Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Pharmacological Interventions in MAFLD: GLP-1 Receptor Agonists as an Exemplar
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Abstract
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) affects approximately 25% of the global population, yet pharmacological treatment options remain limited despite potentially severe complications. Multiple drug classes are under investigation, necessitating standardized evidence-synthesis methodologies that account for disease heterogeneity. Notably, different experimental models used in preclinical research can yield distinct gene expression profiles affecting lipid metabolism, inflammation, and fibrogenesis pathways, which must be considered when translating findings to clinical applications.
This protocol describes the methodology for conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the efficacy and safety of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) in adults with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). While the protocol focuses specifically on GLP-1 RAs, the rigorous methodological approaches described here—including disease stage stratification, standardized outcome assessment, and comprehensive quality evaluation, may serve as a reference for future systematic reviews of other pharmacological interventions in MAFLD.
The protocol follows PRISMA-P guidelines for literature searching, study selection, data extraction with international unit standardization, quality assessment using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2 and GRADE approach, and statistical meta-analysis. Specific attention is given to disease severity stratification, intervention characteristics, and patient populations.
This systematic review will provide comprehensive evidence on GLP-1 RA efficacy and safety across the MAFLD spectrum, focusing on stage-specific outcomes. Findings will inform clinical decision-making, identify knowledge gaps, and guide future research.
Keywords:
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease Systematic review Meta-analysis GLP-1 receptor agonists Pharmacological interventionsFull Article
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Copyright © 2026 by the author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
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How to Cite
Tamilwanan, S., Alshehade, R. (2026). Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Pharmacological Interventions in MAFLD: GLP-1 Receptor Agonists as an Exemplar. Biomedicasphere, 1(1), 8-18. https://doi.org/10.59324/bmsj.2026.1(1).02