Steatotic liver diseases (SLD) are the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide. SLD are defined by an excessive liver lipid content (steatosis) of more than 5% of the total liver weight and includes 3 clinical entities : metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) and a mixed entity combining the two settings referred as MetALD. SLD are associated to extra-hepatic complications such as cardiovascular diseases, insulin resistance or muscle changes. Among the latter, myosteatosis, defined by an excessive muscle fat content, has been reported as a muscle change in MASLD occuring even in non-cirrhotic stages. Investigators will explore these muscle changes in SLD patients according to the severity of the underneath liver disease.
This project investigates the correlation between liver and muscle phenotypes assessed in a cohort of all 3 SLD subgroups (MASLD, ALD and MetALD). If a severe form of SLD is suspected based on a severely increased liver elasticity, assessed by transient elastography, participants undergo a liver biopsy, liver and muscle magnetic resonance imaging. Eating habits and physical activity level are recorded using the 24 hour-recall and international physical activity questionnaire. Psychological disorders are also screened using dedicated questionnaires.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
100
Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc
Brussels, Belgium
correlation between muscle mass and fat content and liver histological features of SLD
muscle mass and fat content will be assessed by magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy. Liver phenotype will be histologically assessed by 3 blinded pathologists and computer-assisted morphometry.
Time frame: MRI and liver biopsy are performed at Day 1
liver molecular mechanisms involved in myosteatosis pathogenesis
mRNA extraction and sequencing from liver tissue samples collected during liver biopsy to assess the transcriptomic pattern correlating with muscle fat assessed by MRI.
Time frame: liver samples are collected during the biopsy
impact of muscle fat content on muscle function
investigators assess the correlation between muscle fat assessed by MRI and muscle function assessed by several tests.
Time frame: muscle function tests are performed 1-week after the biopsy/MRI (Day 7)
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