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Hegazi OE, Alalalmeh SO, Shahwan M, Jairoun AA, Alourfi MM, Bokhari GA, Alkhattabi A, Alsharif S, Aljehani MA, Alsabban AM, Almtrafi M, Zakri YA, AlMahmoud A, Alghamdi KM, Ashour AM, Alorfi NM. Exploring Promising Therapies for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A ClinicalTrials.gov Analysis. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes 2024; 17:545-561. [PMID: 38327733 PMCID: PMC10847589 DOI: 10.2147/dmso.s448476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common disease and has been increasing in recent years. To date, no FDA-approved drug specifically targets NAFLD. Methods The terms "Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease" and "NAFLD" were used in a search of ClinicalTrials.gov on August 24, 2023. Two evaluators independently examined the trials using predetermined eligibility criteria. Studies had to be interventional, NAFLD focused, in Phase IV, and completed to be eligible for this review. Results The ClinicalTrials.gov database was searched for trials examining pharmacotherapeutics in NAFLD. The search revealed 1364 trials, with 31 meeting the inclusion criteria. Out of these, 19 were finalized for evaluation. The dominant intervention model was Parallel. The most prevalent studies were in Korea (26.3%) and China (21.1%). The most common intervention was metformin (12.1%), with others like Exenatide and Pioglitazone accounting for 9.1%. Conclusion Therapeutics used to manage NAFLD are limited. However, various medications offer potential benefits. Further investigations are definitely warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar E Hegazi
- Center of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Samer O Alalalmeh
- Center of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Moyad Shahwan
- Center of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ammar Abdulrahman Jairoun
- Health and Safety Department, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Mansour M Alourfi
- Internal medicine Department, King Faisal Medical City for Southern Region, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- Department of gastroenterology, East Jeddah hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Saeed Alsharif
- Gastroenterology Department, Armed force Hospital of southern region, Khamis Mushait, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohannad Abdulrahman Aljehani
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Mohammad Almtrafi
- Gastroenterology Section, Department of Medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ysear Abdulaziz Zakri
- Gastroenterology Section, Department of Medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah AlMahmoud
- Gastroenterology Section, Internal Medicine Department, King Fahad Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Mohammed Alghamdi
- Gastroenterology Section, Internal Medicine Department, King Fahad Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M Ashour
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nasser M Alorfi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
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Abdelrahman BA, El-Khatib AS, Attia YM. Insights into the role of vitamin D in targeting the culprits of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Life Sci 2023; 332:122124. [PMID: 37742738 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Vitamin D (VD) is a secosteroid hormone that is renowned for its crucial role in phospho-calcium homeostasis upon binding to the nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR). Over and above, the pleiotropic immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic roles VD plays in different disease settings started to surface in the past few decades. On the other hand, a growing body of evidence suggests a correlation between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its progressive inflammatory form non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with vitamin D deficiency (VDD) owing to the former's ingrained link with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Accordingly, a better understanding of the contribution of disrupted VDR signalling to NAFLD incidence and progression would provide further insights into its diagnosis, treatment modalities, and prognosis. This is especially significant as, hitherto, no drug for NAFLD has been approved. This review, therefore, sought to set forth the likely contribution of VDR signalling in NAFLD and how it might influence its multiple drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basma A Abdelrahman
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt; The Center for Drug Research and Development (CDRD), Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Aiman S El-Khatib
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Yasmeen M Attia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt; The Center for Drug Research and Development (CDRD), Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
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Turk A, Kuloglu T, Karadag A, Ozcan Metin T. Effects of Vitamin D on Asprosin Immunoreactivity Against Cyclophosphamide-Induced Liver Injury in Rats. Cureus 2023; 15:e46711. [PMID: 37822688 PMCID: PMC10562880 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46711] [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: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cyclophosphamide (CP), commonly used as an anticarcinogenic drug, has the potential to induce detrimental effects on multiple tissues, including the liver. Asprosin, which is a glucogenic adipokine, induces the liver to secrete glucose, thus contributing to the maintenance of homeostasis. This study aims to investigate the immunoreactivity of asprosin in the liver tissue of rats exposed to CP administration, as well as the changes in its levels due to the supplementation of Vitamin D (Vit D). Materials and methods Four experimental groups were formed, including control, Vit D (200 IU/kg), CP (200 mg/kg), and Vit D+ CP. Histopathological analysis was carried out by employing staining methods on liver tissues. These techniques encompassed the application of hematoxylin-eosin (H&E), Masson's trichrome, and periodic acid Schiff (PAS). Through the application of spectrophotometric methods, concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and asprosin were determined. Furthermore, apoptotic cells were identified by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) method, and the asprosin immunoreactivity was determined by immunohistochemistry. Results Under light microscope examination, the histopathological damage was found to be more notable in the CP group compared to the control group. Moreover, a decrease was observed in serum and tissue asprosin levels, while an increase was noted in the count of apoptotic cells, along with elevated MDA and TOS levels. However, in the CP+Vit D group, Vit D administration alleviated histopathological damage. Notably, there were significant increases in TAS and asprosin levels, accompanied by reductions in both MDA and TOS levels. Conclusions The effect of CP on liver tissue was observed to result in damage and a reduction in asprosin levels. Vit D supplementation revealed elevated asprosin levels and a distinct protective effect on the tissue. Considering the association between asprosin and liver injury induced by CP, further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms that underlie the effect of asprosin on tissues. When combined with Vit D, asprosin holds promise for potential clinical applications as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Turk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Adiyaman University, Adiyaman, TUR
