Hoth Therapeutics Reports Positive Female Preclinical Data Showing HT-VA Restores Cholesterol Levels and Improves Lipid Metabolism in MASLD Model

Core Insights - Hoth Therapeutics reported positive preclinical data indicating that HT-VA restores cholesterol levels and improves lipid metabolism in a model of metabolic dysfunction associated with obesity and MASLD [1] Group 1: Study Findings - The second phase of the study evaluated serum liver biochemistry and hepatic molecular pathways in female mice fed a western diet, showing that GDNF improved lipid metabolism biomarkers compared to controls and Semaglutide [1] - GDNF treatment restored cholesterol concentrations to levels comparable with control diet-fed mice, indicating improved lipid metabolism [1] - GDNF-treated mice maintained lower triglyceride levels, while Semaglutide increased triglycerides, demonstrating a more favorable lipid profile for GDNF [1] Group 2: Liver Function and Autophagy - Analysis showed no significant change in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) or albumin (ALB) levels across treatment groups, indicating stable liver synthetic function [1] - GDNF treatment did not increase p62 expression, while Semaglutide increased p62 levels, suggesting GDNF preserved normal cellular recycling pathways in the liver [1] Group 3: Molecular Signaling - No changes in CD36 or PPAR expression were observed in GDNF-treated mice, indicating improved metabolic biomarkers without activating lipogenic pathways [1] - Semaglutide treatment resulted in increased phosphorylation of AKT (pAKT) in liver tissue, while GDNF did not significantly alter pAKT signaling, highlighting a distinct molecular signaling profile [1] Group 4: Study Design - The study design included evaluation of serum liver biochemistry and hepatic protein expression related to lipid metabolism, autophagy, and apoptosis over four weeks of treatment with GDNF, Semaglutide, or vehicle [1]