There are 7 clinical trials
This project, "A double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial assessing the efficacy of metformin for hepatic fat in adolescents and young adults with polycystic ovary syndrome", proposes exploring the use of novel and noninvasive methodologies in an at-risk adolescent and young adult population with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who may gain long-term health benefits from early detection and treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). PCOS is a common condition that frequently presents in adolescence and young adulthood and is defined by elevated androgens (male hormones) in the blood leading to 1. hirsutism and acne and 2. menstrual abnormalities or amenorrhea. Affected individuals are at increased risk of developing insulin resistance (a precursor of diabetes), NAFLD and lipid (cholesterol) abnormalities.These features are all associated with the metabolic syndrome, a rising major public health concern. Recently, an association between PCOS and NAFLD has been noted but has only been superficially studied in the adolescent and young adult population. The susceptibility of certain PCOS patients to developing NAFLD is theorized to be due to having underlying insulin resistance, elevated androgen levels, and a genetic predisposition. Metformin is an insulin sensitizing medication widely used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus that may have beneficial effects on insulin resistance-related conditions including PCOS and NAFLD. Although widely used in PCOS, its effect on NAFLD in this group has not been previously studied. The primary aims of this proposal are: 1) To determine whether PCOS with liver fat >/=4.8% treated with metformin for six months will have a decline in percentage liver fat compared to a placebo group. 2) To measure the association of the PNPLA3 I148M allele with NAFLD in PCOS at baseline (n=40). 2b) To measure the association of percentage liver fat with biomarkers of NAFLD, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and body composition at baseline (n=40) and after a placebo-controlled intervention with metformin in PCOS with liver fat >4.8% (n=20). The goal of this research proposal is to explore the use of novel and noninvasive technologies in a young and at risk population. Dr. Sopher hopes to use the results of this research to lay the groundwork for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD and other metabolic disorders in adolescents and young adults with PCOS and to prevent lifelong morbidity associated with PCOS.
2) To measure the association of the PNPLA3 I148M allele with NAFLD in PCOS at baseline (n=40). --- I148M ---
The proportion of PCOS subjects with the high risk I148M PNPLA3 allele in the PCOS groups with elevated and normal liver fat will be compared using a chi-squared or Fisher's Exact test.. --- I148M ---
Other IR indices that will be evaluated are whole body insulin sensitivity (WBIS) and insulin area under the curve; 6) Genetic evaluation: A blood sample for the PNPLA3 I148M allele (baseline only). --- I148M ---
Description: To compare percentage liver fat by magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the metformin group and placebo group to baseline and between the groups in order to determine if metformin is efficacious for reducing liver fat compared to placebo in adolescents and young women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Measure: Difference in percentage liver fat between Metformin arm and Placebo arm in adolescents and young adults with PCOS and with elevated percentage liver fat (>/=4.8%) Time: 6 monthsDescription: The proportion of PCOS subjects with the high risk I148M PNPLA3 allele in the PCOS groups with elevated and normal liver fat will be compared using a chi-squared or Fisher's Exact test.
Measure: Proportion of PCOS subjects with the PNPLA3 allele comparing those with elevated percentage liver fat (>/=4.8%) and those with normal percentage liver fat (<4.8%) by magnetic resonance spectroscopy Time: 6 monthsDescription: The association of percent liver fat with insulin resistance as measured by HOMA-IR will be measured by correlation/regression. Change in HOMA-IR with change in percent liver fat following metformin will be assessed using multiple regression analysis.
Measure: The association of percentage liver fat by magnetic resonance spectroscopy with insulin resistance as measured by HOMA-IR in adolescents with PCOS Time: 6 monthsDescription: The association of percent liver fat with triglycerides will be measured by correlation/regression. Change in triglycerides with change in percent liver fat following metformin will be assessed using multiple regression analysis.
Measure: The association of percentage liver fat with triglycerides Time: 6 monthsDescription: The association of percent liver fat with visceral adipose tissue will be measured by correlation/regression. Change in visceral adipose tissue with change in percent liver fat following metformin will be assessed using multiple regression analysis.
Measure: The association of percentage liver fat with visceral adipose tissue Time: 6 monthsDescription: The association of percent liver fat with total body adipose tissue will be measured by correlation/regression. Change in total body adipose tissue with change in percent liver fat following metformin will be assessed using multiple regression analysis.
Measure: The association of percentage liver fat with total body adipose tissue Time: 6 monthsDescription: The association of percent liver fat with pancreatic polypeptide will be measured by correlation/regression. Change in pancreatic polypeptide with change in percent liver fat following metformin will be assessed using multiple regression analysis.
Measure: The association of percentage liver fat with pancreatic polypeptide Time: 6 monthsDescription: The association of percent liver fat with M30 will be measured by correlation/regression. Change in M30 with change in percent liver fat following metformin will be assessed using multiple regression analysis.
Measure: The association of percentage liver fat with M30, a hepatic apoptosis marker Time: 6 monthsThe aims of the study are: 1. To investigate if carriers of apolipoprotein (apo) CIII loss-of-function (LOF) mutations produce less apo-CIII that results in reduction of large very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) particle secretion as compared to non-carriers of these variants and compare the results with carriers of apo-CIII gain-of-function (GOF) to elucidate the role of apo-CIII in hepatic lipid metabolism. 2. To study if carriers of the TM6SF2 E167K and PNLPLA3 I148M mutations produce less large VLDL particles to transport fat out of the liver as compared to non-carriers. 3. To test whether the specific mutations in the apo-CIII, TM6SF2 and PNLPLA3 genes are reflected in changes of liver de novo lipogenesis (DNL), liver fat, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), plasma lipid and apolipoprotein kinetics and fasting concentrations in carriers of the TM6SF2 E167K and PNLPLA3 I148M mutations as compared to non-carriers. 4. To study the effects of APOE, angiopoietin (ANGPTL3 and ANGPTL8) or endothelial lipase (LIPG) genotypes on liver fat metabolism, lipid and apolipoprotein metabolism and lipid phenotypes.
