MAFLD is a growing problem in India. Its pathophysiology is complex, but focused on abnormal substrate handling due to mitochondrial dysfunction reflecting as metabolic inflexibility. Nutrition is the cornerstone of management. The ideal macronutrient distribution within a hypocaloric diet is not known yet. Evidence from experimental and a few human studies in obese, highlight the role of dietary proteins, independent of calorie restriction, in reducing hepatic steatosis by improving the cellular and systemic bioenergetics.
Novelty: First study to assess the effect of high protein diet (HPD) in comparison to a standard protein diet (SPD) within a calorie restricted diet, on both the cellular and systemic bioenergetics in patients with MAFLD. Objectives: Aims to see the effect of HPD on hepatic steatosis, cellular and systemic bioenergetics, along with metabolic parameters in patients with MAFLD. Method: In this RCT, patients with MAFLD (n=140) with or without MS, would be randomized into HPD or SPD groups (i.e. 70 in each group), and parameters like hepatic steatosis (CAP by Transient elastography (FibroScan), cellular bioenergetics by oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) as measured using Seahorse Analyzer, and Indirect Calorimetry will be used to assess the fasting and postglucose challenge (Oral glucose tolerance test) REE and RQ. DEXA scan would be used to assess body composition apart from routine blood tests to assess features of Metabolic syndrome. The serum levels of GLP1, CKK, Ghrelin, FGF21, Adipokines like leptin and adiponectin, NADH/NAD ratio, insulin and glucagon would be measured. Outcome: A HPD is expected to improve hepatic steatosis, blunted fuel switching (RQ) and cellular bioenergetics (OCR) along with metabolic parameters in patients with MAFLD.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
140
High protein diet
Normal protein diet
Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences
Delhi, New Delhi, India
Assessment of Hepatic steatosis.
Changes in hepatic steatosis at baseline and follow up would be done using fibro scan (CAP) and Computed Tomography (Liver Attenuation Index).
Time frame: 3 months
Assessment of cellular bioenergetics would be done.
Changes in oxygen consumption rate (OCR in pmol/min) at baseline and follow up would be done using Seahorse XF analyser.
Time frame: 3 months
Assessment of cellular bioenergetics would be done.
Changes in Extracellular acidification rate(ECAR in mph/min) at baseline and follow up would be done using Seahorse XF analyser.
Time frame: 3 months
Assessment of systemic bioenergetics would be done.
A switch in Respiratory quotient (RQ) at fasting and OGTT would be assessed using indirect calorimetry at baseline and follow up.
Time frame: 3 months
Assessment of metabolic markers at baseline and follow up.
Changes in metabolic markers would be done at baseline and follow up. The following metabolic markers would be assessed :- Blood pressure(systolic and dystolic), HbA1c,Thyroid stimulating hormone , Total lipid profile, CRP levels.
Time frame: 3 months
Assessment of muscle mass.
Assessment of muscle mass would be done by DEXA scan at baseline and follow up.
Time frame: 3 months
Assessment of serum levels of FGF21(in ng/ml) and leptin(in ng/ml).
Assessments would be done using commercially available Elisa kits at baseline and follow up.
Time frame: 3 months
Assessment of serum levels of adiponectin(in μg/mL).
Assessments would be done using commercially available Elisa kits at baseline and follow up.
Time frame: 3 months
Assessment of serum levels of insulin(in μU/mL)
Assessments would be done using commercially available Elisa kits at baseline and follow up.
Time frame: 3 months
Assessment of serum levels of glucagon(in pg/mL).
Assessments would be done using commercially available Elisa kits at baseline and follow up.
Time frame: 3 months
Assessment of serum levels of glucagon like peptide(GLP-1) (in pmol/L)
Assessments would be done using commercially available Elisa kits at baseline and follow up.
Time frame: 3 months
Assessment of serum levels of ghrelin (in fmol/ml).
Assessments would be done using commercially available Elisa kits at baseline and follow up.
Time frame: 3 months
Assessment of serum levels of cholecystokinin (in pmol/liter).
Assessments would be done using commercially available Elisa kits at baseline and follow up.
Time frame: 3 months
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