Glp-1 Receptor Agonists Regulate the Progression of Diabetes Mellitus Complicated with Fatty Liver by Down-regulating the Expression of Genes Related to Lipid Metabolism.

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is mostly associated with diabetes mellitus. Dulaglutide is approved in type 2 diabetes as a hypoglycemic agent. However, its effects on liver fat and pancreatic fat contents are not evaluated yet. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the effects of dulaglutide on liver fat content, pancreatic fat content, liver stiffness, and liver enzyme levels. Patients have taken 0.75 mg subcutaneous dulaglutide each week for 4 weeks, then 1.5 mg weekly for 20 weeks plus standard treatment (metformin plus sulfonylurea and/or insulin; DS group, n = 25), or patients have taken standard treatment (metformin plus sulfonylurea and/or insulin) alone (ST group, n = 46) for type 2 diabetes management. Both groups reported a decrease in liver fat content, pancreatic fat content, and liver stiffness after interventions (p < 0.001 for all). After interventions, the DS group reported a higher decrease in liver fat content, pancreatic fat content, and liver stiffness than that of the ST group (p < 0.001 for all). After interventions, the DS group reported a higher decrease in body mass index than that of the ST group (p < 0.05). There were significant improvements in liver function tests, kidney function tests, lipid profiles, and blood counts after interventions (p < 0.05 for all). Both groups reported a decrease in body mass index after interventions (p < 0.001 for both). The DS group significantly decrease body mass index after interventions (p < 0.05) than the ST group.