Exercise Versus Diet in the Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

University of Missouri-Columbia17 enrolled

Overview

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

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

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 60 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * sedentary individual between * age group 18-60 years old * elevated Liver Function Tests (LFT's) with fatty liver on ultrasound and biopsy proven NASH Exclusion Criteria: * significant history of alcohol consumption \> 20 gm/day (\> 2 drinks / day) * evidence of other causes of hepatitis including positive screening B \& C, autoimmune hepatitis, hemochromatosis, celiac disease, Wilson's disease, alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency or medication-induced hepatitis * Subjects with planned exercise \> 30-60 minutes per week * BMI \< 25 or \> 44 kg/m2 * clinical or biochemical evidence of decompensated liver disease, advanced cardiac or renal disease * changes in last 3 months the dose of oral hypoglycemic medication and statin, * positive stress test * pregnant women * demented individuals who cannot give consent

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

NASH ( Non alcoholic steatohepatitis score) on liver biopsy

Time frame: baseline and 24 weeks

Secondary Outcomes

Liver Function Tests

ALT/AST.

Time frame: Baseline and 24 weeks

DXA Scan

Time frame: Baseline and 24 weeks

Ultrasonographical changes in liver echotexture

Time frame: Baseline and 24 weeks

Exercise Versus Diet in the Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Overview

Conditions

Interventions

Eligibility

Locations (1)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Secondary Outcomes