Abstract
Background
Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) is a serine exopeptidase able to inactivate various oligopeptides, and also a hepatokine. Hepatocyte-specific overexpression of DPP4 is associated with hepatic insulin resistance and liver steatosis.
Method
We examined whether weekly DPP4 inhibitor omarigliptin (OMG) can improve liver function as well as levels of inflammation and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Further, we investigated the effects of OMG in a diabetic patient with biopsy-confirmed nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
Results
In NAFLD patients, OMG significantly decreased levels of aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), while no significant change was seen in hemoglobin A1c or body mass index. In the NASH patient, liver function improved markedly, and levels of the hepatic fibrosis marker FIB-4 decreased in parallel with HOMA-IR and hsCRP. Slight but clear improvements in intrahepatic fat deposition and fibrosis appeared to be seen on diagnostic ultrasonography.
Conclusion
Weekly administration of the DPP4 inhibitor OMG in ameliorating hepatic insulin resistance may cause beneficial effects in liver with NAFLD/NASH.
Liver‐on‐a‐Chip: Bioengineered Multicellular Liver Microtissues for Modeling Advanced Hepatic Fibrosis Driven Through Non‐Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (Small 14/2021)
