLP-1 RAs are safe regarding creatinine, eGFR, urea, GOT, and GPT upon the comparison of the data from the six- and twelve-month visits with the initial visit, and also the twelve-month visit with the six-month visit. Moreover, when comparing SGLT-2is and GLP-1 RAs with metformin, there are safety data only for urea. CONCLUSIONS In this retrospective analysis, both SGLT-2is and GLP-1 RAs, when used in conjunction with other glucose-lowering, blood-pressure-lowering, and lipid-lowering medications, appeared to be safe for the management of T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teodor Salmen
- Doctoral School of Carol Davila, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florin-Teodor Bobirca
- Department of General Surgery, Carol Davila, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ioana-Cristina Bica
- Doctoral School of Carol Davila, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Doina-Andrada Mihai
- Department of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Corina Pop
- Department of Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine, Carol Davila, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Pantea Stoian
- Department of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
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Dapagliflozin Treatment Augments Bioactive Phosphatidylethanolamine Concentrations in Kidney Cortex Membrane Fractions of Hypertensive Diabetic db/db Mice and Alters the Density of Lipid Rafts in Mouse Proximal Tubule Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021408. [PMID: 36674924 PMCID: PMC9865226 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In addition to inhibiting renal glucose reabsorption and allowing for glucose excretion, the sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor dapagliflozin may be efficacious in treating various comorbidities associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The molecular mechanisms by which dapagliflozin exerts its beneficial effects are largely unknown. We hypothesized dapagliflozin treatment in the diabetic kidney alters plasma membrane lipid composition, suppresses extracellular vesicle (EV) release from kidney cells, and disrupts lipid rafts in proximal tubule cells. In order to test this hypothesis, we treated diabetic db/db mice with dapagliflozin (N = 8) or vehicle (N = 8) and performed mass spectrometry-based lipidomics to investigate changes in the concentrations of membrane lipids in the kidney cortex. In addition, we isolated urinary EVs (uEVs) from urine samples collected during the active phase and the inactive phase of the mice and then probed for changes in membrane proteins enriched in the EVs. Multiple triacylglycerols (TAGs) were enriched in the kidney cortex membrane fractions of vehicle-treated diabetic db/db mice, while the levels of multiple phosphatidylethanolamines were significantly higher in similar mice treated with dapagliflozin. EV concentration and size were lesser in the urine samples collected during the inactive phase of dapagliflozin-treated diabetic mice. In cultured mouse proximal tubule cells treated with dapagliflozin, the lipid raft protein caveolin-1 shifted from less dense fractions to more dense sucrose density gradient fractions. Taken together, these results suggest dapagliflozin may regulate lipid-mediated signal transduction in the diabetic kidney.
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Salah HM, Fudim M. Sodium-glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Heart Fail Clin 2022; 18:625-634. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hfc.2022.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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9
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Shaaban HH, Alzaim I, El-Mallah A, Aly RG, El-Yazbi AF, Wahid A. Metformin, pioglitazone, dapagliflozin and their combinations ameliorate manifestations associated with NAFLD in rats via anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. Life Sci 2022; 308:120956. [PMID: 36103959 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an important health threat that is strongly linked to components of metabolic syndrome, particularly the low-grade inflammatory changes. Significantly, several of the available anti-diabetic drug classes demonstrate a considerable anti-inflammatory effect, and hence might be of benefit for NAFLD patients. In this study, we used a rat model of diet-induced NAFLD to examine the potential effect of metformin, pioglitazone, dapagliflozin and their combinations on NAFLD manifestations. Rats were fed an atherogenic diet containing 1.25 % cholesterol, 0.5 % cholic acid and 60 % cocoa butter for 6 weeks causing a number of metabolic and hepatic alterations including insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, systemic inflammation, increased hepatic oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, hepatic steatosis, lobular inflammation, as well as increased markers of liver inflammation and hepatocyte apoptosis. Drug treatment, which started at the third week of NAFLD induction and continued for three weeks, not only ameliorated the observed metabolic impairment, but also functional and structural manifestations of NAFLD. Specifically, anti-diabetic drug treatment reversed markers of systemic and hepatic inflammation, oxidative stress, hepatic fibrosis, and hepatocyte apoptosis. Our findings propose that anti-diabetic drugs with a potential anti-inflammatory effect can ameliorate the manifestations of NAFLD, and thus may provide a therapeutic option for such a condition that is closely associated with metabolic diseases. The detailed pharmacology of these classes in aspects linked to the observed impact on NAFLD requires to be further investigated and translated into clinical studies for tailored therapy specifically targeting NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hager H Shaaban
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Egypt.
| | - Ibrahim Alzaim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine the American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ahmed El-Mallah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Rania G Aly
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Ahmed F El-Yazbi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Alamein International University, Alamein, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed Wahid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
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SGLT-2 Inhibitors in NAFLD: Expanding Their Role beyond Diabetes and Cardioprotection. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063107. [PMID: 35328527 PMCID: PMC8953901 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an ‘umbrella’ term, comprising a spectrum ranging from benign, liver steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, liver fibrosis and eventually cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD has evolved as a major health problem in recent years. Discovering ways to prevent or delay the progression of NAFLD has become a global focus. Lifestyle modifications remain the cornerstone of NAFLD treatment, even though various pharmaceutical interventions are currently under clinical trial. Among them, sodium-glucose co-transporter type-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) are emerging as promising agents. Processes regulated by SGLT-2i, such as endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and oxidative stress, low-grade inflammation, autophagy and apoptosis are all implicated in NAFLD pathogenesis. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the NAFLD pathophysiology, and specifically focus on the potential impact of SGLT-2i in NAFLD development and progression, providing current evidence from in vitro, animal and human studies. Given this evidence, further mechanistic studies would advance our understanding of the exact mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of NAFLD and the potential beneficial actions of SGLT-2i in the context of NAFLD treatment.
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