Metformin and the Liver: Unlocking the Full Therapeutic Potential.

Metformin is a highly effective medication for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Recent studies have shown that it has significant therapeutic benefits in various organ systems, particularly the liver. Although the effects of metformin on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis are still being debated, it has positive effects on cirrhosis and anti-tumoral properties, which can help prevent the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, it has been proven to improve insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia, commonly associated with liver diseases. While more studies are needed to fully determine the safety and effectiveness of metformin use in liver diseases, the results are highly promising. Indeed, metformin has a terrific potential for extending its full therapeutic properties beyond its traditional use in managing diabetes.

Candidacy of adult patients with short bowel syndrome for treatment with glucagon-like peptide-2 analogues: A systematic analysis of a single centre cohort.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) analogue, teduglutide, allows to reduce the intravenous supplementation (IVS) dependency of patients with short bowel syndrome and intestinal failure (SBS-IF). The rate of candidacy of SBS-IF patients for the treatment is unknown. The candidacy for teduglutide treatment of our patient cohort was investigated by a systematic analysis. METHODS: The indications, contraindications, special warnings and precautions for use of teduglutide, listed in the drug monographs and in the phase-III trial protocol were adopted to categorize the patients as non-candidates (NC), potential candidates (PC) or straight candidates (SC) for the treatment. All the SBS-IF adult patients who were cured at our centre were assessed according to their clinical status on January 1st, 2020. RESULTS: Seventy-nine patients were evaluated: 34.2% were NC due to risk of digestive malignancy, recent history of any other cancer, or listing for intestinal transplantation; 30.4% were PC, because of other premalignant conditions, risk of intestinal obstruction, entero-cutaneous fistulas, or severe co-morbidities; 35.4% were SC. The SC group showed the lowest requirement of IVS: the lowest number of days of infusion per week (p = 0.0054), the lowest amount of energy (p = 0.0110) and volume (p = 0.0136). CONCLUSIONS: This systematic analysis allowed a pragmatic categorization of the candidacy of patients with SBS-IF for GLP-2 analogue treatment. The SC group appeared to have the highest probability of a successful response to the treatment. A systematic analysis of SBS-IF patient candidate for GLP-2 analogue therapy would allow a homogeneous patient selection and facilitate the worldwide comparison of the results of clinical practice and research.

Moderate Alcohol Intake in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: To Drink or Not to Drink?

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is defined by hepatic steatosis in the presence of alcohol intake within safe limits, defined by guidelines of scientific associations (usually 20 g or 2 units/day in women, 30 g or 3 units in men). The diagnosis is usually followed by medical counseling of total abstinence, in order to prevent disease progression. This policy has been challenged by epidemiological studies, suggesting that the risk of liver disease and disease progression is lower in modest drinkers than in total abstainers. We revised the literature on the effects of modest alcohol intake on disease burden. Epidemiological data may suffer from several potential biases (recall bias for retrospective analyses, difficulties in the calculation of g/day), limiting their validity. Prospective data suggest that NAFLD patients with regular alcohol intake, although within the safe thresholds, are at higher risk of liver disease progression, including hepatocellular carcinoma; a detrimental effect of modest alcohol drinking is similarly observed in liver disease of viral etiology. Alcohol intake is also a risk factor for extrahepatic cancers, particularly breast, oral, and pharyngeal cancers, with gender difference and no floor effect, which outweigh the possible beneficial effects on cardiovascular system, also derived from retrospective studies. Finally, the negative effects of the calorie content of alcohol on dietary restriction and weight loss, the pivotal intervention to reduce NAFLD burden, should be considered. In summary, the policy of counseling NAFLD patients for alcohol abstinence should be maintained.