Diabetes & Metabolism Journal

Original Article

Basic Research
Serotonin Regulates Lipogenesis and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Alcoholic Liver Disease: Inseon Hwang, Jung Eun Nam, Wonsuk Choi, Won Gun Choi, Eunji Lee, Hyeongseok Kim, Young-Ah Moon, Jun Yong Park, Hail Kim; Received April 26, 2024 Accepted September 21, 2024 Published online February 5, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2024.0215 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) is a monoamine neurotransmitter that has various functions in central and peripheral tissues. While 5-HT is known to regulate various biological processes in liver, direct role of 5-HT and its receptors, especially 5-HT receptor 2A (HTR2A) and HTR2B, in development and progression of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) in vivo is not well understood.
Methods
Blood 5-HT level was measured from both human ALD patients and ethanol (EtOH) diet-fed mouse models. Gut-specific tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (Tph1) knockout mice, liver-specific Htr2a knockout mice, and liver-specific Htr2b knockout mice were fed with EtOH diet. Then we evaluated liver damage, hepatic steatosis, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and inflammation.
Results
Blood 5-HT concentrations are increased in both humans and mice with ALD. Both gut-specific Tph1 knockout and liver- specific Htr2a knockout mice are resistant to steatosis by down-regulating lipogenic pathways in liver of chronic EtOH diet-fed mice. Moreover, genetic inhibition of both gut-derived serotonin (GDS) synthesis and hepatic HTR2A signaling prevents ER stress in liver of chronic EtOH diet-fed mice. Additionally, we found that ablation of HTR2A signaling protects against disease progression by attenuating liver injury and inflammation in chronic plus binge EtOH diet-fed mice. Also, inhibiting HTR2A signaling ameliorates alcohol-induced liver injury and ER stress in an acute EtOH diet-fed mice model.
Conclusion
GDS directly regulates lipogenesis and ER stress via signaling through hepatic HTR2A in the context of ALD. Inhibiting HTR2A signaling protects against alcohol-induced steatosis, liver injury and disease progression in various ALD mouse models and may also provide a novel therapeutic strategy for ALD.

Review

Guideline/Fact Sheet
Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Review and Position Statement of the Fatty Liver Research Group of the Korean Diabetes Association: Jaehyun Bae, Eugene Han, Hye Won Lee, Cheol-Young Park, Choon Hee Chung, Dae Ho Lee, Eun-Hee Cho, Eun-Jung Rhee, Ji Hee Yu, Ji Hyun Park, Ji-Cheol Bae, Jung Hwan Park, Kyung Mook Choi, Kyung-Soo Kim, Mi Hae Seo, Minyoung Lee, Nan-Hee Kim, So Hun Kim, Won-Young Lee, Woo Je Lee, Yeon-Kyung Choi, Yong-ho Lee, You-Cheol Hwang, Young Sang Lyu, Byung-Wan Lee, Bong-Soo Cha, on Behalf of the Fatty Liver Research Group of the Korean Diabetes Association; Diabetes Metab J. 2024;48(6):1015-1028. Published online November 1, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2024.0541

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Since the role of the liver in metabolic dysfunction, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, was demonstrated, studies on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) have shown associations between fatty liver disease and other metabolic diseases. Unlike the exclusionary diagnostic criteria of NAFLD, MAFLD diagnosis is based on the presence of metabolic dysregulation in fatty liver disease. Renaming NAFLD as MAFLD also introduced simpler diagnostic criteria. In 2023, a new nomenclature, steatotic liver disease (SLD), was proposed. Similar to MAFLD, SLD diagnosis is based on the presence of hepatic steatosis with at least one cardiometabolic dysfunction. SLD is categorized into metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), metabolic dysfunction and alcohol-related/-associated liver disease, alcoholrelated liver disease, specific etiology SLD, and cryptogenic SLD. The term MASLD has been adopted by a number of leading national and international societies due to its concise diagnostic criteria, exclusion of other concomitant liver diseases, and lack of stigmatizing terms. This article reviews the diagnostic criteria, clinical relevance, and differences among NAFLD, MAFLD, and MASLD from a diabetologist’s perspective and provides a rationale for adopting SLD/MASLD in the Fatty Liver Research Group of the Korean Diabetes Association.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Bioelectrical impedance analysis parameters are superior to liver enzymes in predicting metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in young adults
Kyungchul Song, Yu-Jin Kwon, Eunju Lee, Hye Sun Lee, Young Hoon Youn, Su Jung Baik, Hana Lee, Joon Young Kim, Youngha Choi, Hyun Wook Chae
Internal and Emergency Medicine.2025; 20(3): 785. CrossRef

