NAFLD tissue project V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Analysis of patient-derived tissues to characterise the spectrum of NAFLD to establish mechanisms driving liver disease, enhance biomarker identification and drug discovery.
IRAS ID
309924
Contact name
Ryan Buchanan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Southampton
Duration of Study in the UK
9 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Background
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a spectrum of chronic liver diseases that ranges from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) which may lead to fibrosis (tissue scarring) and result in liver cirrhosis. NAFLD dramatically increases the prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma development. There is currently no cure for NAFLD, yet it is projected to become the leading cause of liver related morbidity and mortality within 20 years, and a leading indication for liver transplantation in the next few years.Objectives
To understand the mechanisms driving NAFLD progression toward end stage liver disease to identify potential prognostic and therapeutic strategies.1. Generate in vitro models to replicate the spectrum of progressive liver diseases including NASH, NAFLD and liver cancer by using organoid cultures.
2. Phenotypically characterise patients along the spectrum of disease through advanced imaging and molecular profiling (transcriptomic, metabolomic and lipidomic).
3. Determine the role of subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue in driving ectopic fat accumulation and/or liver disease progression.
4. Investigate how immunosurveillance of the liver and adipose impacts on disease progression.How will it be done?
We will screen patients undergoing bariatric surgery and hepatobiliary surgery to determine the clinical status of their liver on the NAFLD spectrum. We will identify patients representing different stages of NAFLD and ask if they would be willing to donate some liver tissue to be collected during their surgery procedure. The sampled liver, adipose, skin biopsies and peripheral blood will be collected by the surgical team and passed to the researchers for analysis. The results have the potential to enhance biomarker identification and drug discovery.Sample size: Up to 100 patients will enter the study of which approximately 40 will go on to be sampled.
Inclusion Criteria: Men and Women, with the capacity to consent, age of 18 or over.REC name
London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/LO/0313
Date of REC Opinion
6 Jun 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion