Investigating Myosteatosis in Steatotic Liver Diseases

Steatotic liver diseases (SLD) are the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide. SLD are defined by an excessive liver lipid content (steatosis) of more than 5% of the total liver weight and includes 3 clinical entities : metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) and a mixed entity combining the two settings referred as MetALD. SLD are associated to extra-hepatic complications such as cardiovascular diseases, insulin resistance or muscle changes. Among the latter, myosteatosis, defined by an excessive muscle fat content, has been reported as a muscle change in MASLD occuring even in non-cirrhotic stages. Investigators will explore these muscle changes in SLD patients according to the severity of the underneath liver disease.

This project investigates the correlation between liver and muscle phenotypes assessed in a cohort of all 3 SLD subgroups (MASLD, ALD and MetALD). If a severe form of SLD is suspected based on a severely increased liver elasticity, assessed by transient elastography, participants undergo a liver biopsy, liver and muscle magnetic resonance imaging. Eating habits and physical activity level are recorded using the 24 hour-recall and international physical activity questionnaire. Psychological disorders are also screened using dedicated questionnaires.