Clinical Research Directory

Taiwan Green Propolis for Blood Lipids and Body Fat in Patients With MASLD

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a common chronic liver condition linked to excess body fat, high blood lipids, and other metabolic problems. Taiwan green propolis is a natural health product collected by bees from plants, which has shown potential benefits for blood lipids and body fat in laboratory and animal studies. However, its effects in people with MASLD have not been well established in clinical trials. This study is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial enrolling up to 60 adults with MASLD at Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital in Taiwan. Eligible participants are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either Taiwan green propolis capsules or matching placebo capsules for 12 weeks. Participants take 2 capsules before breakfast and 2 capsules before dinner each day (4 capsules per day total). Neither participants nor the research team know which capsules are being taken until the study ends. The study measures changes in blood lipids (triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and HDL-C), body fat percentage, body weight, waist circumference, liver enzymes, blood sugar levels, inflammatory markers, and health-related quality of life. Liver fat and scarring are assessed by abdominal ultrasound before and after the intervention. Gut microbiota samples are also collected. Assessments are conducted at baseline, at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks (end of intervention), and at follow-up visits 2 weeks and 12 weeks after the intervention ends. The goal of this study is to provide scientific evidence on whether Taiwan green propolis can safely and effectively improve blood lipids, body fat, and metabolic health in people with MASLD, and to explore the relationship between physiological improvements and health behavior changes.

A Study to Estimate Secukinumab Retention Rate in Psoriasis Patients With MASLD

This study aims to examine the retention rate of secukinumab in adult patients with plaque psoriasis (with or without psoriatic arthritis \[PsA\]) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in routine clinical practice in Spain, as well as hepatic biomarker trajectories. The study will use electronic medical record (EMR) data from multiple Spanish hospitals.

A Study to Evaluate ALN-CIDEB in Adult Participants With Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease or With Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASLD/MASH)

This study is researching an experimental drug called ALN-CIDEB, also referred to as "study drug". The study is focused on participants with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) (Part A) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) (Part B). MASLD and MASH are long-lasting liver conditions caused by having too much fat in the liver. The aim of the study is to see how safe and tolerable the study drug is. The study is looking at several other research questions, including: * What side effects may happen from taking the study drug * How the study drug works to change liver fat content * How much study drug and study drug metabolites (byproducts of the body breaking down the study drug) are in the blood at different times

A Master Protocol of Multiple Agents in Adults With Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (SYNERGY-Outcomes)

The main purpose of the SYNERGY-OUTCOMES study is to find out whether retatrutide and tirzepatide can prevent major adverse liver outcomes (MALO) in people with high-risk metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The study will enroll adults who have MASLD based on non-invasive tests (NITs), which indicate they are more likely to develop MALO. Participants will be randomly assigned within a Master Protocol to receive either retatrutide (N1T-MC-RT01), tirzepatide (N1T-MC-TZ01) or placebo. The trial plans to enroll about 4,500 adults and will run for approximately 224 weeks. Participants may have up to approximately 25 to 30 clinic visits throughout the study to monitor their health, complete study procedures, and assess liver function and disease progression. Once the study is complete, eligible participants may participate in an optional 2-year extension study, in which all participants will receive either retatrutide or tirzepatide, even if they received placebo in the main study.

Effect of Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty in Patients With Obesity and MASH: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common chronic liver disease globally. While weight loss through lifestyle modification is the standard treatment, most patients regain weight limiting ultimate improvement in liver disease. On the other end of the spectrum, bariatric surgery has shown promise in the treatment of MASLD/metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) due to its efficacy in inducing weight loss. Nevertheless, its adoption has been hindered by the perceived invasiveness of surgery. Over the past decade, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) has gained recognition as a promising minimally-invasive approach to weight loss. The procedure involves utilizing a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-authorized endoscopic suturing device to reduce the gastric volume by 70%. Studies reveal that ESG is associated with approximately 18.2% weight loss at one year after the procedure, with sustained results for at least 10 years. Nevertheless, the effect of ESG on MASH remains unknown. In this study, the investigators will compare ESG + lifestyle modification versus lifestyle modification alone in treating histologic MASH. The study will randomize patients to one of two different treatment options: ESG + lifestyle modification or lifestyle modification alone.

Early GLP-1 Receptor Agonist and SGLT2 Inhibitor Add-On Strategies in Adults With Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome Stage 2-3, and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

This retrospective observational target-trial emulation uses electronic health record data from the TriNetX US Collaborative Network to compare early treatment intensification strategies in adults with obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome stage 2-3, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease who initiate a GLP-1 receptor agonist or an SGLT2 inhibitor as background therapy. Within each background-therapy cohort, patients who added the complementary class within 90 days of initiation were compared against patients who did not, with prespecified comparisons against both the overall non-complementary cohort and the analytical subset who initiated usual-care add-on therapy (DPP-4 inhibitors, sulfonylureas, or insulin) within the same window. The primary outcome is all-cause mortality over 60 months, with major adverse cardiovascular, kidney, and liver outcomes also evaluated. Propensity-score matching is used to reduce bias from nonrandom treatment selection.

Effects of iGlarLixi Versus iGlar on Liver Fat Content in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Combined With Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease

This is a single-center, randomized, open-label, controlled clinical trial to compare the effects of a fixed-ratio combination of insulin glargine 100 U/mL plus lixisenatide (iGlarLixi) versus insulin glargine 100 U/mL (iGlar) on liver fat content in patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). The study includes a 12-week treatment period.

Automated Passive Case-Finding for Advanced Liver Fibrosis in MASLD: The LiverSeek Programme

LiverSeek is a fully automated, passive case-finding programme for advanced liver fibrosis associated with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in primary care. The programme operates through the Laboratory Information System (LIS; Modulab/Biwer Analytics) of the Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory at Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón (HGUGM), covering approximately 350,000 inhabitants across 11 peri-urban primary care centres affiliated to SERMAS (Servicio Madrileño de Salud) in Madrid, Spain. When a high-risk patient (age 50-75 years with ≥1 of: ALT above ULN + HbA1c ≥6.5%; ALT above ULN + BMI \>30; BMI \>30 + HbA1c ≥6.5%) undergoes a routine blood test in primary care, the LIS automatically calculates FIB-4. If FIB-4 \>1.30, the system reflexively orders ELF and MASEF from the same serum sample, without any action required from the primary care clinician. Patients with a positive second-step NIT (ELF ≥9.8 or MASEF ≥0.33) receive an automatic alert directing them to the Hepatology Advanced Practice Nurse for VCTE (FibroScan) and clinical evaluation. The primary objective is to evaluate the prevalence of hepatic fibrosis in the high-risk population using this single-step automated strategy. Secondary objectives include head-to-head diagnostic comparison of FIB-4+ELF vs FIB-4+MASEF vs FIB-4+FAST for histologically-confirmed endpoints (significant fibrosis ≥F2, advanced fibrosis ≥F3, at-risk MASH), evaluation of the Liver Risk Score, and a health-economic analysis. A sub-study evaluates a nurse-led structured lifestyle intervention in NIT-positive patients.

Effects of Short-term Perioperative Daidzein Intervention on Liver Histopathology in Patients With MASLD

This clinical trial aims to learn whether daidzein can improve liver tissue changes in adults with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, also called MASLD. MASLD is a liver condition linked to extra fat in the liver and metabolic problems such as obesity, diabetes, abnormal blood lipids, or high blood pressure. Daidzein is a natural compound found in soy. Earlier laboratory studies suggest that daidzein may help protect the liver. This study will test whether taking daidzein for a short time before surgery can improve liver tissue findings in people with MASLD. The main questions this study aims to answer are: Does short-term daidzein treatment improve liver tissue injury in people with MASLD? Is daidzein safe and well tolerated before surgery? Are changes in blood or urine equol levels related to the effects of daidzein? Equol is a substance made by gut bacteria after some people take daidzein. Researchers will compare people who take daidzein before surgery with people who receive standard care without daidzein. Participants will: Be adults with MASLD who are scheduled for elective gallbladder surgery or another benign biliary surgery. Be randomly assigned to take daidzein or to receive standard care without daidzein. Take daidzein by mouth for 28 days before surgery if assigned to the daidzein group. Avoid soy foods during the study period. Provide blood and urine samples. Have a small liver tissue sample collected during surgery. Be followed for safety and recovery after surgery. The liver tissue sample will be used to check liver fat, inflammation, and liver cell injury. Researchers will also study markers related to liver injury, immune activity, and how the body responds to daidzein.

