The Effects of Low Carbohydrate Diet on Liver Fat Content and Mitochondrial Fluxes

Helsinki University Central Hospital (HUCH)

Status: Active, not recruiting

Conditions: Fatty Liver

Treatments: Behavioral: Simple Calorie Restriction Diet; Behavioral: Low Carbohydrate Diet

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT03737071

HUS21372018

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of this study is to examine whether a low carbohydrate diet as compared to simple calorie restriction decreases hepatic lipid content and changes hepatic mitochondrial flux in humans.

Full description

In this study, the investigators will examine whether a low carbohydrate diet as compared to simple calorie restriction will change hepatic lipid content and mitochondrial flux in humans. Before and after a low carbohydrate diet and a simple calorie restriction intervention, rates of hepatic mitochondrial flux will be assessed using positional isotopomer analysis of 3-13C-lactate during a 3 hour basal period. Rates of whole body ketogenesis will be determined using [13C4]β-hydroxybutyrate, and whole body glucose metabolism will be measured using [2H7]glucose. Body composition will be determined with bioelectrical impedance; hepatic lipid content will be measured with MRS. Whole-body oxidation of lipids, carbohydrates and protein will be determined using indirect calorimetry.

Enrollment: 10 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 70 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Age 18-70
• Subjects must be able to communicate meaningfully with the investigator and must be legally competent to provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• chronic liver disease other than NAFLD
• chronic disease associated with hepatic steatosis such as diabetes mellitus
• use of drugs known to affect hepatic steatosis
• contraindications for MRI
• pregnancy or nursing at the time of the study

Trial design

Primary purpose: Basic Science

Allocation: Non-Randomized

Interventional model: Crossover Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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10 participants in 2 patient groups

Low Carbohydrate Diet

Experimental group

Description:

Low Carbohydrate Diet

Treatment:

Behavioral: Low Carbohydrate Diet

Simple Calorie Restriction Diet

Active Comparator group

Description:

Simple Calorie Restriction Diet

Treatment:

Behavioral: Simple Calorie Restriction Diet