The investigation of muscle protein synthesis in NAFLD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The investigation of muscle protein synthesis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
IRAS ID
310382
Contact name
Leigh Breen
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Birmingham
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 28 days
Research summary
Patients with Chronic Liver Disease, a state of progressive decline in liver function often experience muscle wasting. This muscle wasting is commonly associated with poor clinical outcomes, including an increase in mortality, infections and a decrease in quality of life. Despite the poor clinical outcomes, there are currently limited interventions which are available to help counteract muscle wasting, largely attributed to the poor understanding of the mechanisms which contribute to muscle loss in Chronic Liver Disease. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the rates of muscle protein synthesis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients, a type of Chronic Liver Disease with and without advanced fibrosis in comparison to age-matched healthy control participants. We will provide for the first time rates of free-living muscle protein synthesis, alongside the characterisation of muscle morphology. This study will provide evidence surrounding the potential mechanisms which underpin the development of sarcopenia in NAFLD patients, which may inform the implementation of suitable interventions. The study will aim to recruit from April 2022 with each participant completing a total of 3 visits over a 5 day period. This basic science study will take place at the Clinical Research Facility in the Heritage Centre of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and will be integrated with clinical expertise and patient cohorts in the University Hospitals Birmingham, where we have the largest liver transplant centre within Europe. Analysis will be conducted at the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences.
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/PR/0170
Date of REC Opinion
19 Apr 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion