Effect of luseogliflozin on liver fibrosis differs depending on alcohol consumption in patients with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Aim

Changes in FIB-4 levels after the initiation of luseogliflozin therapy were compared between patients with type 2 diabetes according to the presence or absence of alcohol consumption.

Methods

A total of 192 patients with type 2 diabetes who continued luseogliflozin therapy for over 12 months were retrospectively investigated. The primary outcome was the change in FIB-4. The secondary outcomes were changes in HbA1c, body weight, and serum albumin concentration. A current drinker was defined as an individual consuming >20 g ethanol equivalent/day. Patients were classified according to their risk of developing liver fibrosis into the low-risk (FIB-4 < 1.3) and intermediate/high-risk (FIB-4 ≥ 1.3) groups.

Results

In the low-risk group, while FIB-4 increased dramatically from 0.91 ± 0.30 at the baseline to 1.14 ± 0.34 at 12 months in drinkers (n = 27), non-drinkers (n = 79) showed no significant change (0.87 ± 0.22–0.91 ± 0.26). In the intermediate/high-risk group (n = 63), although the FIB-4 in drinkers (n = 23) showed no significant change (2.18 ± 1.00–2.16 ± 0.93), it significantly decreased from 2.10 ± 0.87 to 1.80 ± 0.68 in non-drinkers (n = 63). In both the low- and intermediate/high-risk groups, HbA1c and body weight significantly decreased in both drinkers and non-drinkers. Serum albumin concentrations significantly increased in both drinkers and non-drinkers in the low-risk group. Although serum albumin concentration did not significantly change in drinkers, it dramatically increased in non-drinkers in the intermediate/high-risk group.

Conclusions

HbA1c levels and body weight decreased in patients with type 2 diabetes after initiating luseogliflozin therapy, regardless of drinking habits. However, it is desirable to limit alcohol consumption when considering its effects on liver fibrosis.