Effect of high protein diet on hepatic steatosis, inflammation and mitochondrial bioenergetics in patients with MAFLD : A randomized controlled trial

NAFLD 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 NAFLD. Objectives: Aims to see the effect of HPD on hepatic steatosis, cellular and systemic bioenergetics, along with metabolic parameters in patients with NAFLD. 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 NAFLD.