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Khaznadar F, Khaznadar O, Petrovic A, Hefer M, Gjoni F, Gjoni S, Steiner J, Smolic M, Bojanic K. MAFLD Pandemic: Updates in Pharmacotherapeutic Approach Development. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:6300-6314. [PMID: 39057018 PMCID: PMC11275123 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46070376] [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: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
With around one billion of the world's population affected, the era of the metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) pandemic has entered the global stage. MAFLD is a chronic progressive liver disease with accompanying metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity which can progress asymptomatically to liver cirrhosis and subsequently to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and for which to date there are almost no approved pharmacologic options. Because MAFLD has a very complex etiology and it also affects extrahepatic organs, a multidisciplinary approach is required when it comes to finding an effective and safe active substance for MAFLD treatment. The optimal drug for MAFLD should diminish steatosis, fibrosis and inflammation in the liver, and the winner for MAFLD drug authorisation seems to be the one that significantly improves liver histology. Saroglitazar (Lipaglyn®) was approved for metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in India in 2020; however, the drug is still being investigated in other countries. Although the pharmaceutical industry is still lagging behind in developing an approved pharmacologic therapy for MAFLD, research has recently intensified and many molecules which are in the final stages of clinical trials are expected to be approved in the coming few years. Already this year, the first drug (Rezdiffra™) in the United States was approved via accelerated procedure for treatment of MAFLD, i.e., of MASH in adults. This review underscores the most recent information related to the development of drugs for MAFLD treatment, focusing on the molecules that have come furthest towards approval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Khaznadar
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (F.K.); (A.P.); (M.H.); (M.S.)
- Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Omar Khaznadar
- Department of Radiology, “Dr. Juraj Njavro” National Memorial Hospital Vukovar, 32000 Vukovar, Croatia;
| | - Ana Petrovic
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (F.K.); (A.P.); (M.H.); (M.S.)
| | - Marija Hefer
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (F.K.); (A.P.); (M.H.); (M.S.)
| | - Fabian Gjoni
- Opća bolnica Pula, Santoriova ul. 24a, 52100 Pula, Croatia; (F.G.); (S.G.)
| | - Stefan Gjoni
- Opća bolnica Pula, Santoriova ul. 24a, 52100 Pula, Croatia; (F.G.); (S.G.)
| | | | - Martina Smolic
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (F.K.); (A.P.); (M.H.); (M.S.)
| | - Kristina Bojanic
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (F.K.); (A.P.); (M.H.); (M.S.)
- Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Health Center Osijek-Baranja County, 31000 Osijek, Croatia;
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Luo Z, Yan S, Chao Y, Shen M. Unveiling the mitophagy puzzle in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): Six hub genes for early diagnosis and immune modulatory roles. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28935. [PMID: 38601640 PMCID: PMC11004814 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28935] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) stands as a predominant chronic liver ailment globally, yet its pathogenesis remains elusive. This study aims to identify Hub mitophagy-related genes (MRGs), and explore the underlying pathological mechanisms through which these hub genes regulate NAFLD. Methods A total of 3 datasets were acquired from the GEO database and integrated to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in NAFLD and perform Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). By intersecting DEGs with MRGs, mitophagy-related differentially expressed genes (MRDEGs) were obtained. Then, hub MRGs with diagnostic biomarker capability for NAFLD were screened and a diagnostic prediction model was constructed and assessed using Nomogram, Decision Curve Analysis (DCA), and ROC curves. Functional enrichment analysis was conducted on the identified hub genes to explore their biological significance. Additionally, regulatory networks were constructed using databases. NAFLD was stratified into high and low-risk groups based on the Riskscore from the diagnostic prediction model. Furthermore, single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) and CIBERSORT algorithms were employed to analyze immune cell infiltration patterns and the relationship between Hub MRGs and immune cells. Results The integrated dataset comprised 122 NAFLD samples and 31 control samples. After screening, 18 MRDEGs were identified. Subsequently, six hub MRGs (NR4A1, PPP2R2A, P4HA1, TUBB6, DUSP1, NAMPT) with diagnostic potential were selected through WGCNA, logistic regression, SVM, RF, and LASSO models, all significantly downregulated in NAFLD samples compared to the control group. A diagnostic prediction model based on these six genes demonstrated robust predictive performance. Functional enrichment analysis of the six hub genes revealed involvement in processes such as protein phosphorylation or dephosphorylation. Correlation analysis demonstrated a significant association between hub MRGs and infiltrating immune cells. Conclusion We identified six hub MRGs in NAFLD and constructed a diagnostic prediction model based on these six genes, applicable for early NAFLD diagnosis. These genes may participate in regulating NAFLD progression through the modulation of mitophagy and immune activation. Our findings may contribute to subsequent clinical and basic research on NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenguo Luo
- Department of Internal Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shu Yan
- Department of Internal Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu Chao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ming Shen
- Department of Cardiology, The 926th Hospital of the Joint Logistic Support Force of PLA, Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kaiyuan, Yunnan, China
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Vairetti M, Colucci G, Ferrigno A. Innovative Molecular Targets and Therapeutic Approaches in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NAFLD/NASH) 3.0. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4010. [PMID: 38612820 PMCID: PMC11012541 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this Special Issue is to provide an update on the diagnosis and treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is the most prevalent liver disease worldwide; however, there are still no specific treatment agents [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariapia Vairetti
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Colucci
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Andrea Ferrigno
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
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Dare A, King SD, Chen SY. Surfactant protein A promotes western diet-induced hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in mice. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7464. [PMID: 38553537 PMCID: PMC10980756 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58291-5] [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: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) remains the most common cause of liver disease in the United States due to the increased incidence of metabolic dysfunction and obesity. Surfactant protein A (SPA) regulates macrophage function, strongly binds to lipids, and is implicated in renal and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, the role of SPA in lipid accumulation, inflammation, and hepatic fibrosis that characterize MASLD remains unknown. SPA deficient (SPA-/-) and age-matched wild-type (WT) control mice were fed a Western diet for 8 weeks to induce MASLD. Blood and liver samples were collected and used to analyze pathological features associated with MASLD. SPA expression was significantly upregulated in livers of mice with MASLD. SPA deficiency attenuated lipid accumulation along with downregulation of genes involved in fatty acid uptake and reduction of hepatic inflammation as evidenced by the diminished macrophage activation, decreased monocyte infiltration, and reduced production of inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, SPA-/- inhibited stellate cell activation, collagen deposit, and liver fibrosis. These results highlight the novel role of SPA in promoting fatty acid uptake into hepatocytes, causing excessive lipid accumulation, inflammation, and fibrosis implicated in the pathogenesis of MASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayobami Dare
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, 1 Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Skylar D King
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, 1 Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Shi-You Chen
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, 1 Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA.
