Impact of rosuvastatin on metabolic syndrome patients with moderate to severe metabolic associated fatty liver disease without overt diabetes: A randomized clinical trial

Objective

This investigation aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rosuvastatin in treating moderate to severe metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).

Methods

This prospective, open-label, randomized study included non-diabetic participants with metabolic syndrome and intrahepatocellular lipid (IHCL) levels >10 %, as determined by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H-MRS). The primary objective was the effect of a 52-week rosuvastatin treatment (10 mg/day) on IHCL content. Secondary objectives included the association between IHCL reduction and lipid metabolism parameters, along with safety indices such as glycemic control and hepatic and renal function.

Results

Thirty-two participants completed the study. Rosuvastatin resulted in a significant absolute (△IHCL: 7.61 ± 4.51 vs. 1.54 ± 5.33, p = 0.002) and relative reduction in IHCL (△IHCL%: −42.28 ± 24.90 % vs. −8.91 ± 31.93 %, p = 0.003) compared to the control. Reduction in IHCL correlated significantly with decreases in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (r = 0.574, p < 0.01), apolipoprotein B (ApoB) (r = 0.660, p < 0.001), and free fatty acids (FFA) (r = 0.563, p = 0.005). No significant safety differences were observed between groups.

Conclusions

Rosuvastatin significantly reduced hepatic steatosis in individuals with moderate to severe MAFLD and metabolic syndrome over 52 weeks, while maintaining a favorable safety profile.