Hep-MoLo
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Viral Hepatitis in the Mongolian Community in London: An investigation of epidemiology and burden of disease to inform clinical and public health interventions
IRAS ID
341947
Contact name
Philippa Matthews
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2024/10/37 , UCL data protection registration ref. number
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 4 days
Research summary
This is an observational study focussed on the London Mongolian community, funded by the University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre.
Chronic viral hepatitis (CVH), caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus(HCV) and hepatitis D virus(HDV), is a major global health threat affecting 304 million people globally and causing 1.3 million deaths each year due to cirrhosis (irreversible liver scarring) and liver cancer. Mongolia has one of the highest rates of chronic viral hepatitis and liver cancer in the world.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD - steatosis (fatty liver) and at least one cardiometabolic risk factor e.g. diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure) is an important liver disease, affecting 25-35% of the global adult population. It is the leading indication for liver transplantation in women and older adults. Little is known about MASLD among Mongolians, and the interaction between viral hepatitis and MASLD is poorly understood.
Three study domains address three main questions:
1. What is the prevalence of HBV, HCV, HDV and MASLD in the London Mongolian population? (clinical screening domain)
2. What it the underlying biological interaction between MASLD and CVH? (laboratory research domain)
3. What are the attitudes, facilitators and barriers to testing for CVH and accessing healthcare for people living with CVH? (qualitative domain)We will hold outreach events for Mongolian adults in London, incorporating liver health awareness, screening for CVH, other blood borne infections (HIV, syphilis), liver fibrosis (scarring) and steatosis (fat) and cardiometabolic risk factors.
Blood samples will be collected to analyse blood fats (lipidomics), the immune system (including immune system (HLA) genes) and viral factors (e.g. HBV genetic code). Appointment attendance in the year following diagnosis will be recorded to assess linkage-to and retention-in-care. We will hold focus groups and one-to-one interviews.
This study will build a clinical-academic-community collaboration providing public health intervention and fostering future research to benefit the community.
REC name
London - Brighton & Sussex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/LO/0126
Date of REC Opinion
25 Mar 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion