Effect of phospholipid curcumin Meriva on liver histology and kidney disease in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: NASH confers an increased liver-related and kidney morbidity. Phospholipid curcumin (Meriva) is a phospholipid formulation with ameliorated systemic curcumin absorption and delivery. We assessed the safety and efficacy of Meriva in NASH. APPROACH AND RESULTS: In this double-blind trial, 52 patients with biopsy-proven NASH (71% with stage ≥F2 fibrosis, 58% with stage A2-G2/A2-G3a chronic kidney disease) were randomized 1:1 to receive Meriva 2 g/d or placebo for 72 weeks. The primary endpoint was NASH resolution with no worsening of fibrosis. The secondary endpoints included a ≥1 stage liver fibrosis improvement with no NASH worsening; regression of significant (ie, stage ≥F2) fibrosis and CKD; and improvement in renal, glucose, lipid, and inflammatory parameters. We also explored the treatment effect on hepatic activation of NF-kB, a key proinflammatory transcription factor and a major target of curcumin. Fifty-one patients (26 on Meriva and 25 on placebo) completed the trial. Sixteen (62%) patients on Meriva versus 3 (12%) patients on placebo had NASH resolution (RR = 5.33 [95% CI = 1.76-12.13]; p = 0.003). Thirteen (50%) patients on Meriva versus 2 (8%) patients on placebo had ≥1 stage fibrosis improvement (RR = 6.50 [1.63-21.20]; p = 0.008). Eleven (42%) patients on Meriva versus 0 (0%) on placebo had regression of significant liver fibrosis (RR = 18.01 [1.43-36.07]; p = 0.02). Hepatic NF-kB inhibition predicted NASH resolution (AUC = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.84-0.95) and fibrosis improvement (AUC = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.82-0.96). Thirteen (50%) patients on Meriva versus 0 (0%) on placebo had chronic kidney disease regression (RR = 10.71 [1.94-17.99)]; p = 0.004). Compared with placebo, Meriva improved eGFR (difference in adjusted eGFR change: +3.59 [2.96-4.11] mL/min/1.73 m 2 /y, p = 0.009), fasting glucose(-17 mg/dL; 95% CI = -22, -12), HbA1c (-0.62%; 95% CI = -0.87%, -0.37%), LDL-C (-39 mg/dL; 95% CI = -45, -33), triglycerides (-36 mg/dL, 95% CI = -46, -26), HDL-C (+10 mg/dL; 95% CI = +8, +11), and inflammatory markers. Adverse events were rare, mild, and evenly distributed. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with NASH, Meriva administration for 72 weeks was safe, well-tolerated, and improved liver histology, possibly through NF-kB inhibition, kidney disease, and metabolic profile.