Emerging Evidence in Liver Health: GLP-1, Pollution, and More
Despite awareness efforts, fatty liver disease remains largely overlooked in major global health strategies. Recent studies show promising interventions for early diagnosis and treatment, while also revealing the impact of environmental and lifestyle factors on liver health. Together, these insights call for a more proactive approach to prevention and care. In this issue, we explore these findings and their potential to improve fatty liver disease management.
Detailing the Best Practices for Patient Engagement
At the recent 8th Annual MASH Drug Development Summit in Boston, MA, GLI Vice President of Liver Health Programs, Jeff McIntyre presented on Showcasing Antifibrotic Progress, Past Learnings & Innovations to Supercharge MASH Drug Development. His discussion focused on how the recent approvals could impact the patient journey for MASH patients and how to best implement strategies to enhance patient-focused drug development.
Best Buy Interventions to Address Steatotic Liver Disease
Despite a 2013 WHO resolution aiming for a 25% reduction in premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by 2025, steatotic liver diseases like MASLD and MASH remain largely unaddressed in global health strategies. These diseases, highly prevalent and associated with severe outcomes, urgently need inclusion in WHO’s NCD policies to ensure proper diagnosis, treatment, and care.
Emerging Insights
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Risk for Cirrhosis and Related Complications in Patients with MASLD
A study using data from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Corporate Data Warehouse and Central Cancer Registry, found that GLP-1 RA* use lowered the risk of cirrhosis progression and mortality in patients with MASLD and diabetes, with a 14% reduction in cirrhosis risk compared to DPP-4i** use. However, the protective effect was not observed in patients with existing cirrhosis, highlighting the importance of early treatment before advanced liver disease develops.
* GLP-1 RA (Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist) is a medication that helps lower blood sugar by increasing insulin, reducing glucagon, and slowing stomach emptying.
** DPP-4i (Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor) is a medication that helps control blood sugar by blocking an enzyme, leading to more insulin release.
Associations of Ambient Air Pollution and Lifestyle with the Risk of NAFLD
A study of more than 400,000 UK participants found that long-term exposure to air pollution and an unhealthy lifestyle jointly increase the risk of NAFLD. The research highlights that overlapping lifestyle factors are the primary contributors to NAFLD risk, with significant interactions between air pollution and lifestyle choices.
MetALD Associated with 30% Greater Risk of Cancer-Related Mortality than MASLD
A 10-year longitudinal cohort study of more than 5000 patients with steatotic liver disease (SLD) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) found those with MetALD had a 30% higher risk of cancer-related mortality compared to those with MASLD. This suggests that accurate categorization of alcohol consumption for patients with fatty liver disease/SLD is important to cancer surveillance and an appropriate evaluation of cancer risk.
Low Birth Weight and Size Linked to Heightened Risk of Pediatric MASLD
A recent study of Swedish infants in JAMA Network Open compared children with MASLD to demographic-matched controls suggests that low birth weight and being small for gestational age (below the 10th percentile for size at the same developmental stage) were linked to a higher risk of MASLD. Screening for children with these risk factors may allow for earlier diagnosis or even proactive prevention.
⬇️ Education Resources Available ⬇️
GLI provides a comprehensive library of resources for patients with fatty liver disease, offering easy-to-understand information on topics such as risk factors, disease management, liver health, and interpreting liver labs. Our resources are available in 18 languages, ensuring global access to vital information and support for those affected by fatty liver disease.
Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is hosting a series of virtual educational programs for patients living with NASH and their caregivers. These sessions aim to empower participants with knowledge and practical steps for managing their condition. Each program includes the personal experience of a NASH Patient Ambassador, educational insights from a Nurse Educator about fatty liver disease, and access to valuable resources. Topics covered include the importance of regular labs and imaging to monitor liver health, nutrition and exercise tips for a healthier lifestyle, and strategies for managing everyday life with NASH. Learn more about upcoming programs.
Upcoming GLI Events
The 19th Annual CMHC Congress will be from October 17-19, 2024. Interested in attending? Use code GLI200 to save $200 on your registration.
We’re excited to announce that GLI will be participating in these upcoming conferences:
- October 15-16, 2024: Reuters Pharma & Patient USA 2024 – Boston, MA, USA
- October 24-25, 2024: MOSAIC – Global NASH/MASH Trialist Forum – Washington, DC, USA
- October 31-November 2, 2024: National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Health Innovation Summit – Nashville, TN, USA
- November 7, 2024: The Galien Forum, New York City, NY, USA
- November 15-19, 2024: AASLD’s The Liver Meeting – San Diego, CA, USA
Email us at info@globalliver.org to set up a meeting or visit Booth #846
Interested in joining our team? Global Liver Institute is hiring a Fatty Liver Disease Program Director! Learn more and apply here