2. To study if carriers of the TM6SF2 E167K and PNLPLA3 I148M mutations produce less large VLDL particles to transport fat out of the liver as compared to non-carriers. --- E167K --- --- I148M ---
3. To test whether the specific mutations in the apo-CIII, TM6SF2 and PNLPLA3 genes are reflected in changes of liver de novo lipogenesis (DNL), liver fat, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), plasma lipid and apolipoprotein kinetics and fasting concentrations in carriers of the TM6SF2 E167K and PNLPLA3 I148M mutations as compared to non-carriers. --- E167K --- --- I148M ---
Inclusion Criteria: - persons who have provided written consent - apo-CIII loss-of-function mutation (heterozygous) or apo-CIII gain-of-function mutations (heterozygous) or TM6SF2 E167K mutation (homozygous) or PNLPLA3 I148M or apoE or LIPG or ANGPTL3 or ANGPTL8 LOF and GOF variants. --- E167K --- --- I148M ---
m² at inclusion Exclusion Criteria: - Patients with Type 1 and 2 diabetes, BMI > 40 kg/m2, - ApoE2/2 phenotype, thyrotropin concentration outside normal range, - Lipid-lowering drugs - Blood pressure >160 mmHg systolic and/or > 105 diastolic mmHg - Liver failure or abnormal liver function tests >3 x upper limit of normal - Intestinal disease - Pregnancy, breastfeeding - Patients with volume depletion Inclusion Criteria: - persons who have provided written consent - apo-CIII loss-of-function mutation (heterozygous) or apo-CIII gain-of-function mutations (heterozygous) or TM6SF2 E167K mutation (homozygous) or PNLPLA3 I148M or apoE or LIPG or ANGPTL3 or ANGPTL8 LOF and GOF variants. --- E167K --- --- I148M ---
Description: Production rate, mg/day
Measure: Difference in the rate of production of VLDL Apo B Time: BaselineDescription: Production rate, mg/kg/day
Measure: Difference in the rate of production of VLDL Triglycerides Time: BaselineDescription: Production rate, mg/kg/day
Measure: Difference in the rate of production of VLDL ApoC-III and apoE Time: BaselineDescription: Rate of disappearance, pools/day
Measure: Difference in the Fractional Catabolic Rate of VLDL Apo B Time: BaselineDescription: Rate of disappearance, pools/day
Measure: Difference in the Fractional Catabolic Rate of VLDL Triglycerides Time: BaselineDescription: Rate of disappearance, pools/day
Measure: Difference in the Fractional Catabolic Rate of VLDL ApoC-III and apoE Time: BaselineDescription: Measure of newly synthesized triglycerides in VLDL, μmol/l
Measure: Difference in de novo lipogenesis Time: BaselineDescription: Percentage of liver fat measured with magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Measure: Difference in liver fat Time: BaselineDescription: Remnant lipoproteins and lipoprotein fraction composition, mg/L
Measure: Difference in atherogenic dyslipidemia Time: BaselineDescription: Calculated Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR)
Measure: Difference in insulin resistance Time: BaselineDescription: ApoA, mg/dl
Measure: Difference in apoprotein A concentration Time: BaselineDescription: ApoB, mg/dl
Measure: Difference in apoprotein B concentration Time: BaselineDescription: ApoC, mg/dl
Measure: Difference in apoprotein C concentration Time: BaselineDescription: ApoE, mg/dl
Measure: Difference in apoprotein E concentration Time: BaselineDescription: Rate of turnover, pools/day
Measure: Difference in the rate of production and Fractional Catabolic Rate of intermediate-density Apo B Time: BaselineDescription: Rate of turnover, pools/day
Measure: Difference in the rate of production and Fractional Catabolic Rate of low-density lipoprotein Apo B Time: BaselineDescription: Measured lipoprotein lipase activity, mU/ml
Measure: Lipolytic activity Time: BaselineDescription: Measured hepatic lipase activity, mU/ml
Measure: Hepatic lipase activity Time: BaselineThis short-term, randomized, placebo-controlled, investigator-initiated trial aims to establish metabolic improvements in NAFLD subjects by dietary supplementation with cofactors N-acetylcysteine, L-carnitine tartrate, nicotinamide riboside and serine. Concomitant use of pivotal metabolic cofactors via simultaneous dietary supplementation will stimulate three different pathways to enhance hepatic β-oxidation and this study's hypothesis is that this will result in decreased amount of fat in the liver.