Original Articles

Metabolic Risk/Epidemiology
Comparison of SPISE and METS-IR and Other Markers to Predict Insulin Resistance and Elevated Liver Transaminases in Children and Adolescents: Kyungchul Song, Eunju Lee, Hye Sun Lee, Hana Lee, Ji-Won Lee, Hyun Wook Chae, Yu-Jin Kwon; Diabetes Metab J. 2025;49(2):264-274. Published online October 29, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2024.0302

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Studies on predictive markers of insulin resistance (IR) and elevated liver transaminases in children and adolescents are limited. We evaluated the predictive capabilities of the single-point insulin sensitivity estimator (SPISE) index, metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), the triglyceride (TG)/ high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio, and the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) for IR and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation in this population.
Methods
Data from 1,593 participants aged 10 to 18 years were analyzed using a nationwide survey. Logistic regression analysis was performed with IR and ALT elevation as dependent variables. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to assess predictive capability. Proportions of IR and ALT elevation were compared after dividing participants based on parameter cutoff points.
Results
All parameters were significantly associated with IR and ALT elevation, even after adjusting for age and sex, and predicted IR and ALT elevation in ROC curves (all P<0.001). The areas under the ROC curve of SPISE and METS-IR were higher than those of TyG and TG/HDL-C for predicting IR and were higher than those of HOMA-IR, TyG, and TG/HDL-C for predicting ALT elevation. The proportions of individuals with IR and ALT elevation were higher among those with METS-IR, TyG, and TG/ HDL-C values higher than the cutoff points, whereas they were lower among those with SPISE higher than the cutoff point.
Conclusion
SPISE and METS-IR are superior to TG/HDL-C and TyG in predicting IR and ALT elevation. Thus, this study identified valuable predictive markers for young individuals.

Metabolic Risk/Epidemiology
Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease and All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality: Rosa Oh, Seohyun Kim, So Hyun Cho, Jiyoon Kim, You-Bin Lee, Sang-Man Jin, Kyu Yeon Hur, Gyuri Kim, Jae Hyeon Kim; Diabetes Metab J. 2025;49(1):80-91. Published online August 28, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2024.0042

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Background
Given the association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic risks, a new term, metabolic dysfunction- associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has been proposed. We aimed to explore the association between MASLD and all-cause, cause-specific mortalities.
Methods
We included individuals with steatotic liver disease (SLD) from the Korean National Health Insurance Service. Moreover, SLD was defined as a fatty liver index ≥30. Furthermore, MASLD, metabolic alcohol-associated liver disease (MetALD), and alcoholic liver disease (ALD) with metabolic dysfunction (MD) were categorized based on alcohol consumption and MD. We also analyzed all-cause, liver-, cancer-, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)- and cardiovascular (CV)-related mortalities.
Results
This retrospective nationwide cohort study included 1,298,993 individuals aged 40 to 79 years for a mean follow-up duration of 9.04 years. The prevalence of MASLD, MetALD, and ALD with MD was 33.11%, 3.93%, and 1.00%, respectively. Relative to the “no SLD” group, multivariable analysis identified that MASLD (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26 to 1.31), MetALD (aHR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.32 to 1.44), and ALD with MD group (aHR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.68 to 1.93) have a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality. Furthermore, MASLD, MetALD, ALD with MD groups showed higher liver-, cancer-, and HCC-related mortality than “no SLD” group. While all-cause specific mortalities increase from MASLD to MetALD to ALD with MD, the MetALD group shows a lower risk of CV-related mortality compared to MASLD. However, ALD with MD group still have a higher risk of CV-related mortality compared to MASLD.
Conclusion
SLD is associated with an increased risk of all-cause, liver-, cancer-, HCC-, and CV-related mortalities.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

KASL clinical practice guidelines for the management of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease 2025
Won Sohn, Young-Sun Lee, Soon Sun Kim, Jung Hee Kim, Young-Joo Jin, Gi-Ae Kim, Pil Soo Sung, Jeong-Ju Yoo, Young Chang, Eun Joo Lee, Hye Won Lee, Miyoung Choi, Su Jong Yu, Young Kul Jung, Byoung Kuk Jang
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology.2025; 31(Suppl): S1. CrossRef
Diagnosis and Management of Early Stages of ALD
Jordi Gratacós-Ginès, Edilmar Alvarado-Tapias, David Martí-Aguado, Hugo López-Pelayo, Ramón Bataller, Elisa Pose
Seminars in Liver Disease.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
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Wei-Chun Cheng, Ching-Nung Wu, Pin-Nan Cheng
Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Levels in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), Metabolic Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease (MetALD), and Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD) with Metabolic Dysfunction
Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon
Biomolecules.2024; 14(11): 1468. CrossRef

