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Mahmoudi SK, Tarzemani S, Aghajanzadeh T, Kasravi M, Hatami B, Zali MR, Baghaei K. Exploring the role of genetic variations in NAFLD: implications for disease pathogenesis and precision medicine approaches. Eur J Med Res 2024; 29:190. [PMID: 38504356 PMCID: PMC10953212 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-024-01708-8] [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: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the leading causes of chronic liver diseases, affecting more than one-quarter of people worldwide. Hepatic steatosis can progress to more severe forms of NAFLD, including NASH and cirrhosis. It also may develop secondary diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Genetic and environmental factors regulate NAFLD incidence and progression, making it a complex disease. The contribution of various environmental risk factors, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidemia, diet, and sedentary lifestyle, to the exacerbation of liver injury is highly understood. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms of genetic variations in the NAFLD occurrence or its deterioration still need to be clarified. Hence, understanding the genetic susceptibility to NAFLD is essential for controlling the course of the disease. The current review discusses genetics' role in the pathological pathways of NAFLD, including lipid and glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, cellular stresses, and immune responses. Additionally, it explains the role of the genetic components in the induction and progression of NAFLD in lean individuals. Finally, it highlights the utility of genetic knowledge in precision medicine for the early diagnosis and treatment of NAFLD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh Kosar Mahmoudi
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1985714711, Iran
| | - Shadi Tarzemani
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1985714711, Iran
| | - Taha Aghajanzadeh
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1985714711, Iran.
| | - Mohammadreza Kasravi
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1985714711, Iran
| | - Behzad Hatami
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1985714711, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1985714711, Iran
| | - Kaveh Baghaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1985714711, Iran.
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1985714711, Iran.
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Zhao J, Li B, Zhang K, Zhu Z. The effect and safety of obeticholic acid for patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37271. [PMID: 38363900 PMCID: PMC10869096 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037271] [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: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is one of the primary causes of chronic liver disease worldwide. Obeticholic acid (OCA), a potent farnesoid X nuclear receptor activator, has shown promise for treating NASH-related fibrosis due to its anti-fibrotic effects. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of OCA for patients with NASH as well as to investigate its impact on dyslipidemia. METHOD A search of databases including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from January 1, 2010, to November 1, 2022, was conducted to identify systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials involving NASH patients. Inclusion criteria comprised randomized controlled trials that specifically addressed NASH as diagnosed through magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, or histology. The results were then categorized, with consideration given to both biochemical and histological outcomes. RESULT Five NASH studies were ultimately selected for further analysis. In terms of biochemical indicators, patients receiving OCA treatment showed improvements in alanine transaminase (mean difference: -19.48, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -24.39 to 14.58; P < .05) and aspartate aminotransferase (mean difference: -9.22, 95% CI: -12.70 to 5.74; P < .05). As for histological improvement, OCA treatment reduced fibrosis (odds ratio [OR]: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.47-2.59; P = .001) and steatosis (OR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.47-2.59; P = .001). No significant differences were observed regarding adverse events (1.44, 95% CI: 0.57-3.62; P > .001). Regarding dyslipidemia, mean differences between total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein were found to be high (0.33, 95% CI: 0.01-0.64, P < .05; 0.39, 95% CI: 0.04-0.73, P < .05). In the case of pruritus, OCA achieved a high OR (3.22, 95% CI: 2.22-4.74) compared with placebo. CONCLUSION OCA also reduced several liver test markers compared to placebo, including the biochemical indicators alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, and improved hepatocellular ballooning, fibrosis, steatosis, and lobular inflammation. Although the incidence of adverse events did not significantly differ between OCA and placebo groups among NASH patients, OCA treatment was found to elevate total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels, and the reported severity of pruritus increased with higher doses of OCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Baozhen Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Shandong Drug and Food Vocational College, Weihai, China
| | - Zhiyong Zhu
- Department of Nephrology, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
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van Zwol W, van de Sluis B, Ginsberg HN, Kuivenhoven JA. VLDL Biogenesis and Secretion: It Takes a Village. Circ Res 2024; 134:226-244. [PMID: 38236950 PMCID: PMC11284300 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.123.323284] [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: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The production and secretion of VLDLs (very-low-density lipoproteins) by hepatocytes has a direct impact on liver fat content, as well as the concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides in the circulation and thus affects both liver and cardiovascular health, respectively. Importantly, insulin resistance, excess caloric intake, and lack of physical activity are associated with overproduction of VLDL, hepatic steatosis, and increased plasma levels of atherogenic lipoproteins. Cholesterol and triglycerides in remnant particles generated by VLDL lipolysis are risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and have garnered increasing attention over the last few decades. Presently, however, increased risk of atherosclerosis is not the only concern when considering today's cardiometabolic patients, as they often also experience hepatic steatosis, a prevalent disorder that can progress to steatohepatitis and cirrhosis. This duality of metabolic risk highlights the importance of understanding the molecular regulation of the biogenesis of VLDL, the lipoprotein that transports triglycerides and cholesterol out of the liver. Fortunately, there has been a resurgence of interest in the intracellular assembly, trafficking, degradation, and secretion of VLDL by hepatocytes, which has led to many exciting new molecular insights that are the topic of this review. Increasing our understanding of the biology of this pathway will aid to the identification of novel therapeutic targets to improve both the cardiovascular and the hepatic health of cardiometabolic patients. This review focuses, for the first time, on this duality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willemien van Zwol
