Effect of dapagliflozin on liver and pancreatic fat in patients with type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the effect of dapagliflozin on liver fat content (LFC) and pancreatic fat content (PFC).

Materials and methods: 84 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were randomly assigned to receive either dapagliflozin (n = 42) or serve as controls (n = 42). The primary endpoint is changes in LFC and PFC using magnetic resonance imaging estimated proton density fat fraction. Secondary outcomes include liver fibrosis index, inflammatory cytokine levels, and liver enzyme levels.

Results: At week 24, the dapagliflozin group significantly reduced LFC (P < 0.001) and PFC (P = 0.033) compared to the control group. Differences were also observed in serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (P = 0.004), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (P = 0.001), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P < 0.001) between the two groups.

Conclusions: Dapagliflozin can significantly decrease LFC and PFC in patients with T2D and NAFLD. It also improves serum ALT, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels, making it a promising treatment option for NAFLD. The trial is registered on Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registration No. ChiCTR2100054612).

Keywords: Fibrosis-4 index; Magnetic resonance imaging estimated proton density fat fraction; Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors; Type 2 diabetes.