What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common treatments for Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) include weight loss interventions, metformin, pioglitazone, and GLP-1 receptor agonists like liraglutide. Weight loss through diet and exercise can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort and nutritional deficiencies if not properly managed. Metformin is generally well-tolerated but can cause gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and nausea. Pioglitazone may lead to weight gain, edema, and an increased risk of bone fractures. Liraglutide can cause gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and vomiting, and there is a potential risk of pancreatitis. These treatments aim to reduce liver inflammation, improve insulin resistance, and decrease fat accumulation in the liver.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

As of now, there are no FDA-approved medications specifically for the treatment of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). However, several drugs are being studied for their potential benefits in reducing liver inflammation, insulin resistance, and fat accumulation. These include pioglitazone, a thiazolidinedione that improves insulin sensitivity, and GLP-1 receptor agonists like liraglutide and semaglutide, which have shown efficacy in weight reduction and improvement in liver histology. Additionally, metformin, commonly used for type 2 diabetes, has been associated with decreased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma and overall cancer risk, which may indirectly benefit NAFLD patients.

What other types of research exist?

Promising novel alternatives for NAFLD treatment in 2024 include: 1) GLP-1 receptor agonists like liraglutide, which have shown efficacy in reducing liver fat and improving insulin sensitivity; 2) SGLT2 inhibitors, which may help manage diabetes and reduce liver fat; 3) Pioglitazone, a PPAR-gamma agonist, which can improve liver histology in NASH patients; 4) Anti-inflammatory agents such as TNF inhibitors; and 5) Probiotics, which may help modulate gut microbiota and reduce liver inflammation.

← Back to Search

Procedure

Weight Loss Surgery for Fatty Liver Disease

N/A

Waitlist Available

Research Sponsored by Washington University School of Medicine

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Be older than 18 years old

Must not have

Liver disease other than NAFLD

Previous bariatric surgery

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up before and after ~20% weightloss, up to 6 months

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial is studying if losing a lot of weight can help reduce liver scarring in people with obesity who have a common liver disease called NAFLD. The goal is to see if weight loss can prevent severe liver problems.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for individuals with obesity, specifically those who have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 kg/m2 or higher and are scheduled for weight loss surgery. It's not open to pregnant individuals, people with liver diseases other than NAFLD, those who've had bariatric surgery before, anyone with significant organ dysfunction/disease, tobacco users, or heavy alcohol drinkers.

What is being tested?

The study is looking at how effective significant weight loss from bariatric surgery can be on improving liver health in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The focus is on the rate of hepatic fibrogenesis reduction post-surgery.

What are the potential side effects?

While the trial itself doesn't list specific side effects related to the intervention since it focuses on surgical outcomes rather than medication side effects, potential risks generally associated with weight loss surgery include nutritional deficiencies, digestive issues and surgical complications.

Eligibility Criteria

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

Select...

I have a liver condition that is not NAFLD.

Select...

I have had weight loss surgery in the past.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ before and after ~20% weightloss, up to 6 months

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~before and after ~20% weightloss, up to 6 months

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and before and after ~20% weightloss, up to 6 months for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Hepatic Fibrogenesis

Liver histology

Secondary study objectives

Adipose histology

Body composition

Insulin sensitivity

+12 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Weight lossExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants will undergo weight loss surgery

Treatment

First Studied

Drug Approval Stage

How many patients have taken this drug

Weight loss surgery

2008

N/A

~80

0 / 2Eligibility criteria met

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Common treatments for Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) focus on reducing inflammation, insulin resistance, and fat accumulation in the liver. Weight loss through diet and exercise is a primary strategy, as it directly reduces liver fat and improves insulin sensitivity. Pharmacologic agents like pioglitazone and GLP-1 receptor agonists target insulin resistance and inflammation. Lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes and increased physical activity, help manage weight and metabolic health. These treatments are crucial for NAFLD patients as they address the underlying causes of the disease, potentially reversing liver damage and preventing progression to more severe liver conditions.