Basic Research
DGAT2 Plays a Crucial Role to Control ESRRA-PROX1 Transcriptional Network to Maintain Hepatic Mitochondrial Sustainability: Yoseob Lee, Yeseong Hwang, Minki Kim, Hyeonuk Jeon, Seyeon Joo, Sungsoon Fang, Jae-Woo Kim; Diabetes Metab J. 2024;48(5):901-914. Published online April 22, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2023.0368

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Background
Diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2) synthesizes triacylglycerol (TG) from diacylglycerol; therefore, DGAT2 is considered as a therapeutic target for steatosis. However, the consequence of inhibiting DGAT2 is not fully investigated due to side effects including lethality and lipotoxicity. In this article, we observed the role of DGAT2 in hepatocarcinoma.
Methods
The role of DGAT2 is analyzed via loss-of-function assay. DGAT2 knockdown (KD) and inhibitor treatment on HepG2 cell line was analyzed. Cumulative analysis of cell metabolism with bioinformatic data were assessed, and further compared with different cohorts of liver cancer patients and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients to elucidate how DGAT2 is regulating cancer metabolism.
Results
Mitochondrial function is suppressed in DGAT2 KD HepG2 cell along with the decreased lipid droplets. In the aspect of the cancer, DGAT2 KD upregulates cell proliferation. Analyzing transcriptome of NAFLD and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients highlights negatively correlating expression patterns of 73 lipid-associated genes including DGAT2. Cancer patients with the lower DGAT2 expression face lower survival rate. DGAT2 KD cell and patients’ transcriptome show downregulation in estrogen- related receptor alpha (ESRRA) via integrated system for motif activity response analysis (ISMARA), with increased dimerization with corepressor prospero homeobox 1 (PROX1).
Conclusion
DGAT2 sustains the stability of mitochondria in hepatoma via suppressing ESRRA-PROX1 transcriptional network and hinders HCC from shifting towards glycolytic metabolism, which lowers cell proliferation.

Citations

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PLD2 is a marker for MASLD-HCC with early-stage fibrosis: revealed by lipidomic and gene expression analysis
Jihan Sun, Fatima Dahboul, Estelle Pujos-Guillot, Mélanie Petera, Emeline Chu-Van, Benoit Colsch, Delphine Weil, Vincent Di Martino, Aicha Demidem, Armando Abergel
Metabolomics.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

Review

Metabolic Risk/Epidemiology
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1: New Regulator in Lipid Metabolism: Tong Bu, Ziyan Sun, Yi Pan, Xia Deng, Guoyue Yuan; Diabetes Metab J. 2024;48(3):354-372. Published online April 1, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2023.0277

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Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a 30-amino acid peptide hormone that is mainly expressed in the intestine and hypothalamus. In recent years, basic and clinical studies have shown that GLP-1 is closely related to lipid metabolism, and it can participate in lipid metabolism by inhibiting fat synthesis, promoting fat differentiation, enhancing cholesterol metabolism, and promoting adipose browning. GLP-1 plays a key role in the occurrence and development of metabolic diseases such as obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and atherosclerosis by regulating lipid metabolism. It is expected to become a new target for the treatment of metabolic disorders. The effects of GLP-1 and dual agonists on lipid metabolism also provide a more complete treatment plan for metabolic diseases. This article reviews the recent research progress of GLP-1 in lipid metabolism.

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Original Article

Metabolic Risk/Epidemiology
Healthy Lifestyle and the Risk of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease: A Large Prospective Cohort Study: Qing Chang, Yixiao Zhang, Tingjing Zhang, Zuyun Liu, Limin Cao, Qing Zhang, Li Liu, Shaomei Sun, Xing Wang, Ming Zhou, Qiyu Jia, Kun Song, Yang Ding, Yuhong Zhao, Kaijun Niu, Yang Xia; Diabetes Metab J. 2024;48(5):971-982. Published online March 19, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2023.0133

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Background
The incidence density of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and the effect of a healthy lifestyle on the risk of MAFLD remain unknown. We evaluated the prevalence and incidence density of MAFLD and investigated the association between healthy lifestyle and the risk of MAFLD.
Methods
A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 37,422 participants to explore the prevalence of MAFLD. A cohort analysis of 18,964 individuals was conducted to identify the incidence of MAFLD, as well as the association between healthy lifestyle and MAFLD. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) with adjustments for confounding factors.
Results
The prevalence of MAFLD, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and their comorbidities were 30.38%, 28.09%, and 26.13%, respectively. After approximately 70 thousand person-years of follow-up, the incidence densities of the three conditions were 61.03, 55.49, and 51.64 per 1,000 person-years, respectively. Adherence to an overall healthy lifestyle was associated with a 19% decreased risk of MAFLD (HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.72 to 0.92), and the effects were modified by baseline age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). Subgroup analyses revealed that younger participants, men, and those with a lower BMI experienced more significant beneficial effects from healthy lifestyle.
Conclusion
Our results highlight the beneficial effect of adherence to a healthy lifestyle on the prevention of MAFLD. Health management for improving dietary intake, physical activity, and smoking and drinking habits are critical to improving MAFLD.

Citations

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Impact of healthy lifestyles on the risk of metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease among adults with comorbid hypertension and diabetes: Novel insight from a largely middle‐aged and elderly cohort in South China
Jun‐Yan Xi, Yi‐Jing Wang, Xiao‐Heng Li, Nuo‐Min Sun, Rui‐Qi Ming, Hua‐Ling Yan, Huan‐Le Cai, Jian‐Jun Bai, Yi‐Ning Xiang, Jing Gu, Xiao Lin, Gang Liu, Yuan‐Tao Hao
Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.2025; 27(5): 2800. CrossRef
Diagnostic indicators and lifestyle interventions of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease
Tianzhu Chen, Xiang Qin, Jianping Jiang, Beihui He
Frontiers in Nutrition.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Sex differences in pathogenesis and treatment of dyslipidemia in patients with type 2 diabetes and steatotic liver disease
Tatjana Ábel, Béla Benczúr, Éva Csajbókné Csobod
Frontiers in Medicine.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Associations of traditional healthy lifestyle and sleep quality with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: two population-based studies
Jialu Yang, Qi Zhang, Wanying Zhao, Bingqi Ye, Siqi Li, Zhuoyu Zhang, Jingmeng Ju, Jialin He, Min Xia, Tiantian Xiong, Yan Liu
Nutrition & Diabetes.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

Sulwon Lecture 2023

Metabolic Risk/Epidemiology
Insulin Resistance, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Clinical and Experimental Perspective: Inha Jung, Dae-Jeong Koo, Won-Young Lee; Diabetes Metab J. 2024;48(3):327-339. Published online February 2, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2023.0350

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It has been generally accepted that insulin resistance (IR) and reduced insulin secretory capacity are the basic pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In addition to genetic factors, the persistence of systemic inflammation caused by obesity and the associated threat of lipotoxicity increase the risk of T2DM. In particular, the main cause of IR is obesity and subjects with T2DM have a higher body mass index (BMI) than normal subjects according to recent studies. The prevalence of T2DM with IR has increased with increasing BMI during the past three decades. According to recent studies, homeostatic model assessment of IR was increased compared to that of the 1990s. Rising prevalence of obesity in Korea have contributed to the development of IR, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and T2DM and cutting this vicious cycle is important. My colleagues and I have investigated this pathogenic mechanism on this theme through clinical and experimental studies over 20 years and herein, I would like to summarize some of our studies with deep gratitude for receiving the prestigious 2023 Sulwon Award.

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Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Review and Position Statement of the Fatty Liver Research Group of the Korean Diabetes Association
Jaehyun Bae, Eugene Han, Hye Won Lee, Cheol-Young Park, Choon Hee Chung, Dae Ho Lee, Eun-Hee Cho, Eun-Jung Rhee, Ji Hee Yu, Ji Hyun Park, Ji-Cheol Bae, Jung Hwan Park, Kyung Mook Choi, Kyung-Soo Kim, Mi Hae Seo, Minyoung Lee, Nan-Hee Kim, So Hun Kim, Won-
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Original Articles

Metabolic Risk/Epidemiology
Glycemic Control Is Associated with Histological Findings of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Teruki Miyake, Shinya Furukawa, Bunzo Matsuura, Osamu Yoshida, Masumi Miyazaki, Akihito Shiomi, Ayumi Kanamoto, Hironobu Nakaguchi, Yoshiko Nakamura, Yusuke Imai, Mitsuhito Koizumi, Takao Watanabe, Yasunori Yamamoto, Yohei Koizumi, Yoshio Tokumoto, Masashi Hirooka, Teru Kumagi, Eiji Takesita, Yoshio Ikeda, Masanori Abe, Yoichi Hiasa; Diabetes Metab J. 2024;48(3):440-448. Published online February 2, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2023.0200

