Endocrinology and Metabolism

Original Articles

Diabetes, obesity and metabolism
Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitor Enhances Hepatic Gluconeogenesis and Reduces Lipid Accumulation via AMPK-SIRT1 Activation and Autophagy Induction: Si Woo Lee, Hyunki Park, Minyoung Lee, Hyangkyu Lee, Eun Seok Kang; Endocrinol Metab. 2025;40(4):583-597. Published online May 12, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2223

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Background
Sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, such as dapagliflozin, are primarily used to lower glucose in type 2 diabetes. Recent studies suggest broader metabolic effects, particularly in the liver. This study explores the molecular mechanisms by which dapagliflozin influences hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism, hypothesizing that it activates the 5’-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) pathway to promote gluconeogenesis and reduce lipid accumulation via autophagy.
Methods
HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells were treated with dapagliflozin, and Western blotting, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and fluorescence microscopy were used to assess gluconeogenic enzyme expression and autophagy. In vivo, mice with liver-specific autophagy related 7 (Atg7) deletion and those on a high-fat diet were used to evaluate glucose regulation, lipid metabolism, and autophagy.
Results
Dapagliflozin significantly increased expression of gluconeogenic enzymes like phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) in HepG2 cells and enhanced autophagic flux, evidenced by increased light chain 3B (LC3B)-II levels and autophagosome formation. AMPK-Sirt1 activation was confirmed as the underlying mechanism. Additionally, dapagliflozin reduced fatty acid synthesis by suppressing enzymes such as acetyl-CoA carboxylase and fatty acid synthase, while promoting fatty acid degradation via carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1α (CPT1α) upregulation. In high-fat diet mice, dapagliflozin increased hepatic gluconeogenesis and reduced lipid accumulation, though serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were unaffected.
Conclusion
Dapagliflozin enhances hepatic gluconeogenesis and reduces steatosis by activating the AMPK-Sirt1 pathway and promoting autophagy. These findings suggest that SGLT2 inhibitors could offer therapeutic benefits for managing hepatic lipid disorders, beyond glycemic control.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Association of SGLT2 inhibitors use with a lower risk of biliary diseases in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a retrospective cohort study
Ming Gao, Qiuyu Lin, Kaiyue Hu, Bei Zhong, Tingyi Zhu, Zheng Gong, Kaini Zhang, Xiaoli Chen, Xinyu Chen, Ying Zhang, Yangyang Li, Shaowen Tang, Dongming Su, Xiubin Liang, Yu Liu
Annals of Medicine.2026;[Epub] CrossRef
Redefining SGLT2 inhibitors through cytoprotective mechanisms
Sanja Stankovic, Zoran Miloradovic, Vladimir Petrovic, Milan Stoiljkovic
European Journal of Pharmacology.2026; 1016: 178647. CrossRef
Mechanism of swertiamarin and novel nitrogen-containing metabolites (R)-Gentiandiol and (S)-Gentiandiol in treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in rats: an untargeted metabolomics study based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS
Yidan Sun, Fuyan Cui, Shuhan Tang, Pengyu Li, Yaqi Xu, Hao Li, Yige Wang, Xintong Li, Minyue Zhang, Rong Ma, Xianna Li, Hongying Xu, Ying Wang, Hailong Zhang, Zhigang Wang
Frontiers in Pharmacology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
The Emerging Therapeutic Promise of SGLT2 Inhibitors in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease
Wenjing Zhang, Huaidong Hu
Digestive Diseases and Sciences.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
SGLT2 Inhibitors as Systemic Metabolic Modulators: Linking Glucose Excretion to Liver Function Restoration
Seung Wan Noh, Han Sol Ryu, Yong-Ho Kim, Byung-Chul Oh
Endocrinology and Metabolism.2025; 40(6): 851. CrossRef

Diabetes, obesity and metabolism
Effectiveness and Safety of Oral Quadruple Combination Therapy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Jaehyun Bae, Min Heui Yu, Minyoung Lee, Bong-Soo Cha, Byung-Wan Lee; Endocrinol Metab. 2025;40(2):258-267. Published online January 13, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2120