heart failure, documented coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease) - Patients with active bronchial asthma - Patients with phenylketonuria (contraindicated for NAC) - Patients with histamine intolerance - Clinically significant TSH level outside the normal range (0.04-6 mU/L) - Known allergy for substances used in the study - Concomitant medication use: 1. Lipid-lowering drugs within 3 months 2. Oral antidiabetics given for insulin resistance of obesity (metformin, liraglutide etc.) within 3 months 3. Thiazide diuretics with a dose >25 mg/d 4. Postmenopausal estrogen therapy 5. Any medication acting on nuclear hormone receptors or inducing Cytochromes P450 (CYPs) 6. Self-administration of dietary supplements such as any vitamins, omega-3 products, or plant stanol/sterol products within 1 month 7. Treatment with medications known to cause fatty liver disease such as atypical neuroleptics, tetracycline, methotrexate or tamoxifen 8. Use of an antimicrobial agent in the 4 weeks preceding randomization - Active smokers consuming >10 cigarettes/day - Alcohol consumption over 192 grams for men and 128 grams for women per week - Patients considered as inappropriate for this study for any reason (patients unable to undergo MRI study, noncompliance etc.) - Subjects with Patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3( PNPLA3) I148M (homozygous for I148M) - Women who are pregnant, are planning pregnancy, or who are breast-feeding - Women of childbearing potential not protected by effective birth control method - Active participation in another clinical study Inclusion Criteria: - Men and women (18-70 years old) - Body mass index >27kg/m2 - Triglyceride levels ≤354 mg/dl and LDL chol ≤175 mg/dl - No history of medication use for hepatic steatosis - Increased liver fat (>5.5%) --- I148M ---
heart failure, documented coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease) - Patients with active bronchial asthma - Patients with phenylketonuria (contraindicated for NAC) - Patients with histamine intolerance - Clinically significant TSH level outside the normal range (0.04-6 mU/L) - Known allergy for substances used in the study - Concomitant medication use: 1. Lipid-lowering drugs within 3 months 2. Oral antidiabetics given for insulin resistance of obesity (metformin, liraglutide etc.) within 3 months 3. Thiazide diuretics with a dose >25 mg/d 4. Postmenopausal estrogen therapy 5. Any medication acting on nuclear hormone receptors or inducing Cytochromes P450 (CYPs) 6. Self-administration of dietary supplements such as any vitamins, omega-3 products, or plant stanol/sterol products within 1 month 7. Treatment with medications known to cause fatty liver disease such as atypical neuroleptics, tetracycline, methotrexate or tamoxifen 8. Use of an antimicrobial agent in the 4 weeks preceding randomization - Active smokers consuming >10 cigarettes/day - Alcohol consumption over 192 grams for men and 128 grams for women per week - Patients considered as inappropriate for this study for any reason (patients unable to undergo MRI study, noncompliance etc.) - Subjects with Patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3( PNPLA3) I148M (homozygous for I148M) - Women who are pregnant, are planning pregnancy, or who are breast-feeding - Women of childbearing potential not protected by effective birth control method - Active participation in another clinical study Inclusion Criteria: - Men and women (18-70 years old) - Body mass index >27kg/m2 - Triglyceride levels ≤354 mg/dl and LDL chol ≤175 mg/dl - No history of medication use for hepatic steatosis - Increased liver fat (>5.5%) --- I148M --- --- I148M ---
heart failure, documented coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease) - Patients with active bronchial asthma - Patients with phenylketonuria (contraindicated for NAC) - Patients with histamine intolerance - Clinically significant TSH level outside the normal range (0.04-6 mU/L) - Known allergy for substances used in the study - Concomitant medication use: 1. Lipid-lowering drugs within 3 months 2. Oral antidiabetics given for insulin resistance of obesity (metformin, liraglutide etc.) within 3 months 3. Thiazide diuretics with a dose >25 mg/d 4. Postmenopausal estrogen therapy 5. Any medication acting on nuclear hormone receptors or inducing Cytochromes P450 (CYPs) 6. Self-administration of dietary supplements such as any vitamins, omega-3 products, or plant stanol/sterol products within 1 month 7. Treatment with medications known to cause fatty liver disease such as atypical neuroleptics, tetracycline, methotrexate or tamoxifen 8. Use of an antimicrobial agent in the 4 weeks preceding randomization - Active smokers consuming >10 cigarettes/day - Alcohol consumption over 192 grams for men and 128 grams for women per week - Patients considered as inappropriate for this study for any reason (patients unable to undergo MRI study, noncompliance etc.) - Subjects with Patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3( PNPLA3) I148M (homozygous for I148M) - Women who are pregnant, are planning pregnancy, or who are breast-feeding - Women of childbearing potential not protected by effective birth control method - Active participation in another clinical study Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Liver Diseases Fatty Liver Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease In this study, investigators aim to lower liver fat content in obese patients with NAFLD by increasing the hepatic levels of pivotal metabolic cofactors via simultaneous dietary supplementation of serine, L-carnitine, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and nicotinamide riboside (NR). --- I148M ---
heart failure, documented coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease) - Patients with active bronchial asthma - Patients with phenylketonuria (contraindicated for NAC) - Patients with histamine intolerance - Clinically significant TSH level outside the normal range (0.04-6 mU/L) - Known allergy for substances used in the study - Concomitant medication use: 1. Lipid-lowering drugs within 3 months 2. Oral antidiabetics given for insulin resistance of obesity (metformin, liraglutide etc.) within 3 months 3. Thiazide diuretics with a dose >25 mg/d 4. Postmenopausal estrogen therapy 5. Any medication acting on nuclear hormone receptors or inducing Cytochromes P450 (CYPs) 6. Self-administration of dietary supplements such as any vitamins, omega-3 products, or plant stanol/sterol products within 1 month 7. Treatment with medications known to cause fatty liver disease such as atypical neuroleptics, tetracycline, methotrexate or tamoxifen 8. Use of an antimicrobial agent in the 4 weeks preceding randomization - Active smokers consuming >10 cigarettes/day - Alcohol consumption over 192 grams for men and 128 grams for women per week - Patients considered as inappropriate for this study for any reason (patients unable to undergo MRI study, noncompliance etc.) - Subjects with Patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3( PNPLA3) I148M (homozygous for I148M) - Women who are pregnant, are planning pregnancy, or who are breast-feeding - Women of childbearing potential not protected by effective birth control method - Active participation in another clinical study Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Liver Diseases Fatty Liver Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease In this study, investigators aim to lower liver fat content in obese patients with NAFLD by increasing the hepatic levels of pivotal metabolic cofactors via simultaneous dietary supplementation of serine, L-carnitine, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and nicotinamide riboside (NR). --- I148M --- --- I148M ---
Description: The change in liver fat content as well as subcutaneous abdominal and intra-abdominal fat content between the placebo and cofactor treatment arms in NAFLD patients from baseline to 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 10 weeks.
