More than 90 million adults in the United States have steatotic liver disease (SLD). Metabolic-dysfunction associated steatohepatitis (MASH) occurs in about 5% of patients with MASLD with a projected prevalence of 23 million people by 2050. One key determinant of adverse outcomes in patients with SLD-at least in those with advanced fibrosis-is muscle health. Muscle health is a term that encompasses three muscle-related factors: 1) muscle mass (sarcopenia), 2) muscle function (frailty), and 3) muscle quality (myosteatosis). Patients with SLD and advanced fibrosis have high rates of poor muscle health. But despite the high prevalence of and well-established relationship between poor muscle health and poor outcomes in patients with SLD and advanced fibrosis, little is known of the predictors of poor muscle health in liver disease. In this proposal, we hope to comprehensively assess the relationship between muscle health and liver disease through analysis of genome data and lifestyle activities.
Aim 1. Assess association between genetic marker of muscle health, APOE4, and risk of liver disease and poor muscle health. We hypothesize that liver disease and poor muscle health will be associated with APOE4 marker.
Aim 2. Assess association between lifestyle activities (nutrition, physical activity) and risk of liver disease and poor muscle health. We hypothesize that poor muscle health in liver disease will be associated with decreased physical activity and worse nutrition.
Aim 3. Assess association between mental health (socialization, mental well-being, cognition) and risk of liver disease and poor muscle health. We hypothesize that poor muscle health in liver disease will be associated with reduced socialization and worse cognition and mental health.