Table 2.
Potential effects of pioglitazone, vitamin E and OCA on different parameters in patients with NASH and comparison of their adverse effects
| Clinical, biochemical and histological parameters | Pioglitazone | Vitamin E | OCA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insulin resistance | Decrease | Unknown | Decrease |
| ALT | Decrease | Decrease | Decrease |
| Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity (NAS) score | Decrease | Decrease | Decrease |
| Hepatic steatosis | Decrease | Decrease | Decrease |
| Hepatic inflammation | Decrease | Decrease | Decrease |
| Hepatic fibrosis | No decrease in PIVENS trial, but found to have decrease in meta-analysis | No decrease in PIVENS trial, but found to have decrease in meta-analysis | Decrease |
| Effect on weight | Weight gain | Unknown | Decrease |
| Use in cirrhosis | Caution | Not recommended | Caution in compensated cirrhosis, Not recommended in advanced cirrhosis |
| Major adverse effects | Edema, weight gain | Increase all-cause mortality | Pruritus |