Active clinical trials for "Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease"

The central hypothesis of this proposal is that a reduction in hepatic mitochondrial function is the main pathophysiology behind NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease) and NASH (Non alcoholic steatohepatitis). The investigators further hypothesize that lifestyle modifications through aerobic exercise training without weight loss or diet-induced weight loss are effective in reducing NAFLD parameters by improving hepatic mitochondrial content and function in human subjects. The investigators propose a randomized, controlled human clinical trial to compare the effects of aerobic exercise training (without weight loss) versus diet-induced weight loss (without exercise) in individuals who have NAFLD or liver biopsy-confirmed NASH

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and fatty liver hepatitis (NASH) are very common in the Western world and strongly associated with obesity. No known effective treatment is known. From animal studies, it is known that the compound resveratrol perhaps has the potential to neutralize obesity-induced diseases. Resveratrol is already widely used as a food supplement though the precise effects are unknown. This project focuses on the effect of Resveratrol on fatty liver disease. The researchers plan to investigate the effects of Resveratrol or placebo treatment for 6 months on NAFLD/NASH in obese patients.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is one of the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the active form of the disease which runs a progressive course and may result in liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. However, there is yet proven treatment for this disorder. In cell line and animal studies, we have shown that Phyllanthus urinaria can ameliorate NASH by reducing oxidative stress and lipid accumulation. Phyllanthus (Hepaguard) has been used widely by patients with chronic liver diseases, but the efficacy in NASH has not been confirmed in humans. This study is divided into two parts. In part 1, 60 patients with histology-confirmed NASH will be randomized to receive Hepaguard or placebo for 24 weeks to test the efficacy. Endpoints will be assessed at week 24. The aim of part 2 is to test the durability of Hepaguard. Forty patients originally on Hepaguard will be randomized again to continue Hepaguard for another 24 weeks or stop the treatment. The endpoints at week 48 will be further analyzed.

Recent studies have demonstrated that PPARγ as well as diet control could improve glycemic control, decrease serum ALT level, decrease hepatic fat distribution, and increase intrahepatic insulin sensitivity. The purposes of this study are: 1. Primary aims: Comparison between Pioglitazone and placebo groups in terms of steatosis and liver function tests. Evaluation of clinical safety of Pioglitazone 2. Secondary aims: Comparison between Pioglitazone and placebo groups in terms of liver necroinflammation and fibrosis. The impact of Pioglitazone on the related metabolic index, including insulin resistance(HOMA-IR), newly-onset diabetes, metabolic syndrome, lipid profiles (T-Chol, HDL-C, LDL-C, TG). Comparison between Pioglitazone and placebo groups in terms of high-sensitive C-reactive protein changes. 3. Interventional aim: Assessment the association between magnetic resonance imaging study and intrahepatic fat distribution before and after Pioglitazone treatment.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases. The cause of NASH is not completely understood and currently there is no effective treatment for this disease. An effective approach to treatment is needed since without treatment this disease may progress to fibrosis and cirrhosis. Obesity is one of the most important risk factors for NASH and weight reduction is generally recommended as an initial step in its management. However, there are very limited data on the efficacy of weight reduction as a treatment for NASH. Data from uncontrolled trials using poorly defined primary outcome measures and patient populations and nonstandardized weight loss interventions suggest that modest weight loss may improve fatty liver disease. The objective of this project is to conduct a randomized controlled trial of weight reduction in the management of NASH using a combination of diet, exercise, and behavior modification.

Nonalcoholic Liver disease (NAFLD) is known to be caused by deposition of fat in the liver. The impact of NAFLD on bariatric surgery is of great concern. Enlarged fatty livers increase the operative complications of bariatric surgery and weight loss prior to bariatric surgery has been shown to reduce complications of surgery. Most bariatric surgery programs use a conventional low fat, calorie restricted diet during the preparation phase for surgery. The investigators will compare the effects of the low carbohydrate versus the low fat diets on weight loss, reduction in liver fat content, and liver size. These results will provide new clinical insights into the optimal dietary intervention to make bariatric surgery safe and effective for the increasing numbers of patients opting for this aggressive therapy for morbid obesity. Patients approved for bariatric surgery by the University of Michigan Bariatric Surgery multidisciplinary committee will be randomly assigned to either a 1000 to 1200 calorie low fat or low carbohydrate, 8-week study diet. All the food for this study will be provided for free by the study team. Participants will be required to meet with the study team weekly to pick up study food and for a nutritional consult. These visits will occur in the eight weeks preceding the patient's bariatric surgery procedure. During the bariatric surgery, a liver biopsy will be performed to assess the impact of the study diet on liver fat content.

The purpose of this interventional study is to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in children or adolescents with well-characterized and liver biopsy confirmed nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Obesity and Type 2 diabetes are creating a silent epidemic, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which is a chronic liver disease associated with insulin resistance, impaired glucose intolerance, and hepatic fat accumulation. The thiazolidinedione pioglitazone improves glucose/lipid metabolism and histology in NASH by improving insulin resistance in the liver/peripheral/adipose tissues and reducing subclinical inflammation. The aim of this study is to assess the underlying mechanisms at the clinical and molecular level and the long-term efficacy and safety of pioglitazone in NASH in a multiethnic cohort of subjects (predominantly Hispanics, Caucasians and African-Americans - the most common ethnic groups locally) and examine the response including patients with normal glucose tolerance, impaired glucose tolerance or established type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Purpose of this study is to assess the therapeutic efficacy of L-alanine in improving biological and histological findings by administrating 6-18g/day L-alanine for one year. We will also assess the safety and toxicity profile of long-term administration of L-alanine.

Non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) imposes a high and increasing burden on the NHS, yet there is presently no licensed treatment or validated approach to management. NAFLD predisposes to increased risk of type 2 diabetes, increased risk of cardiovascular disease and may progress to chronic irreversible liver disease. In NAFLD patients, the investigators will test the hypothesis that treatment with long chain n-3 fatty acid supplementation for 18 months favourably influences bio-markers for NAFLD and risk factors for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.