J Korean Diabetes.  2018 Jun;19(2):97-100. 10.4093/jkd.2018.19.2.97.

Pharmacologic Treatment Using Non-Hypoglycemic Agents for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

• Kim SU

• KMID: 2415853
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4093/jkd.2018.19.2.97

Abstract

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common condition that may progress to end-stage liver disease. Recently, NAFLD has been recognized as a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome and an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Therefore, appropriate management of this common disorder is an important public health issue. The management of NAFLD is based on gradual weight loss through lifestyle modification. Reducing total calorie intake and carbohydrates in the diet is beneficial for NAFLD patients. Regular exercise reduces hepatic fat content independent of weight loss. However, such lifestyle changes are difficult to maintain long term for most patients. Despite the growing need for pharmacologic therapy, there is currently no effective agent for the treatment of NAFLD. Several large clinical trials have shown promising but inconsistent effects of pioglitazone and vitamin E for improving NAFLD. However, larger clinical trials are required before definitive conclusions can be drawn.

Keyword

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; Non-hypoglycemic agent; Pharmacologic treatment

MeSH Terms

Carbohydrates
Cardiovascular Diseases
Diet
Humans
Life Style
Liver Diseases
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease*
Public Health
Risk Factors
Vitamin E
Vitamins
Weight Loss
Carbohydrates
Vitamin E
Vitamins

Reference

1. Miller ER 3rd, Pastor-Barriuso R, Dalal D, Riemersma RA, Appel LJ, Guallar E. Meta-analysis: high-dosage vitamin E supplementation may increase all-cause mortality. Ann Intern Med. 2005; 142:37–46.

2. Klein EA, Thompson IM Jr, Tangen CM, Crowley JJ, Lucia MS, Goodman PJ, Minasian LM, Ford LG, Parnes HL, Gaziano JM, Karp DD, Lieber MM, Walther PJ, Klotz L, Parsons JK, Chin JL, Darke AK, Lippman SM, Goodman GE, Meyskens FL Jr, Baker LH. Vitamin E and the risk of prostate cancer: the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT). JAMA. 2011; 306:1549–1556.

3. Lindor KD, Kowdley KV, Heathcote EJ, Harrison ME, Jorgensen R, Angulo P, Lymp JF, Burgart L, Colin P. Ursodeoxycholic acid for treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: results of a randomized trial. Hepatology. 2004; 39:770–778.

4. Leuschner UF, Lindenthal B, Herrmann G, Arnold JC, Rössle M, Cordes HJ, Zeuzem S, Hein J, Berg T. NASH Study Group. High-dose ursodeoxycholic acid therapy for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Hepatology. 2010; 52:472–479.

5. Nelson A, Torres DM, Morgan AE, Fincke C, Harrison SA. A pilot study using simvastatin in the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2009; 43:990–994.

6. Zhu FS, Liu S, Chen XM, Huang ZG, Zhang DW. Effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from seal oils on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease associated with hyperlipidemia. World J Gastroenterol. 2008; 14:6395–6400.

7. Parker HM, Johnson NA, Burdon CA, Cohn JS, O'Connor HT, George J. Omega-3 supplementation and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Hepatol. 2012; 56:944–951.

8. Zein CO, Yerian LM, Gogate P, Lopez R, Kirwan JP, Feldstein AE, McCullough AJ. Pentoxifylline improves nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Hepatology. 2011; 54:1610–1619.