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Background
Poor lifestyle habits may worsen nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), with progression to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis. This study investigated the association between glycemic control status and hepatic histological findings to elucidate the effect of glycemic control on NAFLD.
Methods
This observational study included 331 patients diagnosed with NAFLD by liver biopsy. Effects of the glycemic control status on histological findings of NAFLD were evaluated by comparing the following four glycemic status groups defined by the glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level at the time of NAFLD diagnosis: ≤5.4%, 5.5%–6.4%, 6.5%–7.4%, and ≥7.5%.
Results
Compared with the lowest HbA1c group (≤5.4%), the higher HbA1c groups (5.5%–6.4%, 6.5%–7.4%, and ≥7.5%) were associated with advanced liver fibrosis and high NAFLD activity score (NAS). On multivariate analysis, an HbA1c level of 6.5%– 7.4% group was significantly associated with advanced fibrosis compared with the lowest HbA1c group after adjusting for age, sex, hemoglobin, alanine aminotransferase, and creatinine levels. When further controlling for body mass index and uric acid, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, the higher HbA1c groups were significantly associated with advanced fibrosis compared with the lowest HbA1c group. On the other hand, compared with the lowest HbA1c group, the higher HbA1c groups were also associated with a high NAS in both multivariate analyses.
Conclusion
Glycemic control is associated with NAFLD exacerbation, with even a mild deterioration in glycemic control, especially a HbA1c level of 6.5%–7.4%, contributing to NAFLD progression.

Citations

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The association between glycemic state, R factor and Steatosis-Associated Fibrosis Estimator score in advanced liver fibrosis in patients with diabetes mellitus
Mohammadjavad Sotoudeheian, Seyed-Mohamad-Sadegh Mirahmadi, Reza Azarbad
Obesity Medicine.2025; 53: 100575. CrossRef
Combined effect of histological findings and diabetes mellitus on liver‐related events in patients with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease
Akihito Shiomi, Teruki Miyake, Shinya Furukawa, Bunzo Matsuura, Osamu Yoshida, Takao Watanabe, Ayumi Kanamoto, Masumi Miyazaki, Hironobu Nakaguchi, Yoshio Tokumoto, Masashi Hirooka, Masanori Abe, Yoichi Hiasa
Hepatology Research.2024; 54(11): 1016. CrossRef
Overweight Impacts Histological Disease Activity of De Novo Metabolic Dysfunction‐Associated Steatotic Liver Disease After Liver Transplantation
Alejandro Campos‐Murguia, Lea Guetzlaff, Emily Bosselmann, Bastian Engel, Björn Hartleben, Heiner Wedemeyer, Elmar Jaeckel, Richard Taubert, Katharina Luise Hupa‐Breier
Clinical Transplantation.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

Metabolic Risk/Epidemiology
Harnessing Metabolic Indices as a Predictive Tool for Cardiovascular Disease in a Korean Population without Known Major Cardiovascular Event: Hyun-Jin Kim, Byung Sik Kim, Yonggu Lee, Sang Bong Ahn, Dong Wook Kim, Jeong-Hun Shin; Diabetes Metab J. 2024;48(3):449-462. Published online February 1, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2023.0197

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Background
This study evaluated the usefulness of indices for metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and insulin resistance (IR), as predictive tools for cardiovascular disease in middle-aged Korean adults.
Methods
The prospective data obtained from the Ansan-Ansung cohort database, excluding patients with major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). The primary outcome was the incidence of MACCE during the follow-up period.
Results
A total of 9,337 patients were included in the analysis, of whom 1,130 (12.1%) experienced MACCE during a median follow-up period of 15.5 years. The metabolic syndrome severity Z-score, metabolic syndrome severity score, hepatic steatosis index, and NAFLD liver fat score were found to significantly predict MACCE at values above the cut-off point and in the second and third tertiles. Among these indices, the hazard ratios of the metabolic syndrome severity score and metabolic syndrome severity Z-score were the highest after adjusting for confounding factors. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) score for predicting MACCE was 0.716, and the metabolic syndrome severity Z-score had an AUC of 0.619.
Conclusion
The metabolic syndrome severity score is a highly reliable indicator and was closely associated with the 10-year ASCVD risk score in predicting MACCE in the general population. Given the specific characteristics and limitations of metabolic syndrome severity scores as well as the indices of NAFLD and IR, a more practical scoring system that considers these factors is essential to achieve greater accuracy in forecasting cardiovascular outcomes.

Citations

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Comparing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease indices in predicting the prevalence and incidence of metabolic syndrome in middle-aged adults
Byung Sik Kim, Hyun-Jin Kim, Seong Won Jeon, Kyung Hwan Kim, Dong Wook Kim, Jeong-Hun Shin
Heliyon.2025; 11(7): e43073. CrossRef
Association between mixed exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and metabolic syndrome in Korean adults: Data from the Korean National environmental health survey cycle 4
Seung Min Chung, Kyun Hoo Kim, Jun Sung Moon, Kyu Chang Won
International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health.2024; 261: 114427. CrossRef
Estimated pulse wave velocity as a forefront indicator of developing metabolic syndrome in Korean adults
Hyun-Jin Kim, Byung Sik Kim, Dong Wook Kim, Jeong-Hun Shin
The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine.2024; 39(4): 612. CrossRef

