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Semaglutide and Its Potential Hepatoprotective Effects Against Acute Drug-Induced Liver Injury
Eftychia Charatsi1, Evangelos Liberopoulos2, Vasilios Pergialiotis3
1Second Department of Internal Medicine, Sismanogleio-Amalia Fleming General Hospital, Amalia Fleming Unit, Athens, GRC.
Cureus
|May 28, 2026
Summary
Semaglutide, a GLP-1 RA, shows promise for drug-induced liver injury (DILI). Preclinical studies suggest it offers hepatoprotective benefits by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, warranting further clinical investigation.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Pharmacology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) presents a significant clinical challenge due to limited therapeutic options.
- Current DILI management often involves supportive care, highlighting the need for novel hepatoprotective agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential therapeutic benefits of semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA), in managing drug-induced liver injury (DILI).
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical studies investigating GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) in models of toxic and ischemic liver injury.
- Examination of semaglutide's known pharmacological actions and recent approvals for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.
Main Results:
- Preclinical data indicate that GLP-1 RAs can mitigate hepatic damage in various liver injury models.
- Proposed mechanisms for semaglutide's liver-protective effects include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic actions, improved microcirculation, reduced lipotoxicity, and enhanced hepatic regeneration.
Conclusions:
- Semaglutide demonstrates potential as a supportive or stabilizing treatment for DILI, pending further research.
- Additional preclinical studies are essential to establish a foundation for future clinical trials evaluating semaglutide in DILI patients.
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