ACTA ENDOCRINOLOGICA (BUC)

Introduction. Blood asprosin levels have been found to be elevated in patients with type 2 diabetes and those with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MAFLD). MAFLD is common in individuals with diabetes. We investigated the relationship between pioglitazone treatment and asprosin levels in patients with diabetes and MAFLD. Materials and Methods. Blood samples were collected from 25 patients diagnosed with diabetes and MAFLD at the time of diagnosis and 6 months after pioglitazone treatment. Additionally, blood samples were collected from 15 healthy volunteers as controls. Results. Compared to the 6-month control after pioglitazone treatment, significant reductions were observed in glucose, HbA1c, AST, ALT, GGT, ALP, and Fib-4 scores. However, no significant difference was detected in asprosin levels. Discussion. The significant decrease in glucose, HbA1c, AST, ALT, GGT, ALP, and Fib-4 scores after pioglitazone treatment indicates that pioglitazone is effective in the treatment of both diabetes and MAFLD. The fact that asprosin levels were not different in patients with diabetes and MAFLD compared to healthy controls suggests that diabetic fatty liver occurs through mechanisms independent of asprosin. Conclusion. These results imply that while pioglitazone is effective in treating both diabetes and MAFLD, its action does not involve modulating asprosin levels.