| | - Tuncay Kuloglu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Firat University, Elazig, TUR
| | - Abdullah Karadag
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Adiyaman University, Adiyaman, TUR
| | - Tuba Ozcan Metin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Kahramanmaras, TUR
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Tourkochristou E, Tsounis EP, Tzoupis H, Aggeletopoulou I, Tsintoni A, Lourida T, Diamantopoulou G, Zisimopoulos K, Kafentzi T, de Lastic AL, Rodi M, Tselios T, Thomopoulos K, Mouzaki A, Triantos C. The Influence of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms on Vitamin D Receptor Protein Levels and Function in Chronic Liver Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11404. [PMID: 37511164 PMCID: PMC10380285 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene have been associated with chronic liver disease. We investigated the role of VDR SNPs on VDR protein levels and function in patients with chronic liver disease. VDR expression levels were determined in peripheral T lymphocytes (CD3+VDR+), monocytes (CD14+VDR+), and plasma from patients (n = 66) and healthy controls (n = 38). Genotyping of SNPs and the determination of expression of VDR/vitamin D-related genes were performed by using qPCR. The effect of FokI SNP on vitamin D-binding to VDR was investigated by molecular dynamics simulations. CD14+VDR+ cells were correlated with the MELD score. The ApaI SNP was associated with decreased CD3+VDR+ levels in cirrhotic patients and with higher liver stiffness in HCV patients. The BsmI and TaqI SNPs were associated with increased VDR plasma concentrations in cirrhotic patients and decreased CD14+VDR+ levels in HCV patients. The FokI SNP was associated with increased CD3+VDR+ levels in cirrhotic patients and controls. VDR polymorphisms were significantly related to the expression of genes critical for normal hepatocyte function and immune homeostasis. VDR expression levels were related to the clinical severity of liver disease. VDR SNPs may be related to the progression of chronic liver disease by affecting VDR expression levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evanthia Tourkochristou
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, University Hospital of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Efthymios P Tsounis
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, University Hospital of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | | | - Ioanna Aggeletopoulou
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, University Hospital of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Aggeliki Tsintoni
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, University Hospital of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Theoni Lourida
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, University Hospital of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Georgia Diamantopoulou
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, University Hospital of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Zisimopoulos
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, University Hospital of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Theodora Kafentzi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, University Hospital of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Anne-Lise de Lastic
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Maria Rodi
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Theodore Tselios
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Thomopoulos
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, University Hospital of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Athanasia Mouzaki
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Christos Triantos
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, University Hospital of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
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Šarac I, Djekić-Ivanković M, Debeljak-Martačić J. Editorial: The role of vitamin D in metabolic and cardiovascular health. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1193758. [PMID: 37168055 PMCID: PMC10165735 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1193758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Šarac
- Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, Centre of Research Excellence in Nutrition and Metabolism, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- *Correspondence: Ivana Šarac
| | | | - Jasmina Debeljak-Martačić
- Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, Centre of Research Excellence in Nutrition and Metabolism, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Bolognesi E, Guerini FR, Sotgiu S, Chiappedi M, Carta A, Mensi MM, Agliardi C, Zanzottera M, Clerici M. GC1f Vitamin D Binding Protein Isoform as a Marker of Severity in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14235153. [PMID: 36501185 PMCID: PMC9740250 DOI: 10.3390/nu14235153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by a wide spectrum of clinical, behavioral, and cognitive manifestations. It is, therefore, crucial to investigate possible biomarkers associated with specific ASD phenotypes. Ample literature suggests a possible role for vitamin D (VD) in influencing ASD clinical phenotypes. We analyzed three vitamin D binding protein gene (DBP) functional polymorphisms (rs2282679, rs7041, and rs4588), which are involved in the modulation of vitamin D serum concentration in 309 ASD children and 831 healthy controls. Frequency comparisons of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) alleles, genotypes, and GC isoforms (GC1f, G1s, and GC2)—generated by the combination of rs7041 and rs4588 alleles—were correlated with ASD diagnostic, behavioral, and functioning scales. The GC1f isoform was significantly more frequent in ASD compared with controls (18.6% vs. 14.5% pc = 0.02). Significantly higher scores for item 15 of the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and lower ones for the Children’s Global Assessment Scale (CGAS) functioning scales were seen in ASD carrying the GC1f isoform. In GC phenotype analysis, a gradient of severity for overall CARS scores and CARS item 15 was observed, with scores decreasing according to the presence of GC1f-GC1f > GC1f-GC1s > GC1s-GC1s > GC1f-GC2 > GC2-GC2 isoforms. Similarly, lower CGAS scores were seen in carriers of the GC1f-GC1f isoform, whereas higher scores were present in those carrying GC2-GC2 (p = 0.028). This is the first study to evaluate possible relationships between GC variants and the different aspects of ASD in Italian ASD children. Results, although needing to be validated in ampler cohorts, suggest that the GC1f isoform could be a marker of severity in ASD that may be useful in establishing the intensity of therapeutic and rehabilitative protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Franca Rosa Guerini
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, 20148 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-4030-8342; Fax: +39-02-4030-8438
| | - Stefano Sotgiu
- Unit of Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Matteo Chiappedi
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Carta
- Unit of Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Mario Clerici
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, 20148 Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
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