Scientific Rationale:
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a growing public health concern linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidaemia. Antipsychotic medications, particularly second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs), are associated with adverse metabolic effects that may contribute to MASLD pathogenesis. However, the relationship between antipsychotic use and MASLD remains understudied at the population level, particularly using objective biomarkers and imaging data. This project aims to explore this association using the extensive clinical, biochemical, and imaging resources of the UK Biobank.
Research Questions:
Is there an association between antipsychotic use and MASLD in the UK Biobank cohort?
Objectives:
To estimate the prevalence of MASLD among antipsychotic users and non-users.
To evaluate associations between antipsychotic use (type, dose, duration) and MASLD.
To explore potential effect modifiers (e.g., sex, metabolic status).
To assess mediating roles of liver enzymes, insulin resistance, and lipid profiles.
This study will leverage clinical, prescription, biochemical, and MRI data from UK Biobank to inform risk stratification and clinical guidelines for individuals under antipsychotic treatment. Findings may have implications for both hepatology and mental health care.