Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2025
11:06
Network Pharmacology Prediction and Metabolomics Validation of the Mechanism of Fructus Phyllanthi against Hyperlipidemia
Published on: April 7, 2023
2.0K
Hormone-based pharmacotherapy for metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease
Zara Siu Wa Chui1,2,3, Yaqian Xue1,2, Aimin Xu1,2,4
1State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Medical Review (2021)
|April 29, 2024
Summary
New hormone-based drugs show promise for treating metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Resmetirom, a THRβ agonist, effectively treated advanced MAFLD (MASH) and fibrosis, suggesting combination therapies could offer synergistic benefits.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a global epidemic linked to obesity, with no approved targeted therapies.
- Clinical trials for MAFLD drugs face challenges due to safety and efficacy issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the therapeutic potential of hormone-mimicking drugs for MAFLD.
- To highlight resmetirom's success in treating MASH and liver fibrosis.
- To explore the potential of combination therapies for MAFLD.
Main Methods:
- Review of investigational drugs mimicking thyroid hormone receptor β (THRβ), fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).
- Analysis of clinical trial data, focusing on resmetirom's efficacy and safety.
- Evaluation of the complementary mechanisms of hormone-based therapies.
Main Results:
- Resmetirom, a selective THRβ agonist, achieved primary outcomes in Phase 3 trials for MASH and liver fibrosis.
- Investigational drugs like THRβ agonists, FGF21 analogues, and GLP-1RAs demonstrate promising efficacy and safety.
- These agents improve hepatic steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis, and metabolic profiles.
Conclusions:
- Hormone-based pharmacotherapies offer a promising avenue for MAFLD treatment.
- Combined therapies targeting complementary hormonal pathways may yield synergistic benefits.
- Further research into hormone interactions is crucial for developing precision MAFLD management strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents
652
Hyperlipidemia, a medical condition often referred to as high cholesterol, is characterized by abnormally elevated levels of lipids in the bloodstream. When present in excess, these lipids, specifically cholesterol and triglycerides, can lead to serious health complications, often involving cardiovascular diseases. Illnesses like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and pancreatitis have all been linked to untreated hyperlipidemia. This means controlling and regulating cholesterol and triglyceride...
652
01:24Overview of Lipid Metabolism
1.5K
Lipid metabolism is a crucial process in the human body that involves the synthesis and degradation of lipids. This process is essential for energy production, cell membrane formation, and hormone production, among other functions.
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...
1.5K
01:30Liver Physiology
518
The liver, an essential organ in the human body, performs over 200 vital functions that can be broadly categorized into metabolic, hematological, endocrine regulation, and bile production.
Metabolic Regulation:
The liver is the central organ involved in regulating blood composition. It stabilizes blood glucose levels, maintaining them within the range of 70–110 mg/dL. When these levels drop, the liver breaks down glycogen reserves and releases glucose into the bloodstream. It can...
Metabolic Regulation:
The liver is the central organ involved in regulating blood composition. It stabilizes blood glucose levels, maintaining them within the range of 70–110 mg/dL. When these levels drop, the liver breaks down glycogen reserves and releases glucose into the bloodstream. It can...
518
01:28Overview of Fatty Acid Metabolism
30.6K
Lipids also are sources of energy that power cellular processes. Like carbohydrates, lipids are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, but these atoms are arranged differently. Most lipids are nonpolar and hydrophobic. Major types include fats and oils, waxes, phospholipids, and steroids.
Fatty acids are catabolized in a process called beta-oxidation, which takes place in the matrix of the mitochondria and converts their fatty acid chains into two-carbon units of acetyl groups. The acetyl...
Fatty acids are catabolized in a process called beta-oxidation, which takes place in the matrix of the mitochondria and converts their fatty acid chains into two-carbon units of acetyl groups. The acetyl...
30.6K
01:15Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy
268
The therapy for diabetes aims to alleviate hyperglycemia-related symptoms, prevent acute metabolic decompensation, and reduce chronic end-organ complications. Glycemic control is evaluated through short-term (self-monitoring, continuous glucose monitoring) and long-term (A1c, fructosamine) metrics, enabling near real-time tracking of blood glucose levels and reflecting glycemic control over specific time frames.
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
268
01:29Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation
540
Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...
Considering cholesterol and...
540