- The Research Service, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA.
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Fortunato IM, Pereira QC, Oliveira FDS, Alvarez MC, dos Santos TW, Ribeiro ML. Metabolic Insights into Caffeine's Anti-Adipogenic Effects: An Exploration through Intestinal Microbiota Modulation in Obesity. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1803. [PMID: 38339081 PMCID: PMC10855966 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031803] [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: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Obesity, a chronic condition marked by the excessive accumulation of adipose tissue, not only affects individual well-being but also significantly inflates healthcare costs. The physiological excess of fat manifests as triglyceride (TG) deposition within adipose tissue, with white adipose tissue (WAT) expansion via adipocyte hyperplasia being a key adipogenesis mechanism. As efforts intensify to address this global health crisis, understanding the complex interplay of contributing factors becomes critical for effective public health interventions and improved patient outcomes. In this context, gut microbiota-derived metabolites play an important role in orchestrating obesity modulation. Microbial lipopolysaccharides (LPS), secondary bile acids (BA), short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and trimethylamine (TMA) are the main intestinal metabolites in dyslipidemic states. Emerging evidence highlights the microbiota's substantial role in influencing host metabolism and subsequent health outcomes, presenting new avenues for therapeutic strategies, including polyphenol-based manipulations of these microbial populations. Among various agents, caffeine emerges as a potent modulator of metabolic pathways, exhibiting anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and obesity-mitigating properties. Notably, caffeine's anti-adipogenic potential, attributed to the downregulation of key adipogenesis regulators, has been established. Recent findings further indicate that caffeine's influence on obesity may be mediated through alterations in the gut microbiota and its metabolic byproducts. Therefore, the present review summarizes the anti-adipogenic effect of caffeine in modulating obesity through the intestinal microbiota and its metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabela Monique Fortunato
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Molecular Biology, Sao Francisco University, Av. Sao Francisco de Assis, 218, Braganca Paulista 12916-900, SP, Brazil; (I.M.F.); (Q.C.P.); (F.d.S.O.); (M.C.A.); (T.W.d.S.)
| | - Quélita Cristina Pereira
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Molecular Biology, Sao Francisco University, Av. Sao Francisco de Assis, 218, Braganca Paulista 12916-900, SP, Brazil; (I.M.F.); (Q.C.P.); (F.d.S.O.); (M.C.A.); (T.W.d.S.)
| | - Fabricio de Sousa Oliveira
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Molecular Biology, Sao Francisco University, Av. Sao Francisco de Assis, 218, Braganca Paulista 12916-900, SP, Brazil; (I.M.F.); (Q.C.P.); (F.d.S.O.); (M.C.A.); (T.W.d.S.)
| | - Marisa Claudia Alvarez
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Molecular Biology, Sao Francisco University, Av. Sao Francisco de Assis, 218, Braganca Paulista 12916-900, SP, Brazil; (I.M.F.); (Q.C.P.); (F.d.S.O.); (M.C.A.); (T.W.d.S.)
- Hematology and Transfusion Medicine Center, University of Campinas/Hemocentro, UNICAMP, Rua Carlos Chagas 480, Campinas 13083-878, SP, Brazil
| | - Tanila Wood dos Santos
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Molecular Biology, Sao Francisco University, Av. Sao Francisco de Assis, 218, Braganca Paulista 12916-900, SP, Brazil; (I.M.F.); (Q.C.P.); (F.d.S.O.); (M.C.A.); (T.W.d.S.)
| | - Marcelo Lima Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Molecular Biology, Sao Francisco University, Av. Sao Francisco de Assis, 218, Braganca Paulista 12916-900, SP, Brazil; (I.M.F.); (Q.C.P.); (F.d.S.O.); (M.C.A.); (T.W.d.S.)
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