Investigating how genetic factors influence fatty liver in obese children
The Influence of Autophagy on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
This study is trying to see if certain genes affect whether obese kids and teens develop fatty liver disease or not.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 800 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Far Eastern Memorial Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New Taipei City) |
| Trial ID | NCT01988441 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to explore the relationship between autophagy-related genetic polymorphisms and the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in obese children and adolescents. Researchers will compare the genetic profiles of participants with and without NAFLD, collecting data on various health metrics such as BMI, liver function tests, and conducting liver ultrasonography. The study will involve extracting genomic DNA from blood samples to perform genotyping for specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with autophagy. By understanding these genetic influences, the study seeks to clarify why some obese individuals develop NAFLD while others do not.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are obese children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years with a BMI greater than the 95th percentile.
Not a fit: Patients with chronic liver diseases or major systemic diseases, as well as those who consume alcohol, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better understanding and potential interventions for preventing NAFLD in at-risk obese children.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific genetic focus on autophagy in this context may be novel, previous studies have indicated a significant role of genetic factors in the development of NAFLD.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: * Age 6-18 years old * Obesity definition: BMI \> 95% according to the age- and gender-specific standard by National Health Institute in Taiwan * Willing to give written informed consent Exclusion criteria: * Alcohol consumption * Chronic liver diseases, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, Wilson disease and autoimmune hepatitis * Major systemic diseases, including cardiopulmonary disease, renal failure, cancer, and psychotic disorder
Where this trial is running
New Taipei City
- Far Eastern Memorial Hospital — New Taipei City, Taiwan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Yu-Cheng Lin, M.D., Ph.D. — Far Eastern Memorial Hospital
- Study coordinator: Yu-Cheng Lin, M.D., Ph.D.
- Email: q92421006@ntu.edu.tw
- Phone: +886-89667000
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.