There is increasing presence of fructose in food and drinks, and some evidence suggests that its higher consumption increases cardiovascular risk, although the mechanisms still remain not fully elucidated. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are still responsible for one-third of deaths worldwide, and therefore, their prevention should be assessed and managed comprehensively and not by the evaluation of individual risk factor components. Lifestyle risk factors for CVD include low degree of physical activity, high body mass index, alcohol consumption, smoking, and nutritional factors. Indeed, nutritional risk factors for CVD include unhealthy dietary behaviors, such as high intake of refined foods, unhealthy fats, added sugars, and sodium and a low intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fiber, fish, and nuts. Even though there is no definitive association between CVD incidence and high consumption of total sugar, such as sucrose and fructose, there is, however, evidence that total sugars, added sugars, and fructose are harmfully associated with CVD mortality. Since high fructose intake is associated with elevated plasma triglyceride levels, as well as insulin resistance, diabetes hyperuricemia, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, further longitudinal studies should be conducted to fully elucidate the potential association between certain sugars and CVD.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are part of metabolic syndrome and share multiple causal associations. Both conditions have an alarmingly increasing incidence and lead to multiple complications, which have an impact on a variety of organs and systems, such as the kidneys, eyes, and nervous and cardiovascular systems, or may cause metabolic disruptions. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2-inhibitors (SGLT2-i), as an antidiabetic class with well-established cardiovascular benefits, and its class members have also been studied for their presumed effects on steatosis and fibrosis improvement in patients with NAFLD or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The MEDLINE and Cochrane databases were searched for randomized controlled trials examining the efficacy of SGLT2-i on the treatment of NAFLD/NASH in patients with T2DM. Of the originally identified 179 articles, 21 articles were included for final data analysis. Dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, and canagliflozin are some of the most used and studied SGLT2-i agents which have proven efficacy in treating patients with NAFLD/NASH by addressing/targeting different pathophysiological targets/mechanisms: insulin sensitivity improvement, weight loss, especially visceral fat loss, glucotoxicity, and lipotoxicity improvement or even improvement of chronic inflammation. Despite the considerable variability in study duration, sample size, and diagnostic method, the SGLT2-i agents used resulted in improvements in non-invasive markers of steatosis or even fibrosis in patients with T2DM. This systematic review offers encouraging results that place the SGLT2-i class at the top of the therapeutic arsenal for patients diagnosed with T2DM and NAFLD/NASH.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are prevalent conditions that have been correlated with infertility through overlapped pathophysiological mechanisms. MASLD is associated with metabolic syndrome and is considered among the major causes of chronic liver disease, while PCOS, which is characterized by ovulatory dysfunction and hyperandrogenism, is one of the leading causes of female infertility. The pathophysiological links between PCOS and MASLD have not yet been fully elucidated, with insulin resistance, hyperandrogenemia, obesity, and dyslipidemia being among the key pathways that contribute to liver lipid accumulation, inflammation, and fibrosis, aggravating liver dysfunction. On the other hand, MASLD exacerbates insulin resistance and metabolic dysregulation in women with PCOS, creating a vicious cycle of disease progression. Understanding the intricate relationship between MASLD and PCOS is crucial to improving clinical management, while collaborative efforts between different medical specialties are essential to optimize fertility and liver health outcomes in individuals with MASLD and PCOS. In this review, we summarize the complex interplay between MASLD and PCOS, highlighting the importance of increasing clinical attention to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of both entities.

Aims: To conduct a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effect of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) on glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics as an adjunct to insulin therapy in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D). Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted through Medline (via PubMed), Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar up to 27 May 2024. Dual‐independent study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed. Results were summarized using random‐effects meta‐analysis. Results: Six RCTs were identified, involving a total of 378 individuals with T1D. The use of GLP‐1RAs in addition to standard insulin therapy was associated with a significant reduction in HbA1c (mean difference [MD] −0.21%, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.36 to −0.06; p = 0.007) and a similar time in range (TIR) compared to placebo (MD −0.22%, 95% CI −2.39 to 1.95; p = 0.84). GLP‐1RA therapy resulted in a significantly higher time below range (MD 1.13%, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.76; p < 0.001) and a lower time above range compared with placebo (MD −1.83%, 95% CI −2.51 to −1.15; p < 0.001). Nonsignificant differences were noted for the secondary outcomes, including the mean amplitude of glucose excursion, continuous overall net glycaemic action for 60 min, mean daily glucose, coefficient of variation, and mean standard deviation of weekly glucose levels. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that, in individuals with T1D, add‐on therapy with GLP‐1RAs does not confer significant benefits in terms of CGM metrics and is associated with a longer time below the target glycaemic range.