GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives

Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Jan 15;24(2):1703. doi: 10.3390/ijms24021703.

Abstract

To date, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most frequent liver disease, affecting up to 70% of patients with diabetes. Currently, there are no specific drugs available for its treatment. Beyond their anti-hyperglycemic effect and the surprising role of cardio- and nephroprotection, GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have shown a significant impact on body weight and clinical, biochemical and histological markers of fatty liver and fibrosis in patients with NAFLD. Therefore, GLP-1 RAs could be a weapon for the treatment of both diabetes mellitus and NAFLD. The aim of this review is to summarize the evidence currently available on the role of GLP-1 RAs in the treatment of NAFLD and to hypothesize potential future scenarios.

Keywords: GLP-1 receptor agonist; NAFLD; steatosis; type 2 diabetes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / pathology
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 / pharmacology
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor* / agonists
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor* / genetics
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Liver / pathology
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease* / drug therapy
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease* / genetics
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease* / metabolism
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease* / pathology

Substances

  • Glucagon-Like Peptide 1
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.