Diacerein reduces liver scarring in diabetic patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

This study aimed to investigate how effective diacerein is in reducing fat deposits and scarring on the liver in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). The main finding of the study was that diacerein reduced liver scarring in these patients.

T2D is commonly associated with NAFLD. NAFLD involves a group of conditions where there is an accumulation of fat on the liver (steatosis). This can result in liver inflammation, injury, and scarring (fibrosis). This causes the liver to become stiff and affects liver function.

There is currently no approved treatment for NAFLD. Diacerein is an anti-inflammation drug, used mainly for osteoarthritis. The effect of diacerein on fat deposits on the liver and scarring in diabetic patients with NAFLD is still unknown.

This study included 69 patients with NAFLD and T2D. They were randomized into two groups. One group received diacerein 100mg/day (34 patients) for 24 months. The other group received a placebo daily for 24 months (35 patients). Liver stiffness and fatty deposits were measured by a special type of ultrasound scan called Fibroscan® at the beginning of the study, at 12 and 24 months.

Diacerein significantly reduced liver stiffness in comparison to the placebo group. This reduction was already seen at the 12-month examination. Further reductions were then seen on the 24-month scan. However, no significant differences were seen in changes in liver fat deposits between the two groups.

The authors concluded that diacerein significantly reduced liver scarring in diabetic patients with NAFLD.

This study was very small. Larger studies are needed for more solid evidence.