Metabolic Risk/Epidemiology
A Composite Blood Biomarker Including AKR1B10 and Cytokeratin 18 for Progressive Types of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Seung Joon Choi, Sungjin Yoon, Kyoung-Kon Kim, Doojin Kim, Hye Eun Lee, Kwang Gi Kim, Seung Kak Shin, Ie Byung Park, Seong Min Kim, Dae Ho Lee; Diabetes Metab J. 2024;48(4):740-751. Published online February 1, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2023.0189

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Background
We aimed to evaluate whether composite blood biomarkers including aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B10 (AKR1B10) and cytokeratin 18 (CK-18; a nonalcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH] marker) have clinically applicable performance for the diagnosis of NASH, advanced liver fibrosis, and high-risk NASH (NASH+significant fibrosis).
Methods
A total of 116 subjects including healthy control subjects and patients with biopsy-proven nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were analyzed to assess composite blood-based and imaging-based biomarkers either singly or in combination.
Results
A composite blood biomarker comprised of AKR1B10, CK-18, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) showed excellent performance for the diagnosis of, NASH, advanced fibrosis, and high-risk NASH, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values of 0.934 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.888 to 0.981), 0.902 (95% CI, 0.832 to 0.971), and 0.918 (95% CI, 0.862 to 0.974), respectively. However, the performance of this blood composite biomarker was inferior to that various magnetic resonance (MR)-based composite biomarkers, such as proton density fat fraction/MR elastography- liver stiffness measurement (MRE-LSM)/ALT/AST for NASH, MRE-LSM+fibrosis-4 index for advanced fibrosis, and the known MR imaging-AST (MAST) score for high-risk NASH.
Conclusion
Our blood composite biomarker can be useful to distinguish progressive forms of NAFLD as an initial noninvasive test when MR-based tools are not available.

Citations

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Cytokeratin 18 fragment in liver inflammation and fibrosis: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Junzhao Ye, Jiaming Lai, Ling Luo, Ting Zhou, Yanhong Sun, Bihui Zhong
Clinica Chimica Acta.2025; 569: 120147. CrossRef
A Comprehensive Review on Graptopetalum paraguayense’s Phytochemical Profiles, Pharmacological Activities, and Development as a Functional Food
Varun Jaiswal, Hae-Jeung Lee
Plants.2025; 14(3): 349. CrossRef
Aldo-keto reductase (AKR) superfamily website and database: An update
Andrea Andress Huacachino, Jaehyun Joo, Nisha Narayanan, Anisha Tehim, Blanca E. Himes, Trevor M. Penning
Chemico-Biological Interactions.2024; 398: 111111. CrossRef

Basic Research
DWN12088, A Prolyl-tRNA Synthetase Inhibitor, Alleviates Hepatic Injury in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: Dong-Keon Lee, Su Ho Jo, Eun Soo Lee, Kyung Bong Ha, Na Won Park, Deok-Hoon Kong, Sang-In Park, Joon Seok Park, Choon Hee Chung; Diabetes Metab J. 2024;48(1):97-111. Published online January 3, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2022.0367

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Background
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a liver disease caused by obesity that leads to hepatic lipoapoptosis, resulting in fibrosis and cirrhosis. However, the mechanism underlying NASH is largely unknown, and there is currently no effective therapeutic agent against it. DWN12088, an agent used for treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, is a selective prolyl-tRNA synthetase (PRS) inhibitor that suppresses the synthesis of collagen. However, the mechanism underlying the hepatoprotective effect of DWN12088 is not clear. Therefore, we investigated the role of DWN12088 in NASH progression.
Methods
Mice were fed a chow diet or methionine-choline deficient (MCD)-diet, which was administered with DWN12088 or saline by oral gavage for 6 weeks. The effects of DWN12088 on NASH were evaluated by pathophysiological examinations, such as real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting, biochemical analysis, and immunohistochemistry. Molecular and cellular mechanisms of hepatic injury were assessed by in vitro cell culture.
Results
DWN12088 attenuated palmitic acid (PA)-induced lipid accumulation and lipoapoptosis by downregulating the Rho-kinase (ROCK)/AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) and protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)/α subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2α)/activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4)/C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP) signaling cascades. PA increased but DWN12088 inhibited the phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 (Ser536, Ser276) and the expression of proinflammatory genes. Moreover, the DWN12088 inhibited transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)-induced pro-fibrotic gene expression by suppressing TGFβ receptor 1 (TGFβR1)/Smad2/3 and TGFβR1/glutamyl-prolyl-tRNA synthetase (EPRS)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) axis signaling. In the case of MCD-diet-induced NASH, DWN12088 reduced hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and lipoapoptosis and prevented the progression of fibrosis.
Conclusion
Our findings provide new insights about DWN12088, namely that it plays an important role in the overall improvement of NASH. Hence, DWN12088 shows great potential to be developed as a new integrated therapeutic agent for NASH.

