Existing Drugs Show Promise in Reversing Fatty Liver Disease in Animal Studies
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A University of Barcelona study found that a combination of two existing medications reversed liver fat buildup in animal models of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Using half doses of both drugs together was as effective as a full dose of either drug alone. Researchers are now exploring whether the combination works in advanced disease stages.
Facts First
- A drug combination reversed liver fat buildup in animal models of MASLD, a condition affecting one in three adults globally.
- Using half doses of pemafibrate and telmisartan together was as effective as a full dose of either drug alone in rats.
- Telmisartan was found to work by affecting the PCK1 protein, restoring its levels and shifting metabolism away from fat synthesis.
- MASLD can lead to liver damage and increases the risk of death from cardiovascular disease.
- Researchers are now exploring if the combination works in advanced stages involving liver fibrosis.
What Happened
A research team from the University of Barcelona investigated the use of two existing medications, pemafibrate and telmisartan, to treat metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). In animal models, specifically rats and zebrafish larvae, the combination of these drugs reversed liver fat buildup caused by a diet high in fat and fructose. In rats, using half doses of both drugs together was as effective as using a full dose of either drug alone.
Why this Matters to You
MASLD affects approximately one in three adults worldwide and can progress to liver damage, increasing the risk of death from heart and blood vessel disease. This research suggests that a future treatment for this common condition could potentially repurpose existing, well-understood medications. If successful in further trials, this approach may offer a new therapeutic option that could be more accessible and have a different side-effect profile than developing entirely new drugs.
What's Next
The research team is currently exploring if the drug combination works in advanced stages of the disease involving liver fibrosis. They are also developing models to study the reduction of atherosclerosis, a related cardiovascular complication. These next steps are crucial for determining whether the promising results in early-stage animal models translate to more complex and clinically relevant disease states.