Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is common in Thailand and is strongly linked to metabolic risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among patients with MASLD. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring is a widely used marker of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis. This study aims to evaluate the association between cardiovascular risk assessment tools and CAC scores in Thai patients with MASLD to improve cardiovascular risk stratification in this population.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is an increasingly recognized comorbidity in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Chronic low-grade inflammation, altered lipid metabolism, and certain antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens may heighten the vulnerability of people living with HIV (PLWH) to liver fat accumulation, progressive liver fibrosis, and cardiometabolic complications. The primary purpose of this observational case-control study is to determine the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and laboratory findings of MASLD and hepatic fibrosis among PLWH compared with matched HIV-negative individuals. The study also aims to evaluate dietary quality, lifestyle habits, and cardiovascular risk profiles in both groups, and to determine whether adherence to a healthy lifestyle protects against significant liver disease. Adult participants (aged 18 years and older) attending the Department of Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology at Assiut University Hospitals will be enrolled into two groups: people living with HIV and HIV-negative individuals matched by age, sex, and degree of liver steatosis. All participants will complete the following non-invasive evaluations: * Hepatic Assessment: Abdominal ultrasound and transient elastography (FibroScan) to detect fatty liver and quantify liver stiffness, alongside non-invasive scoring systems (FIB-4 score and NAFLD Fibrosis Score). * Laboratory Investigations: Fasting blood tests including liver function tests, lipid profiles, glycemic status (HbA1c), kidney function, complete blood count, and immune markers (CD4+ T-cell count and CD4/CD8 ratio). * Physical and Body Measurements: Measurement of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC). * Dietary and Lifestyle Questionnaires: Validated assessment tools including the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), Short Healthy Eating Index (sHEI), and Healthy Lifestyle Questionnaire to quantify nutritional quality, physical activity, and daily lifestyle habits. * Cardiometabolic Risk Calculation: Calculation of predicted cardiovascular risk using the American Heart Association PREVENT risk score. Findings from this study are intended to clarify the role of dietary quality and lifestyle factors in liver and metabolic health among people living with HIV, potentially informing proactive screening and management strategies.

This study will test a study drug called ALN-PNP with and without another drug that is used for controlling blood sugar, appetite, and weight (for example, tirzepatide), to see if it can help treat MASLD, also known as fatty liver disease. ALN-PNP reduces the amount of Patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3), a protein that liver cells make, which may help decrease liver fat if there is an abnormal PNPLA3 protein. The goal of this study is to understand the effect of ALN-PNP with or without tirzepatide on reducing liver fat. The study is looking at: * How well ALN-PNP with and without tirzepatide works * What side effects ALN-PNP might cause * How much ALN-PNP is in the blood at different times * How the body and the liver change after having ALN-PNP, which can help researchers understand why ALN-PNP works better in some people than others

This study is a 24-week randomized crossover feasibility trial evaluating an isocaloric navy-bean dietary substitution in 40 adults with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and intermediate-stage (F2-F3) fibrosis. Participants are randomized to one of two sequences-habitual diet followed by a navy-bean-rich diet, or a navy-bean-rich diet followed by habitual diet-with each 12-week phase guided by registered dietitians so that navy beans replace an equivalent caloric load without changing total energy intake. The primary aim is to establish feasibility and acceptability, measured by recruitment and retention, adherence with biomarker (plasma pipecolic-acid) concordance, and patient acceptability.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a major global public health concern, is commonly associated with obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. MASLD is currently the most common cause of chronic liver disease affecting about 80% of people with obesity, ranging from simple fat deposits in the liver to Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH), cellular injury, advanced fibrosis, cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma. Patients with MASH are also at risk for cardiovascular disease and mortality. There is no universally approved medication for MASH. Weight loss remains the cornerstone of MASH treatment. Patients meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria and who give informed consent will be enrolled in the trial and undergo the baseline liver biopsy (if none available). Approximately 120 patients with MASH and liver fibrosis (F1-F4 in baseline liver biopsy) will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to metabolic surgery or medical treatment (incretin-based therapies ± other medical therapies for MASH) and followed for 2 years at which time a repeat liver biopsy will be performed for the assessment of the primary end point.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) (aka non-alcoholic fatty liver disease), commonly occurring in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes can lead to liver inflammation/ fibrosis. MASLD results from fat being disproportionately deposited in the liver. The goal of this mechanistic study is to investigate metabolic response in patients aged 20 to 80 years with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, after niacin (vitamin B3) treatment. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does Niacin lower the fat deposition in the liver? * Does Niacin raise White Adipose Tissue storage of dietary fatty acids? Researchers will compare Niacin to a placebo (a look-alike substance that contains no drug) to compare the metabolic response. Duration of study per participant: Up to 28 weeks