- Department of Paediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Bart van de Sluis
- Department of Paediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Henry. N. Ginsberg
- Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jan Albert Kuivenhoven
- Department of Paediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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Pourteymour S, Drevon CA, Dalen KT, Norheim FA. Mechanisms Behind NAFLD: a System Genetics Perspective. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2023; 25:869-878. [PMID: 37812367 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-023-01158-3] [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] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarize the key factors contributing to the onset and progress of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and put them in a system genetics context. We particularly focus on how genetic regulation of hepatic lipids contributes to NAFLD. RECENT FINDINGS NAFLD is characterized by excessive accumulation of fat in the liver. This can progress to steatohepatitis (inflammation and hepatocyte injury) and eventually, cirrhosis. The severity of NAFLD is determined by a combination of factors including obesity, insulin resistance, and lipotoxic lipids, along with genetic susceptibility. Numerous studies have been conducted on large human cohorts and mouse panels, to identify key determinants in the genome, transcriptome, proteome, lipidome, microbiome and different environmental conditions contributing to NAFLD. We review common factors contributing to NAFLD and put them in a systems genetics context. In particular, we describe how genetic regulation of liver lipids contributes to NAFLD. The combination of an unhealthy lifestyle and genetic predisposition increases the likelihood of accumulating lipotoxic specie lipids that may be one of the driving forces behind developing severe forms of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Pourteymour
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Blindern, PO Box 1046, 0317, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christian A Drevon
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Blindern, PO Box 1046, 0317, Oslo, Norway
- Vitas Ltd. Oslo Science Park, Oslo, Norway
| | - Knut Tomas Dalen
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Blindern, PO Box 1046, 0317, Oslo, Norway
| | - Frode A Norheim
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Blindern, PO Box 1046, 0317, Oslo, Norway.
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Buchynskyi M, Oksenych V, Kamyshna I, Vari SG, Kamyshnyi A. Genetic Predictors of Comorbid Course of COVID-19 and MAFLD: A Comprehensive Analysis. Viruses 2023; 15:1724. [PMID: 37632067 PMCID: PMC10459448 DOI: 10.3390/v15081724] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and its potential impact on the severity of COVID-19 have gained significant attention during the pandemic. This review aimed to explore the genetic determinants associated with MAFLD, previously recognized as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and their potential influence on COVID-19 outcomes. Various genetic polymorphisms, including PNPLA3 (rs738409), GCKR (rs780094), TM6SF2 (rs58542926), and LYPLAL1 (rs12137855), have been investigated in relation to MAFLD susceptibility and progression. Genome-wide association studies and meta-analyses have revealed associations between these genetic variants and MAFLD risk, as well as their effects on lipid metabolism, glucose regulation, and liver function. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests a possible connection between these MAFLD-associated polymorphisms and the severity of COVID-19. Studies exploring the association between indicated genetic variants and COVID-19 outcomes have shown conflicting results. Some studies observed a potential protective effect of certain variants against severe COVID-19, while others reported no significant associations. This review highlights the importance of understanding the genetic determinants of MAFLD and its potential implications for COVID-19 outcomes. Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms linking these genetic variants to disease severity and to develop gene profiling tools for the early prediction of COVID-19 outcomes. If confirmed as determinants of disease severity, these genetic polymorphisms could aid in the identification of high-risk individuals and in improving the management of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mykhailo Buchynskyi
- Department of Microbiology, Virology, and Immunology, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, 46001 Ternopil, Ukraine
| | - Valentyn Oksenych
- Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Iryna Kamyshna
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, 46001 Ternopil, Ukraine
| | - Sandor G. Vari
- International Research and Innovation in Medicine Program, Cedars–Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Aleksandr Kamyshnyi
- Department of Microbiology, Virology, and Immunology, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, 46001 Ternopil, Ukraine
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Sulaiman SA, Dorairaj V, Adrus MNH. Genetic Polymorphisms and Diversity in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): A Mini Review. Biomedicines 2022; 11:106. [PMID: 36672614 PMCID: PMC9855725 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver disease with a wide spectrum of liver conditions ranging from hepatic steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The prevalence of NAFLD varies across populations, and different ethnicities have specific risks for the disease. NAFLD is a multi-factorial disease where the genetics, metabolic, and environmental factors interplay and modulate the disease's development and progression. Several genetic polymorphisms have been identified and are associated with the disease risk. This mini-review discussed the NAFLD's genetic polymorphisms and focusing on the differences in the findings between the populations (diversity), including of those reports that did not show any significant association. The challenges of genetic diversity are also summarized. Understanding the genetic contribution of NAFLD will allow for better diagnosis and management explicitly tailored for the various populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siti Aishah Sulaiman
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Jalan Yaa’cob Latiff, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (V.D.); (M.N.H.A.)
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