Metformin in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(01)06042-1

The Lancet

Volume 358, Issue 9285, 15 September 2001, Pages 893-894

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(01)06042-1 Get rights and content

Summary

There is no established treatment for steatohepatitis in patients who are not alcoholics. This disease is a potentially progressive liver disease associated with hepatic insulin resistance. Only a weight-reducing diet in overweight patients has proved effective. We treated 20 patients who had steatohepatitis but were not alcoholics with metformin (500 mg three times a day for 4 months), an agent that improves hepatic insulin sensitivity. When compared with the six individuals not complying with treatment, long-term metformin significantly reduced mean transaminase concentrations, which returned to normal in 50% of actively-treated patients. Also, insulin sensitivity improved significantly and liver volume decreased by 20%. Similar data have been reported in insulin-resistant ob/ob mice with fatty liver. A randomised-controlled study is needed.

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Citation Excerpt :
The activation of AMPK is associated with inhibiting lipogenesis and gluconeogenesis and enhancing insulin sensitivity in liver [19]. There is some evidence showing that MET might be beneficial in improvement of hepatic steatosis and inflammation [7,20,21]. Despite the beneficial effects of MET, this drug has been reported to have several side effects such as gastrointestinal disorders including bloating, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea and malabsorption of vitamin B12.
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Research LettersMetformin in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

Summary

Am J Med

Am J Gastroenterol

Research Letters
Metformin in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis