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Abstract Details
Anti-obesity Medications for the Management of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Curr Obes Rep. 2022 Sep;11(3):166-179. doi: 10.1007/s13679-022-00474-0.Epub 2022 May 2.
1First Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Campus of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece. spolyzos@auth.gr.
2Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
32nd Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Hippocration Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
41st Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
5First Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Campus of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Abstract
Purpose of review: Obesity is closely associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a highly prevalent disease without any approved medication. The aim of this review was to summarize the evidence on the effect of anti-obesity medications on NAFLD, especially focusing on hepatic histology.
Recent findings: Orlistat and some glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor analogs, including liraglutide and semaglutide, have beneficial effects on hepatic steatosis and inflammation, but not fibrosis. Other anti-obesity medications, including lorcaserin, setmelanotide, phentermine hydrochloric, phentermine/topiramate, and naltrexone/bupropion, have been minimally investigated in NAFLD. Furthermore, medications like sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and farnesoid X receptor have shown beneficial effects in both NAFLD and obesity, but they have not been licensed for either disease. Liraglutide, semaglutide, and orlistat may be currently used in selected patients with obesity and NAFLD. Further research is warranted, since targeting obesity may provide additional benefits on its comorbidities, including NAFLD.