Resveratrol in Patients With Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Obesity is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and steatohepatitis (NASH) and recently, low-grade inflammation has been hypothesized to be the causative link. From animal studies, it is known that the compound resveratrol (RES) has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and perhaps the potential to neutralize obesity-induced diseases. RES is already widely used as a food supplement though the precise effects are unknown. This project focuses on the effect of RES on fatty liver disease. In a double-blind controlled clinical trial, the researchers investigate the effects of RES 500 mg or placebo treatment x 3 daily for 6 months on NAFLD/NASH in 48 obese patients in a double-blind, randomised, controlled clinical trial. The researchers hypothesize that RES improves the ALT levels and reduces liver fat and inflammation assessed by MR spectroscopy and histological evaluation.

Inclusion criteria

• ALT ≥70 U/L for men and ≥45 U/L for women
• steatosis of the liver, assessed by ultrasonography
• one of the following:

• waist circumference ≥102 cm for men and ≥88 for women
• hypertension: BP ≥130/80 mmHg
• raised triglycerides ≥1,7 mmol/L
• reduced HDL cholesterol ≤1.0 mmol/L
• BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²

Exclusion criteria

• weight > 130 kg
• comorbidity such as diabetes, cancer, metabolic or coagulation disorder, or significant liver-, heart- or kidney disease
• MRI contraindication
• treatment with glucocorticoids or methotrexate
• alcohol intake >20g/daily for men and >12 for women