Measure: Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) Measurement Time: 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 10 weeksDescription: Body weight will be measured at every visit to evaluate safety of metabolic cofactor supplementation.
Measure: Change in body weight from baseline Time: 10 weeksDescription: Change in heart rate will be measured at every visit to evaluate safety of metabolic cofactor supplementation.
Measure: ECG Measurement Time: 10 weeksDescription: Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure will be measured at every visit to evaluate safety of metabolic cofactor supplementation.
Measure: Change in Blood Pressure from baseline Time: 10 weeksDescription: Waist and hip circumference will be measured at every visit to evaluate safety of metabolic cofactor supplementation.
Measure: Change in waist and hip circumference from baseline Time: 10 weeksDescription: Complete blood count includes number of blood cells. Complete blood count test will be performed to measure possible toxic effects of the metabolic cofactor supplementation on hematological system.
Measure: Change of complete blood count (number of blood cells) from baseline Time: 10 weeksDescription: Complete blood count includes concentration of hemoglobin. Complete blood count test will be performed to measure possible toxic effects of the metabolic cofactor supplementation on hematological system.
Measure: Change of complete blood count (hemoglobin) from baseline Time: 10 weeksDescription: Kidney function tests (creatinine, urea, uric acid) will be performed to measure possible toxic effects of the metabolic cofactor supplementation on kidney function.
Measure: Changes in kidney function tests (creatinine, urea, uric acid) from baseline Time: 10 weeksDescription: Kidney function tests (sodium, potassium) will be performed to measure possible toxic effects of the metabolic cofactor supplementation on kidney function.
Measure: Changes in kidney function tests (sodium, potassium) from baseline Time: 10 weeksDescription: Liver function tests (ALT, AST, GGT, ALP) will be performed to measure possible toxic effects of the metabolic cofactor supplementation on liver function.
Measure: Changes in liver function tests [Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)] from baseline Time: 10 weeksDescription: Liver function tests (Total Bilirubin, Albumin) will be performed to measure possible toxic effects of the metabolic cofactor supplementation on liver function.
Measure: Changes in liver function tests (Total Bilirubin, and Albumin) from baseline Time: 10 weeksDescription: Creatinine kinase (CK) level will be evaluated to measure possible toxic effects of the metabolic cofactor supplementation.
Measure: Changes in creatinine kinase (CK) level from baseline Time: 10 weeksDescription: Blood lipid levels (total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein (HDL-C)) will be evaluated to measure possible toxic effects of the metabolic cofactor supplementation.
Measure: Changes in blood lipid levels (total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein (HDL-C)) from baseline Time: 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 10 weeksDescription: Blood glucose levels will be evaluated to measure possible toxic effects of the metabolic cofactor supplementation.
Measure: Changes in blood glucose levels from baseline Time: 10 weeksDescription: Blood insulin level will be evaluated to measure possible toxic effects of the metabolic cofactor supplementation.
Measure: Change in blood insulin level from baseline Time: 10 weeksDescription: Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level will be evaluated to measure possible toxic effects of the metabolic cofactor supplementation.
Measure: Change in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level from baseline Time: 10 weeksDescription: The change in gut microbiota between the placebo and the treatment arms in NAFLD patients. Feces and saliva samples will be collected to assess changes in gut microbiota. Instructions on specimen collection will be given during the first visit. Microbiota will be assessed using shot-gun metagenomic techniques.
Measure: Microbiota analysis Time: 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 10 weeksDescription: This process aiming to monitoring of adverse events of metabolic cofactor supplementation. Adverse events and serious adverse events will be monitored continuously and all adverse events that occur at any time during the study will be reported in Case Report Forms. Any symptoms of intestinal discomfort or other side effects will be carefully recorded and all study subjects will be informed to contact (by phone or text message) the investigators immediately if they experience any symptoms of discomfort or any side effects during the intervention period.
