1. Scientific Rationale
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), particularly in its fibrotic form, has been increasingly linked to cardiovascular disease. Emerging evidence suggests that hepatic fibrosis may be an independent driver of subclinical cardiac remodeling, even in the absence of overt heart failure. While liver steatosis has been associated with metabolic dysfunction, it remains unclear whether liver fibrosis directly contributes to changes in cardiac structure. This study leverages UK Biobank’s unique imaging and biomarker data to explore this relationship at a population level.
2. Aims and Objectives
Primary Objective:!- To determine whether liver fibrosis, assessed using non-invasive scores and MRI-based liver fat quantification, is associated with subclinical cardiac remodeling.!
Secondary Objectives:!- To assess whether adiposity and fat distribution mediate this association.!- To develop a composite cardiometabolic phenotype based on liver and cardiac MRI markers.
3. Study Design
This is a cross-sectional study using data from the UK Biobank imaging sub-cohort. We will analyze participants who have undergone both abdominal MRI and cardiac MRI, and for whom relevant biochemical markers are available.
4. Expected Impact
This study will clarify whether liver fibrosis independently predicts subclinical cardiac remodeling. Findings may influence screening strategies for NAFLD patients and broaden our understanding of liver-heart crosstalk in metabolic disease.
