Efficacy and Safety of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists in the Treatment of Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Clinical trials examining the therapeutic benefits of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) on patients with metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) have reported inconsistent results. The aim of this meta-analysis was to verify the role of GLP-1RA in the treatment of MAFLD patients.

Materials and methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Medline, and the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials published that compared GLP-1RA with the control treatment in patients with MAFLD till to July 30, 2020. The effects of GLP-1RA on liver histology, body mass index, waist circumference (WC), aspartate aminotransferase, total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein were evaluated.

Results: Thirteen trials involving 704 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with the control treatment, GLP-1RA treatment induced a greater resolution of steatohepatitis [RR=2.87; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.89 to 9.23], delayed the progression of liver fibrosis (RR=3.83, 95% CI: 0.91 to 16.07) and reduced liver fat deposition (MD: -1.40; 95% CI: -2.75 to -0.05). In addition, it reduced the body mass index (MD: -1.15; 95% CI: -2.26 to -0.04), WC (MD: -3.33; 95% CI: -6.31 to -0.35) and improved serum aspartate aminotransferase (MD: -3.04; 95% CI: -5.93 to -0.16) and total cholesterol (MD: -0.20; 95% CI: -0.28 to -0.13).

Conclusion: GLP-1RA improves liver steatosis and fibrosis. It is also beneficial to metabolic syndrome as it reduces BMI, WC, and hyperlipidemia.