Citations

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EPRS1-mediated fibroblast activation and mitochondrial dysfunction promote kidney fibrosis
Seung Seob Son, Hee Seul Jeong, Seong-Woo Lee, Eun Soo Lee, Jeong Geon Lee, Ji-Hye Lee, Jawoon Yi, Mi Ju Park, Min Sun Choi, Donghyeong Lee, Sin Young Choi, Jiheon Ha, Jeong Suk Kang, Nam-Jun Cho, Samel Park, Hyo-Wook Gil, Choon Hee Chung, Joon Seok Park,
Experimental & Molecular Medicine.2024; 56(12): 2673. CrossRef

Basic Research
Extracellular Vimentin Alters Energy Metabolism And Induces Adipocyte Hypertrophy: Ji-Hae Park, Soyeon Kwon, Young Mi Park; Diabetes Metab J. 2024;48(2):215-230. Published online September 26, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2022.0332

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Background
Previous studies have reported that oxidative stress contributes to obesity characterized by adipocyte hypertrophy. However, mechanism has not been studied extensively. In the current study, we evaluated role of extracellular vimentin secreted by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) in energy metabolism in adipocytes.
Methods
We treated 3T3-L1-derived adipocytes with oxLDL and measured vimentin which was secreted in the media. We evaluated changes in uptake of glucose and free fatty acid, expression of molecules functioning in energy metabolism, synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and lactate, markers for endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy in adipocytes treated with recombinant vimentin.
Results
Adipocytes secreted vimentin in response to oxLDL. Microscopic evaluation revealed that vimentin treatment induced increase in adipocyte size and increase in sizes of intracellular lipid droplets with increased intracellular triglyceride. Adipocytes treated with vimentin showed increased uptake of glucose and free fatty acid with increased expression of plasma membrane glucose transporter type 1 (GLUT1), GLUT4, and CD36. Vimentin treatment increased transcription of GLUT1 and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (Hif-1α) but decreased GLUT4 transcription. Adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1), diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) and 2 were decreased by vimentin treatment. Markers for ER stress were increased and autophagy was impaired in vimentin-treated adipocytes. No change was observed in synthesis of ATP and lactate in the adipocytes treated with vimentin.
Conclusion
We concluded that extracellular vimentin regulates expression of molecules in energy metabolism and promotes adipocyte hypertrophy. Our results show that vimentin functions in the interplay between oxidative stress and metabolism, suggesting a mechanism by which adipocyte hypertrophy is induced in oxidative stress.

Citations

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The unconventional role of vimentin intermediate filaments
Xinyi Huang, Shuangshuang Zhao, Yifan Xing, Xuedi Gao, Chenglin Miao, Yuhan Huang, Yaming Jiu
Current Opinion in Cell Biology.2025; 93: 102483. CrossRef
Novel secreted regulators of glucose and lipid metabolism in the development of metabolic diseases
Lianna W. Wat, Katrin J. Svensson
Diabetologia.2024; 67(12): 2626. CrossRef
Mechanobiology in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease and Obesity
Emily L. Rudolph, LiKang Chin
Current Issues in Molecular Biology.2024; 46(7): 7134. CrossRef
Context-specific fatty acid uptake is a finely-tuned multi-level effort
Juan Wang, Huiling Guo, Lang-Fan Zheng, Peng Li, Tong-Jin Zhao
Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
The Functions of SARS-CoV-2 Receptors in Diabetes-Related Severe COVID-19
Adam Drzymała
International Journal of Molecular Sciences.2024; 25(17): 9635. CrossRef

Basic Research
Beneficial Effects of a Curcumin Derivative and Transforming Growth Factor-β Receptor I Inhibitor Combination on Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: Kyung Bong Ha, Eun Soo Lee, Na Won Park, Su Ho Jo, Soyeon Shim, Dae-Kee Kim, Chan Mug Ahn, Choon Hee Chung; Diabetes Metab J. 2023;47(4):500-513. Published online April 25, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2022.0110

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Background
Curcumin 2005-8 (Cur5-8), a derivative of curcumin, improves fatty liver disease via AMP-activated protein kinase activation and autophagy regulation. EW-7197 (vactosertib) is a small molecule inhibitor of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) receptor I and may scavenge reactive oxygen species and ameliorate fibrosis through the SMAD2/3 canonical pathway. This study aimed to determine whether co-administering these two drugs having different mechanisms is beneficial.
Methods
Hepatocellular fibrosis was induced in mouse hepatocytes (alpha mouse liver 12 [AML12]) and human hepatic stellate cells (LX-2) using TGF-β (2 ng/mL). The cells were then treated with Cur5-8 (1 μM), EW-7197 (0.5 μM), or both. In animal experiments were also conducted during which, methionine-choline deficient diet, Cur5-8 (100 mg/kg), and EW-7197 (20 mg/kg) were administered orally to 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice for 6 weeks.
Results
TGF-β-induced cell morphological changes were improved by EW-7197, and lipid accumulation was restored on the administration of EW-7197 in combination with Cur5-8. In a nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-induced mouse model, 6 weeks of EW-7197 and Cur5-8 co-administration alleviated liver fibrosis and improved the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) activity score.
Conclusion
Co-administering Cur5-8 and EW-7197 to NASH-induced mice and fibrotic hepatocytes reduced liver fibrosis and steatohepatitis while maintaining the advantages of both drugs. This is the first study to show the effect of the drug combination against NASH and NAFLD. Similar effects in other animal models will confirm its potential as a new therapeutic agent.

