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

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to examine whether a low carbohydrate diet decreases hepatic lipid content and changes hepatic mitochondrial flux in humans.

Detailed Description
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In this study, the investigators will examine whether a low carbohydrate diet will change hepatic lipid content and mitochondrial flux in humans. Before and after a low carbohydrate diet 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.

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

Conditions
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Fatty Liver

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Low Carbohydrate Diet


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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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

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 70 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Low Carbohydrate Diet<br>Low Carbohydrate Diet | Behavioral: Low Carbohydrate Diet<br>* Ketogenic dietary intervention<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in hepatic triglyceride content | Change in hepatic triglyceride content will be measured using 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). | 1 week | 
| Change in hepatic mitochondrial flux | Change in the rate of hepatic mitochondrial flux (Vcs) will be assessed using 3-13C-lactate infusion. | 1 week | 
| Change in beta-hydroxybutyrate production rate | Change in the rate of beta-hydroxybutyrate production will be assessed using [13C4]β-hydroxybutyrate infusion. | 1 week | 
| Change in glucose production rate | Change in the rate of glucose production will be assessed using [2H7]glucose infusion. | 1 week |