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Background
Achieving optimal glucose control is essential in the management of type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of oral quadruple combination therapy for the treatment of T2D.
Methods
This meta-analysis reviewed original research on oral quadruple combination therapy for T2D, including both experimental and observational studies with a minimum duration of 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline to follow-up. The secondary endpoint was the incidence rate of adverse events. Two investigators independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. Outcomes were pooled as the standardized mean difference (using Hedge’s g) and the risk ratio for adverse events in random-effects meta-analyses.
Results
The meta-analysis included 17 studies. Oral quadruple combination therapy resulted in an additional mean reduction in HbA1c levels of 1.1% in patients who did not achieve glycemic control with oral triple combination therapy. Compared with switching to injectables, such as insulin or a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist–containing regimen, this therapy was non-inferior, even demonstrating a slightly superior glucose-lowering effect. Furthermore, it was determined to be safe, with an adverse event rate of 0.25, indicating no significant difference in safety compared with adding a placebo or switching to an injectable-containing regimen.
Conclusion
Oral quadruple combination therapy is a valid option for patients with T2D who are unable to achieve glycemic targets with oral triple combination therapy, offering both effective glycemic control and a favorable safety profile.

Citations

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Efficacy and safety of adding a fourth oral antidiabetic drug versus metformin dose escalation in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on triple oral combination therapy (EFFORT): A 24‐week, randomized, open‐label, multicenter trial
So Ra Kim, Jun Hwa Hong, Sin Gon Kim, Soo‐Kyung Kim, Hyuk‐Sang Kwon, Jun Sung Moon, Jung Hwan Park, Jae Myung Yu, Bong‐Soo Cha, Byung‐Wan Lee
Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.2026;[Epub] CrossRef
2025 Clinical Practice Guidelines for Diabetes Management in Korea: Recommendation of the Korean Diabetes Association
Shinae Kang, Seon Mee Kang, Jong Han Choi, Seung-Hyun Ko, Bo Kyung Koo, Hyuk-Sang Kwon, Mi Kyung Kim, Sang Yong Kim, Soo-Kyung Kim, Young-eun Kim, Eun Sook Kim, Jae Hyeon Kim, Chong Hwa Kim, Ji Min Kim, Hae Jin Kim, Min Kyong Moon, Sun Joon Moon, Jun Sung
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal.2025; 49(4): 582. CrossRef
Synergism of Synthetic Sulfonamides and Natural Antioxidants for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus Associated with Oxidative Stress
Ancuța Dinu (Iacob), Luminita-Georgeta Confederat, Ionut Dragostin, Ionela Daniela Morariu, Dana Tutunaru, Oana-Maria Dragostin
Current Issues in Molecular Biology.2025; 47(9): 709. CrossRef
2025 Clinical Practice Guidelines for Diabetes: Pharmacological Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes
Jong Han Choi
The Journal of Korean Diabetes.2025; 26(3): 158. CrossRef
Bridging Evidence and Practice: A Consensus Statement from the Korean Diabetes Association on Diabetes Screening, Pharmacological Treatment and Severe Diabetes
Jong Han Choi, Shinae Kang, Soo-Kyung Kim, Won Jun Kim, Ji Min Kim, Jaehyun Bae, Jae-Seung Yun, Eonju Jeon, Young-Eun Kim, Jae Hyun Bae, Hun Jee Choe, Young Min Cho, Seung-Hyun Ko, Sang Yong Kim, Hae Jin Kim, You-Cheol Hwang, Min Kyong Moon, Suk Chon, Seo
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal.2025; 49(6): 1155. CrossRef

Miscellaneous
Protective Effect of Delta-Like 1 Homolog Against Muscular Atrophy in a Mouse Model: Ji Young Lee, Minyoung Lee, Dong-Hee Lee, Yong-ho Lee, Byung-Wan Lee, Eun Seok Kang, Bong-Soo Cha; Endocrinol Metab. 2022;37(4):684-697. Published online August 29, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2022.1446