Measure: Monitoring of adverse events Time: 10 weeksA. BACKGROUND Accumulation of fat in the liver due to non-alcoholic causes (NAFLD) is associated with hepatic insulin resistance, which impairs the ability of insulin to inhibit the production of glucose and VLDL . This leads to increases in serum glucose, insulin and triglyceride concentrations as well as hyperinsulinemia. Recent epidemiologic studies have shown that a major reason for the metabolic syndrome as well as the accompanying increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes is overconsumption of simple sugars. The investigators have recently shown that overeating simple sugars (1000 extra calories/day, "CANDY" diet) increases liver fat content by 30% within 3 weeks (4), and recapitulates features of the metabolic syndrome such as hypertriglyceridemia and a low HDL cholesterol concentration. The fatty acids in intrahepatocellular triglycerides may originate from peripheral lipolysis, de novo lipogenesis, uptake of chylomicron remnants by the liver and from hepatic uptake of fatty acids released during intravascular hydrolysis of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (the spillover pathway). A classic study using stable isotope methodology by the group of Elisabeth Parks showed that in subjects with NAFLD, the excess intrahepatocellular triglycerides originate from peripheral lipolysis and de novo lipogenesis. It is well-established that ingestion of a high carbohydrate as compared to high fat diet stimulates de novo lipogenesis in humans. Meta-analyses comparing isocaloric high fat and high carbohydrate diets have shown that high carbohydrate but not high fat diets increase increase serum triglycerides and lower HDL cholesterol. Since hypertriglyceridemia results from overproduction of VLDL from the liver, these data suggest the composition of the diet influences hepatic lipid metabolism. Whether this is because overfeeding fat leads to preferential deposition of fat in adipose tissue while high carbohydrate diets induce a relative greater increase in liver fat is unknown. There are no previous studies comparing effects of chronic overfeeding of fat as compared to carbohydrate on liver fat or and the sources of intrahepatic fatty acids. A common polymorphism in PNPLA3 at rs738409 (adiponutrin) gene is associated with a markedly increase liver fat content. This finding has been replicated in at least 20 studies across the world. The investigators have shown that PNPLA3 is regulated by the carbohydrate response element binding protein 1. Mice overexpressing the human I148M PNPLA3 variant in the liver exhibit an increase in liver triglycerides and cholesteryl esters on a high sucrose but not high fat diet. These data suggest that overfeeding a high carbohydrate as compared to a high fat diet may increase liver fat more in subjects carrying the I148M allele than in non-carriers. B. HYPOTHESIS The investigators hypothesize that overfeeding a high fat as compared to an isocaloric high carbohydrate diet influences the source of intrahepatocellular triglycerides. During a high fat diet, relatively more of intrahepatocellular triglycerides originate from peripheral lipolysis and less from DNL than during a high carbohydrate diet in the face of a similar increase in liver fat. It is also possible given the lack of previous overfeeding data comparing 2 different overfeeding diets that the high fat diet induces a smaller increase in liver fat than a high carbohydrate diet even in the face of an identical increase in caloric intake because a greater fraction of ingested fat is channeled to adipose tissue than the liver. The investigators also hypothesize that liver fat may increase more in carriers than non-carriers of the I148M variant in PNPLA3 during a high carbohydrate than a high fat diet. C. SPECIFIC AIMS The investigators wish to randomize, using the method of minimization (considers baseline age, BMI, gender, liver fat, PNPLA3 genotype) 40 non-diabetic subjects with NAFLD as determined by the non-invasive score developed in our laboratory or previous knowledge of liver fat content based on MRS to overeat either a high carbohydrate or high fat diet (1000 extra calories per day) for 3 weeks. Before and after the overfeeding diets, will measure liver fat content by 1H-MRS and the rate of adipose tissue lipolysis using doubly labeled water (DDW) and [1,1,2,3,3-2H5] glycerol as described in detail below. The investigators also wish to characterize glucose, insulin, fatty acid and triacylglyceride profiles before and while on the experimental diet. An adipose tissue biopsy is taken to determine whether expression of genes involved in lipogenesis or lipolysis, or those involved in adipose tissue inflammation change in response to overfeeding, and for measurement of LPL activity. After overfeeding, both groups will undergo weight loss to restore normal weight as described in our recent study. The metabolic study is repeated after weight loss.
The investigators have shown that PNPLA3 is regulated by the carbohydrate response element binding protein 1. Mice overexpressing the human I148M PNPLA3 variant in the liver exhibit an increase in liver triglycerides and cholesteryl esters on a high sucrose but not high fat diet. --- I148M ---
These data suggest that overfeeding a high carbohydrate as compared to a high fat diet may increase liver fat more in subjects carrying the I148M allele than in non-carriers. --- I148M ---
The investigators also hypothesize that liver fat may increase more in carriers than non-carriers of the I148M variant in PNPLA3 during a high carbohydrate than a high fat diet. --- I148M ---
Description: the rate of DNL and adipose tissue lipolysis is measured using doubly labeled water (DDW) and [1,1,2,3,3-2H5] glycerol
Measure: De novo lipogenesis (DNL) and measurement of lipolysis Time: 3 weeksDescription: Laboratory tests including fasting glucose, insulin, C-peptide, liver enzymes, total, LDL and HDL cholesterol and TG concentrations PNPLA3 genotyping is performed also
Measure: Analytical procedures Time: 3 weeksDescription: Needle biopsies of abdominal subcutaneus tissue will be taken for subsequent isolation of RNA for measurements of gene expression (by quantitative PCR). Fat cell size is also measured.
Measure: Biopsies and analysis of subcutaneus adipose tissue Time: 3 weeksDescription: Indirect calorimetry is the method by which metabolic rate is estimated from measurements of oxygen (O2) consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) production.
Measure: Indirect calorimetry Time: 3 weekThis study is intended to investigate the safety and tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of AZD2693, following subcutaneous (SC) administration of multiple ascending doses in patients with Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) with fibrosis Stage 0 to 3 and homozygous for the patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 3 (PNPLA3) 148M risk allele.
- Provision of signed, written, and dated informed consent for mandatory Genetic PNPLA3 I148M determination genetic/biomarker, for inclusion or exclusion in the clinical study. --- I148M ---
- Mandatory PNPLA3 Genetic Biomarker and Companion Diagnostic Development Sample: - The participant will be excluded from the study if consent for the PNPLA I148M Genetic Biomarker Sample is not given. --- I148M ---
- The mandatory consent will include assessment of PNPLA3 I148M status as well as additional genotyping of gene variants associated with PNPLA3 expression. --- I148M ---
Description: Safety and tolerability will be evaluated in terms of number of participants with adverse events and/or abnormal values of vital signs and/or clinical laboratory and/or electrocardiogram and/or renal assessments and/or blood assessments.
Measure: Number of participants with adverse events Time: Up to 36 weeks (From Screening to Final Visit)Description: The effect of AZD2693 on changes in LFC using magnetic resonance imaging-based proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) compared to placebo will be assessed.
