Pathogenesis of Chronic Kidney Disease Associated With Metabolic Dysfunction- Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) and Treatment Response of Oral Semaglutide.

This project aims to investigate how Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) develops and progresses in patients who also have Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and to evaluate whether oral semaglutide (a GLP-1 receptor agonist) can slow or prevent this progression. NAFLD and CKD frequently coexist due to shared mechanisms such as insulin resistance, inflammation, oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome. Because of these overlapping pathways, a single therapy targeting both organs may offer major benefits. Semaglutide is known to reduce liver fat, improve inflammation and fibrosis, promote weight loss, and provide renal protection. This project will test whether adding oral semaglutide to standard care leads to better kidney and liver outcomes than standard care alone. The study is designed as a randomised controlled trial conducted at ILBS, enrolling adults having NAFLD with CKD (with specific eGFR and albuminuria criteria). Participants will be followed for 2 years, with regular assessment of kidney function (eGFR, ACR), liver health (FibroScan, ALT/AST), metabolic parameters, and cardiovascular outcomes. A parallel animal study in mice with diet-induced fatty liver disease will validate mechanistic findings through liver and kidney histology, gene expression, metabolic tests, and biochemical markers after semaglutide treatment. Expected outcome: To demonstrate that semaglutide slows CKD progression and improves NAFLD, supporting its use as a therapeutic option for patients with coexisting both conditions.