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Background
Muscle atrophy is caused by an imbalance between muscle growth and wasting. Delta-like 1 homolog (DLK1), a protein that modulates adipogenesis and muscle development, is a crucial regulator of myogenic programming. Thus, we investigated the effect of exogenous DLK1 on muscular atrophy.
Methods
We used muscular atrophy mouse model induced by dexamethasone (Dex). The mice were randomly divided into three groups: (1) control group, (2) Dex-induced muscle atrophy group, and (3) Dex-induced muscle atrophy group treated with DLK1. The effects of DLK1 were also investigated in an in vitro model using C2C12 myotubes.
Results
Dex-induced muscular atrophy in mice was associated with increased expression of muscle atrophy markers and decreased expression of muscle differentiation markers, while DLK1 treatment attenuated these degenerative changes together with reduced expression of the muscle growth inhibitor, myostatin. In addition, electron microscopy revealed that DLK1 treatment improved mitochondrial dynamics in the Dex-induced atrophy model. In the in vitro model of muscle atrophy, normalized expression of muscle differentiation markers by DLK1 treatment was mitigated by myostatin knockdown, implying that DLK1 attenuates muscle atrophy through the myostatin pathway.
Conclusion
DLK1 treatment inhibited muscular atrophy by suppressing myostatin-driven signaling and improving mitochondrial biogenesis. Thus, DLK1 might be a promising candidate to treat sarcopenia, characterized by muscle atrophy and degeneration.

Citations

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Advancements in the study of DLK1 in the pathogenesis of diabetes
Min Li, Yanqiu Peng, Yuke Shi, Yunfei Liu, Jian Zhang
Life Sciences.2025; 369: 123535. CrossRef
Molecular mechanism of Activin receptor inhibition by DLK1
Daniel Antfolk, Qianqian Ming, Anna Manturova, Erich J. Goebel, Thomas B. Thompson, Vincent C. Luca
Nature Communications.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism
Non-Laboratory-Based Simple Screening Model for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Developed Using Multi-Center Cohorts: Jiwon Kim, Minyoung Lee, Soo Yeon Kim, Ji-Hye Kim, Ji Sun Nam, Sung Wan Chun, Se Eun Park, Kwang Joon Kim, Yong-ho Lee, Joo Young Nam, Eun Seok Kang; Endocrinol Metab. 2021;36(4):823-834. Published online August 27, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2021.1074

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Background
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a risk factor that accelerates NAFLD progression, leading to fibrosis and cirrhosis. Thus, here we aimed to develop a simple model to predict the presence of NAFLD based on clinical parameters of patients with T2DM.
Methods
A total of 698 patients with T2DM who visited five medical centers were included. NAFLD was evaluated using transient elastography. Univariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify potential contributors to NAFLD, followed by multivariable logistic regression analyses to create the final prediction model for NAFLD.
Results
Two NAFLD prediction models were developed, with and without serum biomarker use. The non-laboratory model comprised six variables: age, sex, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), dyslipidemia, and smoking status. For a cutoff value of ≥60, the prediction accuracy was 0.780 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.743 to 0.817). The second comprehensive model showed an improved discrimination ability of up to 0.815 (95% CI, 0.782 to 0.847) and comprised seven variables: age, sex, waist circumference, BMI, glycated hemoglobin, triglyceride, and alanine aminotransferase to aspartate aminotransferase ratio. Our non-laboratory model showed non-inferiority in the prediction of NAFLD versus previously established models, including serum parameters.
Conclusion
The new models are simple and user-friendly screening methods that can identify individuals with T2DM who are at high-risk for NAFLD. Additional studies are warranted to validate these new models as useful predictive tools for NAFLD in clinical practice.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

An interpretable machine learning model for predicting metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease in patients with type 2 diabetes
Zhuolin Zhou, Nan Gao, Jiaojiao Liu, Xuerong Ma, Zhijuan Ge, Cheng Ji
Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.2026; 28(1): 122. CrossRef
Prevalence, Sonographic Characteristics, and Metabolic Predictors of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes in Tanzania
Zubeir Zubeir, Zuhura Nkrumbih, Salama Ally, Yasser H. Hadi
Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Journal.2025; 7(3): 180. CrossRef
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 & Metabolism Journal.2024; 48(3): 327. CrossRef
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus—The Chicken or the Egg Dilemma
Marcin Kosmalski, Agnieszka Śliwińska, Józef Drzewoski
Biomedicines.2023; 11(4): 1097. CrossRef

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