Measure: Absolute change from baseline to Week 8 and Week 12 in liver fat content (LFC) Time: Baseline (Day 1), Week 8, Week 12Description: The effect of AZD2693 on changes in LFC using magnetic resonance imaging-based proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) compared to placebo will be assessed.
Measure: Percent change from baseline to Week 8 and Week 12 in liver fat content (LFC) Time: Baseline (Day 1), Week 8, Week 12Description: The effect of AZD2693 on circulating markers of hepatic health compared to placebo will be assessed.
Measure: Absolute change from baseline in Alanine Aminotransferase Time: Up to 36 weeks (From Screening to Final Visit)Description: The effect of AZD2693 on circulating markers of hepatic health compared to placebo will be assessed.
Measure: Percent change from baseline in Alanine Aminotransferase Time: Up to 36 weeks (From Screening to Final Visit)Description: The effect of AZD2693 on circulating markers of hepatic health compared to placebo will be assessed.
Measure: Absolute change from baseline in Aspartate Aminotransferase Time: Up to 36 weeks (From Screening to Final Visit)Description: The effect of AZD2693 on circulating markers of hepatic health compared to placebo will be assessed.
Measure: Percent change from baseline in Aspartate Aminotransferase Time: Up to 36 weeks (From Screening to Final Visit)Description: The effect of AZD2693 on circulating markers of hepatic health compared to placebo will be assessed.
Measure: Absolute change from baseline in Gamma Glutamyl Transferase Time: Up to 36 weeks (From Screening to Final Visit)Description: The effect of AZD2693 on circulating markers of hepatic health compared to placebo will be assessed.
Measure: Percent change from baseline in Gamma Glutamyl Transferase Time: Up to 36 weeks (From Screening to Final Visit)Description: The effect of AZD2693 on ELF score will be assessed.
Measure: Absolute change from baseline in Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) score Time: Up to 36 weeks (From Screening to Final Visit)Description: The effect of AZD2693 on ELF score will be assessed.
Measure: Percent change from baseline in ELF score Time: Up to 36 weeks (From Screening to Final Visit)Description: The effect of AZD2693 on cholesteryl ester 16:1/16:0 compared to placebo will be assessed.
Measure: Absolute change from baseline in plasma cholesteryl ester 16:1/16:0 ratio. Time: Days 1, 8, 29, 36, 50, 64, and 78Description: The effect of AZD2693 on cholesteryl ester 16:1/16:0 compared to placebo will be assessed.
Measure: Percent change from baseline in plasma cholesteryl ester 16:1/16:0 ratio. Time: Days 1, 8, 29, 36, 50, 64, and 78Description: The effect of AZD2693 on disease-specific biomarkers compared to placebo will be assessed.
Measure: Absolute change from baseline in disease-specific biomarkers Time: Days 1, 8, 29, 36, 50, 64, and 78Description: The effect of AZD2693 on disease-specific biomarkers compared to placebo will be assessed.
Measure: Percentage change from baseline in disease-specific biomarkers Time: Days 1, 8, 29, 36, 50, 64, and 78Description: To characterise effects of AZD2693 on lipid handling compared to placebo.
Measure: Absolute change from baseline β-Hydroxybutyrate and lipid profile Time: Days 1, 8, 29, 36, 50, 64, and 78Description: To characterise effects of AZD2693 on lipid handling compared to placebo
Measure: Percent change from baseline β-Hydroxybutyrate and lipid profile Time: Days 1, 8, 29, 36, 50, 64, and 78Description: Single dose PK parameters for AZD2693 and AZD2693 full-length antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) will be derived from plasma concentrations
Measure: Maximum observed plasma drug concentration (Cmax) Time: Day 1 to Day 162Description: Single dose PK parameters for AZD2693 and AZD2693 full-length ASOs will be derived from plasma concentrations
Measure: Time to reach maximum observed plasma concentration (tmax) Time: Day 1 to Day 162Description: Single and multiple dose PK parameters for AZD2693 and AZD2693 full-length ASOs will be derived from plasma concentrations
Measure: Terminal elimination rate constant, estimated by log-linear least-squares regression of the terminal part of the concentration-time curve (λz) Time: Day 1 to Day 162Description: Single and multiple dose PK parameters for AZD2693 and AZD2693 full-length ASOs will be derived from plasma concentrations
Measure: Apparent terminal elimination half-life associated with the terminal slope (λz) of the semi-logarithmic concentration-time curve, estimated as (ln2)/λz (t½λz) Time: Day 1 to Day 162Description: Single and multiple dose PK parameters for AZD2693 and AZD2693 full-length ASOs will be derived from plasma concentrations
Measure: Area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to 48 hours after dosing (AUC(0-48h)) Time: Day 1 to Day 162Description: Single and multiple dose PK parameters for AZD2693 and AZD2693 full-length antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) will be derived from plasma concentrations
Measure: Area under the plasma concentration-curve from time zero to the time of last quantifiable analyte concentration (AUClast) Time: Day 1 to Day 162Description: Single dose PK parameters for AZD2693 and AZD2693 full-length ASOs will be derived from plasma concentrations
Measure: Area under the concentration-time curve from time zero extrapolated to infinity. AUC is estimated by AUClast + Clast/λz where Clast is the last observed quantifiable concentration (AUC) Time: Day 1 to Day 162Description: Single dose PK parameters for AZD2693 and AZD2693 full-length ASOs will be derived from plasma concentrations
Measure: Apparent total body clearance of drug from plasma after extravascular administration calculated as Dose/AUC (CL/F) Time: Day 1 to Day 162Description: Single and multiple dose PK parameters for AZD2693 and AZD2693 full-length antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) will be derived from plasma concentrations
Measure: Mean residence time (MRT) Time: Day 1 to Day 162Description: Single and multiple dose PK parameters for AZD2693 and AZD2693 full-length ASOs will be derived from plasma concentrations
Measure: Time delay between drug administration and the first observed concentration in plasma (tlag) Time: Day 1 to Day 162Description: Single dose PK parameters for AZD2693 and AZD2693 full-length ASOs will be derived from plasma concentrations
