A randomized triple-blind controlled clinical trial evaluation of sitagliptin in the treatment of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases without diabetes.

The current study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of sitagliptin vs. placebo in treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In a triple-blind randomized clinical trial, we assigned 120 eligible subjects with NAFLD to receive daily dosing of 50 mg sitagliptin (n = 60) or the placebo (n = 60) for 56 weeks and lifestyle modification in both groups. Laboratory and anthropometric outcomes were measured, and liver stiffness was assessed using a fibroscan. The primary outcome measures were changes from baseline in fibrosis scores and liver transferases. Out of 120 patients randomized into sitagliptin and placebo groups, 76 patients completed the trial, of whom 44 were in the sitagliptin and 32 in the placebo groups. Patients receiving sitagliptin showed a significant decrease in the fibrosis scores (P = 0.001). The reductions in the alanine aminotransferase (AST) (P = 0.036) and aspartate AST (P < 0.001) levels were also statistically significant. The effect of sitagliptin in reducing fibrosis scores was significantly greater in normal-weight and overweight individuals than in obese individuals (p = 0.036, and p = 0.018, respectively), whereas the effects of sitagliptin on AST levels were greater among overweight/obese patients (p = 0.028, and p = 0.016, respectively). Sitagliptin reduced fibrosis scores and liver enzymes in NAFLD patients after 56 weeks of therapy. The changes in fibrosis scores were more prominent in patients with normal weight and overweight than obese patients, whereas the effects on AST levels were greater among overweight/obese patients. Other randomized trials with larger sample sizes and longer treatment durations may be required before precise results can be reached. Clinical Trial Registration: [https://www.irct.ir/trial/46140], identifier [IRCT20140430017505N2].

Evaluation of the serum ß2 Microglobulin level in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and its correlation with disease activity.

BACKGROUND: Designation of disease activity is serious for the management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Serum level of ß2 microglobulin (ß2M) may be associated with illness activity in SLE disease. Since the role of ß2M for assessing of illness activity in SLE is not completely clear, the current study aimed to discern evaluation of ß2M in patients with SLE and its correlation with sickness activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case-control study, 50 patients with SLE disease and 25 healthy individuals were selected in Imam Khomeini Hospital in central of Urmia. Blood samples were collected safely from patients, serum was removed, and ß2M measured using an ELISA method. The results for other parameters including C reactive protein, C3, C4, anti dsDNA and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were obtained from patients' medical record. Data analyzed using appropriate statistical tests including Mann-Whitney U test, Independent f-test, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman used for analysis of data. RESULTS: In the current study, a significant difference was seen between two groups in terms of ß2M (p < 0.001). Remarkable correlation was seen between the level of ß2M with disease activity (p < 0.001). Furthermore, there are significant relevancy between the level of ß2M with 24-hour urine protein, ESR, disease activity score, and CRP (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results revealed that serum amount of ß2M in SLE patients is higher compared to healthy ones, which is significantly correlated to score of illness activity, CRP, and ESR in patients with SLE disease. Hence ß2M might be an excellent serological marker helping the prediction of sickness activity and inflammation in SLE patients.