Citations

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Drug Advances in NAFLD: Individual and Combination Treatment Strategies of Natural Products and Small-Synthetic-Molecule Drugs
Xing Wan, Jingyuan Ma, He Bai, Xuyang Hu, Yanna Ma, Mingjian Zhao, Jifeng Liu, Zhijun Duan
Biomolecules.2025; 15(1): 140. CrossRef
Hepatoprotective and Fat-Accumulation-Reductive Effects of Curcumin on Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)
Jasmine Harumi Sabini, Kris Herawan Timotius
Current Issues in Molecular Biology.2025; 47(3): 159. CrossRef
Thiazole isomers as potential ALK5 inhibitors alleviate P2X7R-mediated inflammation during liver fibrosis
Xue-Li Jiang, Chuang Liu, Zi-Ying Zhan, Xiao-Qi Lan, Yan-Ling Wu, Ji-Xing Nan, Cheng-Hua Jin, Li-Hua Lian
International Immunopharmacology.2025; 153: 114472. CrossRef
Molecular Pathways Governing the Termination of Liver Regeneration
Lianne R. de Haan, Rowan F. van Golen, Michal Heger
Pharmacological Reviews.2024; 76(3): 500. CrossRef
Nicotinate-curcumin improves NASH by inhibiting the AKR1B10/ACCα-mediated triglyceride synthesis
Xiu-lian Lin, Ya-ling Zeng, Jie Ning, Zhe Cao, Lan-lan Bu, Wen-Jing Liao, Zhi-min Zhang, Tan-jun Zhao, Rong-geng Fu, Xue-Feng Yang, Yong-zhen Gong, Li-Mei Lin, De-liang Cao, Cai-ping Zhang, Duan-fang Liao, Ya-Mei Li, Jian-Guo Zeng
Lipids in Health and Disease.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
The pivotal role of dysregulated autophagy in the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Qiaohui Shen, Ming Yang, Song Wang, Xingyu Chen, Sulan Chen, Rui Zhang, Zhuang Xiong, Yan Leng
Frontiers in Endocrinology.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

Guideline/Fact Sheet
Fatty Liver & Diabetes Statistics in Korea: Nationwide Data 2009 to 2017: Eugene Han, Kyung-Do Han, Yong-ho Lee, Kyung-Soo Kim, Sangmo Hong, Jung Hwan Park, Cheol-Young Park, on Behalf of Fatty Liver Research Group of the Korean Diabetes Association; Diabetes Metab J. 2023;47(3):347-355. Published online March 29, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2022.0444

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Background
This study investigated the changes of fatty liver disease prevalence in general Korean population.
Methods
This study analyzed data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service from 2009 to 2017 that included individuals aged 20 years or older who had undergone a medical health examination. Fatty liver disease was assessed using the fatty liver index (FLI). The disease severity was defined by FLI cutoff, ≥30 as moderate, and ≥60 as severe fatty liver disease.
Results
The prevalence of Korean adults aged 20 years or over with fatty liver disease (FLI ≥60) increased from 13.3% in 2009 to 15.5% in 2017 (P for trend <0.001). The increase in fatty liver disease prevalence was prominent in men (from 20.5% to 24.2%) and the young age (20 to 39 years) group (from 12.8% to 16.4%) (P for interaction <0.001). The prevalence of fatty liver disease was the highest in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM, 29.6%) population compared to that of prediabetes or normoglycemia (10.0% and 21.8%) in 2017. The prevalence of fatty liver disease had statistically increased in individuals with T2DM and prediabetes (P for trend <0.001). Its prevalence increased more steeply in the young-aged population with T2DM, from 42.2% in 2009 to 60.1% in 2017. When applying a lower FLI cutoff (≥30) similar results were observed.
Conclusion
The prevalence of fatty liver disease in the Korean population has increased. Individuals who are young, male, and have T2DM are vulnerable to fatty liver disease.

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Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease and All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality
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Diabetes & Metabolism Journal.2025; 49(1): 80. CrossRef
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