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FXR agonists as therapeutic agents for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Rotonya M Carr1, Andrea E Reid

  • 1Division of Gastroenterology, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Boulevard, 907 Biomedical Research Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA, Rotonya.Carr@uphs.upenn.edu.

Current Atherosclerosis Reports
|February 19, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rising, necessitating new treatments. Synthetic Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonists show promise for NAFLD management, but more research is needed to confirm their effects on human metabolism.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Metabolic Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing health concern, linked to metabolic syndrome and increased cardiovascular/hepatic mortality.
  • NAFLD's rising prevalence demands innovative therapeutic strategies to halt disease progression.
  • Farnesoid X receptors (FXRs) are key regulators of lipid, glucose, and energy balance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review bile acid physiology.
  • To examine the therapeutic potential of synthetic Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonists in preclinical and clinical studies of NAFLD.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of bile acid physiology.
  • Analysis of preclinical and clinical research on FXR agonism in NAFLD.

Main Results:

  • Synthetic FXR agonists target bile acid receptors involved in metabolic homeostasis.
  • Early evidence indicates potential benefits of FXR agonists in NAFLD management.
  • Further investigation is required to fully understand their impact on human lipid and glucose metabolism.

Conclusions:

  • FXR agonism represents a promising therapeutic avenue for NAFLD.
  • Additional clinical trials are necessary to validate the efficacy and safety of synthetic FXR agonists in NAFLD patients.
  • Clarifying effects on metabolic parameters is crucial for future treatment strategies.

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