Measure: Apparent volume of distribution for parent drug at terminal phase (extravascular administration), estimated by dividing the apparent clearance (CL/F) by λz (Vz/F) Time: Day 1 to Day 162Description: Single and multiple dose PK parameters for AZD2693 and AZD2693 full-length ASOs will be derived from plasma concentrations
Measure: Area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to time of last quantifiable analyte concentration divided by the dose administered (AUClast/D) Time: Day 1 to Day 162Description: Single dose PK parameters for AZD2693 and AZD2693 full-length ASOs will be derived from plasma concentrations
Measure: Area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero extrapolated to infinity divided by the dose administered (AUC/D) Time: Day 1 to Day 162Description: Single dose PK parameters for AZD2693 and AZD2693 full-length ASOs will be derived from plasma concentrations
Measure: Observed maximum plasma concentration divided by the dose administered (Cmax/D) Time: Day 1 to Day 162Description: Single and multiple dose PK parameters for AZD2693 and AZD2693 full-length ASOs will be derived from plasma concentrations
Measure: Time of the last quantifiable concentration (tlast) Time: Day 1 to Day 162Description: Multiple dose PK parameters for AZD2693 and AZD2693 full-length ASOs will be derived from plasma concentrations
Measure: Maximum observed plasma drug concentration at steady state (Cssmax) Time: Day 1 to Day 162Description: Multiple dose PK parameters for AZD2693 and AZD2693 full-length ASOs will be derived from plasma concentrations
Measure: Minimum observed drug concentration at steady state (Cssmin) Time: Day 1 to Day 162Description: Multiple dose PK parameters for AZD2693 and AZD2693 full-length ASOs will be derived from plasma concentrations
Measure: Time to reach maximum observed plasma concentration at steady state (tssmax) Time: Day 1 to Day 162Description: Multiple dose PK parameters for AZD2693 and AZD2693 full-length ASOs will be derived from plasma concentrations
Measure: Area under the concentration-time curve in the dose interval (AUCss) Time: Day 1 to Day 162Description: Multiple dose PK parameters for AZD2693 and AZD2693 full-length ASOs will be derived from plasma concentrations
Measure: Apparent total body clearance of drug from plasma after extravascular administration calculated as Dose/AUCss (CLss/F) Time: Day 1 to Day 162Description: Multiple dose PK parameters for AZD2693 and AZD2693 full-length ASOs will be derived from plasma concentrations
Measure: Area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero extrapolated to infinity divided by the dose administered (AUCss/D) Time: Day 1 to Day 162Description: Multiple dose PK parameters for AZD2693 and AZD2693 full-length ASOs will be derived from plasma concentrations
Measure: Observed maximum plasma concentration divided by the dose administered (Cssmax/D) Time: Day 1 to Day 162Description: Multiple dose PK parameters for AZD2693 and AZD2693 full-length ASOs will be derived from plasma concentrations
Measure: Accumulation ratio based on Cmax (RacCmax) Time: Day 1 to Day 162Description: Multiple dose PK parameters for AZD2693 and AZD2693 full-length ASOs will be derived from plasma concentrations
Measure: Accumulation ratio based on AUC (RacAUC) Time: Day 1 to Day 162Description: Multiple dose PK parameters for AZD2693 and AZD2693 full-length ASOs will be derived from plasma concentrations
Measure: Temporal change parameter in systemic exposure (TCP) Time: Day 1 to Day 162Description: Urine PK parameters for AZD2693 full-length ASOs will be derived from the urine data
Measure: Amount of analyte excreted into the urine from time t1 to t2 (Ae(t1-t2)) Time: Day 1 and Day 57: Pre-dose and between 0-6 hours, 6-12 hours, 12-24 hours, 24-36 hours and 36-48 hours post-doseDescription: Urine PK parameters for AZD2693 full-length ASOs will be derived from the urine data
Measure: Cumulative amount of analyte excreted from time zero through the last sampling interval (Ae(0-last)) Time: Day 1 and Day 57: Pre-dose and between 0-6 hours, 6-12 hours, 12-24 hours, 24-36 hours and 36-48 hours post-doseDescription: Urine PK parameters for AZD2693 full-length ASOs will be derived from the urine data
Measure: Fraction of dose excreted unchanged into the urine from time t1 to t2 (fe(t1-t2)) Time: Day 1 and Day 57: Pre-dose and between 0-6 hours, 6-12 hours, 12-24 hours, 24-36 hours and 36-48 hours post-doseDescription: Urine PK parameters for AZD2693 full-length ASOs will be derived from the urine data
Measure: Cumulative fraction (%) of dose excreted unchanged into the urine from time zero to the last measured time point (fe(0-last)) Time: Day 1 and Day 57: Pre-dose and between 0-6 hours, 6-12 hours, 12-24 hours, 24-36 hours and 36-48 hours post-doseDescription: Urine PK parameters for AZD2693 full-length ASOs will be derived from the urine data
Measure: Renal clearance of drug from plasma, estimated by dividing Ae(0-t) by AUC(0-t) where the 0-t interval is the same for both Ae and AUC (CLR) Time: Day 1 and Day 57: Pre-dose and between 0-6 hours, 6-12 hours, 12-24 hours, 24-36 hours and 36-48 hours post-dosePatatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein-3 (PNPLA3), the transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 protein (TM6SF2) and membrane bound O-acyltransferase domain containing 7 (MBOAT7) genes are involved in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) development and worsening. Following the actual scientific knowledge, some studies have identified the genetic background surrounding NAFLD, counting up to forty different genetic variants that seem to exert also a crucial role in the disease evolution, according to the natural history, until hepatocellular carcinoma onset. However, few data exist regarding their influence on the treatment response. The aim was to explore the effect of 303 mg of silybin-phospholipids complex, 10 mg of vitamin-D and 15 mg of vitamin-E twice a day for six months in NAFLD patients carrying PNPLA3-rs738409, TM6SF2-rs58542926 and MBOAT7-rs641738 genetic variants. The assessed mutations are independently associated with no response to a silybin/vitamin D-based therapy and could be useful therapeutic predictive markers in this context.
