Emerging Therapies: A New Hope for NAFLD
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been a growing concern in the medical community. A recent systematic review opens up new avenues for its treatment.
The Source Article Details
Emerging therapeutic options for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review by Jasmine Tidwell et al. in 2023.
The Source Article's Abstract
Background
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a prevalent cause of chronic liver disease and ranks third among the causes of transplantation. In the United States alone, annual medical costs are approximately 100 billion dollars. Unfortunately, there is no Federal Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medication for its treatment. However, various clinical trials are investigating several therapeutic classes that could potentially treat NAFLD.
Methods
A comprehensive literature search using keywords including cyclophilin inhibitor, FGF agonist, pan-PPAR agonists, dual-PPAR agonist, NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and fatty liver was conducted. Animal and human research, case reports, and published articles in English from all countries with patients aged 18 and above were included.
Results
Of the 681 records screened, 29 met the necessary criteria and were included in this review. These records included 12 human studies and 17 animal studies. Specifically, there were four studies on cyclophilin inhibitors, four on FGF agonists/analogs, eleven on pan-PPAR agonists, and ten on dual-PPAR agonists.
Conclusion
The data analyzed in this review showed clinically significant improvement in individual histological features of NAFLD in both animal and human trials for all four classes, as well as good safety profiles.
Citing the Source Article (APA)
Tidwell, J., Balassiano, N., Shaikh, A., Nassar, M. (2023). Emerging therapeutic options for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review. World Journal of Hepatology, 15(8), 1001-1012. 10.4254/wjh.v15.i8.1001
The Crux of the Matter
The article delves into the efficacy of various therapeutic classes like cyclophilin inhibitors and PPAR agonists. These are not yet FDA-approved but show promise in clinical trials.
Animal and human studies were meticulously analyzed, providing a comprehensive view of the current state of NAFLD treatment.
Why Should You Care?
NAFLD is not just a liver disease; it’s a financial burden with an annual cost of approximately 100 billion dollars in the U.S. alone.
Moreover, it’s a ticking time bomb leading to other severe conditions like hepatocellular carcinoma.
PP-ICONS: A Quick Assessment
- Patient Problem: NAFLD
- Intervention: Cyclophilin inhibitors, PPAR agonists
- Comparison: Not applicable
- Outcome: Improvement in liver histology
- Study Design: Systematic Review
What’s Next?
The article sets the stage for future research and FDA approvals. It’s a must-read for anyone involved in hepatology or endocrinology.
With these emerging therapies, the future for NAFLD treatment looks promising.
What are your thoughts on these emerging therapies? Do you think they will become the new standard for NAFLD treatment? Share your insights and let’s deepen the conversation.