A Phase 1b, Open-Label Study Evaluating the Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Miricorilant in Adult Patients With Presumed Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH)

This study is researching an experimental drug called ALN-PNP (called "study drug"). This is a first in human study. The study drug is not approved by any public health agency such as the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any kind of treatment. This study consists of 3 parts. Part A is focused on healthy participants. Parts B and C of the study are focused on participants who are known to have MASLD and a specific variant of the PNPLA3 gene. The aim of the study is to see how safe, tolerable and effective the study drug is. The study is looking at several other research questions, including: * What side effects may happen from taking the study drug (Parts A, B and C) * How much study drug (Parts A, B and C) and study drug metabolites (byproduct of the body breaking down the study drug) (Parts B and C) are in the blood at different times * Whether the body makes antibodies against the study drug (which could make the study drug less effective or could lead to side effects) (Part A, B and C) * Explore impact of Japanese ethnicity on safety and PK (Pharmacokinetics, or study of what the body does to the drug) of single doses of ALN-PNP over time (Part A) * How the study drug works to change liver fat content in MASLD (Part B and C) * Better understanding of the study drug and MASLD (Part B and C)

This study will evaluate the safety, feasibility, and preliminary effects of S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) compared with placebo in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) cirrhosis. Investigators will assess whether treatment is associated with changes in liver-related clinical measures, biologic markers, and other study outcomes relevant to disease progression. The goal of this study is to generate early data to determine whether SAMe should be studied further as a potential therapeutic strategy in patients with MASLD cirrhosis.

Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) in childhood is becoming increasingly prevalent, paralleling the rise in obesity rates, and has become the most common chronic liver disease in the pediatric population. MASLD is associated with metabolic mechanisms such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation, and can progress to serious complications like steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis in later stages. Currently, pharmacological treatments for managing MASLD are limited, and lifestyle modifications, particularly dietary interventions, stand out as the primary approach for preventing and treating the disease. In this context, the composition of macro and micronutrients plays a critical role in the development and progression of hepatic steatosis. Within this framework, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is a balanced eating pattern that encourages the consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, low-fat dairy products, fish, poultry, and healthy fat sources, while limiting sodium, saturated fat, sugary foods, and processed meat products. Similar to the Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet is a promising approach for conditions like metabolic syndrome and MASLD due to its anti-inflammatory potential, its reducing effect on oxidative stress, and its properties that enhance insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, thanks to its high fiber content, it contributes to balancing the gut microbiota and supports the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which in turn have positive effects on liver and metabolic health. Evaluated in terms of fat intake, the DASH diet's emphasis on foods rich in n-3 fatty acids (such as fish and walnuts) provides an anti-inflammatory effect, while limiting saturated and trans fats offers an important strategy for reducing hepatic fat accumulation. Additionally, restricting the consumption of added sugars and fructose may be effective in preventing hepatic steatosis by suppressing lipogenesis processes. In light of all these scientific findings, considering the impact of dietary patterns on the development and progression of MASLD, appropriately structuring the diet is critically important for protecting liver health in children. Accordingly, an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and metabolically balanced DASH dietary model is considered an effective and applicable approach in the management of pediatric MASLD. Within the scope of this study, the effects of implementing the DASH diet in children with MASLD on clinical and metabolic parameters such as liver enzymes, degree of hepatic steatosis, insulin resistance, lipid profile, and inflammatory markers will be evaluated compared to a control group. Additionally, by examining the relationships between these parameters and quality of life as well as dietary adherence, the potential therapeutic role of the DASH diet in the management of pediatric MASLD will be elucidated.

The goal of this observational study is to learn if spleen stiffness and other non-invasive markers can help predict recompensation in people with decompensated cirrhosis who are receiving effective treatment for the cause of their liver disease. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Can spleen stiffness and blood test results predict who will get better and stay better after cirrhosis becomes worse? * What are the features of people who recover after decompensation? Participants will: * Be people with decompensated cirrhosis who are already getting effective treatment (such as antiviral therapy or alcohol abstinence) * Be followed over time to check if they remain stable or have more liver problems * Have non-invasive tests done, including spleen stiffness measurement and blood tests Researchers will track how many participants recover and stay recovered over time, and use that information to build a tool to help predict outcomes in others with cirrhosis.