One hundred two patients with histological diagnosis of NAFLD followed by the Hepatogastroenterology Division of the University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli, between January and October 2017 were screened, after signing an informed consent, for the PNPLA3 rs738409, TM6SF2 rs58542926 and MBOAT7 rs641738 genetic variants and thirty-two met the inclusion criteria for the study and showed at least one among PNPLA3 I148I/M, I148M/M, TM6SF2 167E/K, 167K/K and MBOAT7 TMC4C/T or TMC4T/T genetic variants, were enrolled together with sixty patients without the mutations. --- I148M ---
Description: The HOMA-IR was calculated using the following formula: fasting insulin (μU/mL) × plasma glucose (mmol/L)/22.5. The investigators considered the patients responder if at least one of the following criteria was addressed: normalization of the HOMA-IR (<2.5) at the end of treatment starting from baseline values greater than 2.5; reduction of the HOMA-IR ≥ 2 points at the end of treatment in comparison to baseline.
Measure: Number of participants in each study group which shown an improvement from baseline of insulin resistance assed by HOMA-IR Time: Six monthsDescription: The ALT levels were assessed using a colorimetric commercially available kits and expressed as IU/L. The investigators also considered the parameter improved from the baseline in case of normalization (<45 IU/L).
Measure: Mean change in ALT levels from baseline Time: Six monthsDescription: The insulin levels were measured enzymatically using commercially available kits and expressed as micro-IU/ml. The investigators also considered the parameter improved from the baseline in case of normalization (<24 micro-IU/ml).
Measure: Mean change in insulin levels from baseline Time: Six monthsDescription: The CRP levels were measured enzymatically using commercially available kits and expressed as mg/dl. The investigators also considered the parameter improved from the baseline in case of CRP normalization (<0.6 mg/dL) or reduction of at least 1 mg/dL.
Measure: Mean change in CRP levels from baseline Time: Six monthsDescription: TBARS assay was performed using 10 μl of serum. The cromogen TBARS was quantified using a spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 532nm with 1,1,3,3-tetramethoxyprophane as a standard. The amount of TBARS was expressed as nmol/μg of protein. The investigators also considered the parameter improved from the baseline in case of TBARS reduction of at least 10 nmol/μg
Measure: Mean change in TBARS levels from baseline Time: Six monthsPNPLA3 rs738409 (I148M) variant is associated with hepatic liver accumulation and chronic liver diseases including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. It has been shown that obesity augments genetic risk but studies investigating the interaction of PNPLA3 rs738409 risk variant and diet are scarce. The aim is to investigate the effect of dietary fat quality modification in participants with different variants of the PNPLA3 gene (rs738409). The primary outcome is the change in liver fat measured by magnetic resonance imaging in the randomized controlled 12-week dietary intervention trial.
Liver, Diet and Genetic Background PNPLA3 rs738409 (I148M) variant is associated with hepatic liver accumulation and chronic liver diseases including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. --- I148M ---
PNPLA3 rs738409 (I148M) variant is associated with hepatic liver accumulation and chronic liver diseases including NAFLD. --- I148M ---
Description: The primary outcome is the change in liver fat measured by magnetic resonance imaging
Measure: Liver fat Time: 12 weeksDescription: The hepatic condition will be monitored by ultrasound
Measure: Hepatic condition monitored by ultrasound Time: 12 weeksDescription: The hepatic condition will be monitored by elastography
Measure: Hepatic condition monitored by elastography Time: 12 weeksDescription: The hepatic condition will be monitored by calculating and comparing Fibrosis-4 index, NAFLD Fibrosis Score, hepatic steatosis index, the fatty liver index and NAFLD liver fat score.
Measure: Hepatic condition monitored by calculated indexes Time: 12 weeksDescription: Changes in glucose metabolism (oral glucose tolerance test, 0, 30 min and 2 h samples)
Measure: Glucose metabolism Time: 12 weeksDescription: Concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides
Measure: Serum lipid profile Time: 12 weeksDescription: Serum circulating concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein
Measure: Inflammatory markers Time: 12 weeksDescription: Mass spectrometry based metabolomics analysis
Measure: Plasma metabolomic profile Time: 12 weeksDescription: Mass spectrometry based lipidomics analysis
Measure: Plasma lipidomic profile Time: 12 weeksDescription: The DNA/RNA of gut microbiota will be extracted and collected for high throughput metagenomics and metatranscriptomics to observe changes in type and composition of gut microbiota.
Measure: Gut microbiota Time: 12 weeksDescription: Fatty acid composition of plasma phospholipids, cholesteryl esters and triglycerides
Measure: Fatty acid composition of plasma lipid fractions Time: 12 weeks