PET Imaging for Fatty Liver Disease

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byGuobao Wang, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Phase < 1

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of California, Davis

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias (ADRD) affect about 6 million people in the U.S. and are the fifth leading cause of death for adults over 65. Recent research is investigating how chronic liver diseases like Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), which affects one-third of the U.S. population, might influence ADRD through the liver-brain axis. MASLD shares risk factors with Alzheimer's, such as diabetes and hypertension, and studies have linked MASLD to increased risks of cognitive decline and ADRD. Mouse-model studies suggest that chronic liver inflammation in MASLD can induce neuroinflammation and accelerate Alzheimer's pathology, highlighting the importance of studying the liver-brain connection to identify new therapeutic targets for ADRD. The goal of this research is to develop a practical PET imaging method using 18F-FDG to simultaneously assess liver and brain inflammation in patients with MASLD-related ADRD. This approach leverages dynamic FDG-PET scanning and advanced tracer kinetic modeling to quantify glucose transport, overcoming limitations of traditional imaging methods that cannot noninvasively assess chronic liver inflammation. The new method aims to enable comprehensive imaging of liver-brain inflammation crosstalk, validated against the 18F-DPA-714 radiotracer. Success in this project could provide a valuable imaging tool for linking liver inflammation with neuroinflammation and cognitive decline, advancing clinical research and potentially uncovering new pathways for ADRD treatment

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) who may also be experiencing cognitive decline. The study aims to explore the connection between liver inflammation and brain health using advanced PET imaging techniques.

Inclusion Criteria

Ability to provide informed consent

I am 18 years old or older.

I have had, or will have, a liver biopsy for fatty liver disease within the last 6 months.

Exclusion Criteria

I am not pregnant or breastfeeding.

My body weight is under 225 kg.

I have a history of liver issues, but not due to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

+8 more

Participant Groups

The trial is testing a new PET imaging method using two tracers, 18F-FDG and 18F-DPA-714, to assess inflammation in both the liver and brain of patients with MASLD-related cognitive issues. This could help understand how liver disease might affect Alzheimer's Disease.

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: ImagingExperimental Treatment2 Interventions

Participants will undergo positron emission tomography scans. One scan will be performed after administration of 18F-FDG while the other will be perfomred after administration of 18F-DPA-714.