Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

The NIHR Oxford BRC together with the Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism at the Radcliff Department of Medicine of the University of Oxford is conducting research on the role of steroid hormones and their metabolism in the development, assessment and treatment of metabolic diseases including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

In this framework, a translational research experiment in the metabolic endocrinology field will be carried out via a citizen science approach. The main objective of the Citizen Science Initiative is developing a better understanding of the diurnal variation of hepatic lipid metabolism in overweight patients in different types of conditions, before and after a lifestyle intervention comprising a weight loss program as well.

This research is particularly relevant in Oxfordshire, England, where more than half of adults are either overweight or obese.

Data collected in this field will be integrated with other qualitative information related to daily life, wellbeing and lifestyles of the participants. This will allow comparing the bio-medical measurements with patient daily experiences and with other forms of socio-cultural stress they are exposed to. STEP CHANGE will contribute to develop new screening tools and novel interventions with the ultimate aim of improving patient care.