Improving Diagnostic Safety Through STeatosis Identification, Risk Stratification, and Referral in the ED

Hepatic steatosis is a common radiographic "incidental finding" that is overlooked and underreported to patients. The investigators developed a clinical decision support system using machine learning and natural language processing that will prompt reporting to patients and provide ED clinicians risk stratified follow-up care recommendations. Data on both the implementation and effectiveness of our intervention resulting from this trial will inform future use with a goal of ultimately improving diagnostic safety and outcomes for patients with hepatic steatosis.

Influence of Metabolic Syndrome on Endogenous Oxalate Synthesis

This study aims to determine the daily rate of endogenous synthesis of oxalate using fasted urine collection and a low-oxalate controlled diet in patients with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD).

Impact of Circadian Exercise on Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease in Postmenopausal Women

Type of Study: Clinical Trial Goal: The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate how performing exercise at different times of day (morning vs. evening) affects liver fat, cardiometabolic health, and gut microbiota in postmenopausal women. Participant Population/Health Conditions: The study will involve 63 sedentary postmenopausal women (aged 45-75) diagnosed with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Main Questions: The main questions this study aims to answer are: * Does morning exercise reduce hepatic fat more effectively than evening exercise? * How does time-of-day-specific exercise influence cardiometabolic markers? * Do changes in gut microbiota contribute to the metabolic effects of exercise timing? Participants Will: Be randomized into one of three groups: morning exercise, evening exercise, or a usual-care control group. Follow the assigned regimen for 12 weeks. The exercise groups will perform supervised aerobic and resistance training three times per week. Provide blood, stool, and imaging data before and after the intervention to determine the effects of the intervention. Comparison Group: Researchers will compare the effects of morning vs. evening exercise (and usual care) on hepatic fat reduction and cardiometabolic improvement, as well as changes in gut microbiota.

MPV as a Predictor for ACS in Patients With MASLD

The aim of this study is to evaluate mean platelet volume (MPV) as a predictor of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD to evaluate mean platelet volume (MPV) as a predictor of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in Sohag University Hospital.

Risk Factors and Prediction Model for Liver-Related Outcomes in Elderly Patients With Steatotic Liver Disease

This is a single-center, retrospective cohort study based on data from the Nanjing Elderly Steatotic Liver Disease Cohort. The study aims to investigate risk factors for liver-related adverse outcomes (including significant fibrosis, advanced fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver-related death) and extrahepatic outcomes (new-onset type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease) in elderly patients (aged ≥60 years) with steatotic liver disease. A total of approximately 10,000 participants will be included. Baseline and annual follow-up data on demographics, lifestyle, anthropometric measurements, laboratory tests, abdominal ultrasound, and medication use will be collected. Risk prediction models will be developed using machine learning algorithms. The study is observational and does not involve any intervention.

Samsung S-Viscosity vs Canon Dispersion Slope in Steatotic Liver Disease (SAVID-SLD)

Steatotic liver disease (SLD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide. Distinguishing simple steatosis from metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) with significant fibrosis is clinically important, but liver biopsy - the current standard - is invasive. Recent ultrasound technology allows noninvasive measurement of tissue viscoelasticity, which has been linked to liver inflammation. Samsung Medison's HERA W12 system (S-Viscosity) and Canon Aplio i800 (Dispersion Slope Imaging) both provide vendor-specific viscoelasticity parameters derived from shear-wave dispersion analysis, but their relationship and agreement have not been compared in SLD patients. This prospective single-center observational study will enroll approximately 95-100 participants in three cohorts: (A) 15-20 living-donor candidates as a healthy reference, (B+C) approximately 80 adults with sonographically suspected or confirmed SLD recruited consecutively. SLD participants will be classified post-hoc into low-MASH-risk (Cohort B) and at-risk MASH (Cohort C) subgroups using a multi-parametric stratification combining liver stiffness (LSM), DeepUSFF (deep-learning-based ultrasound fat fraction), and serum AST. All participants will undergo same-day ultrasound examination with both Samsung HERA W12 and Canon Aplio i800. The primary objective is to evaluate the correlation and agreement between Samsung S-Viscosity and Canon Dispersion Slope. Secondary objectives include deriving a normal reference range from the healthy cohort, comparing viscoelasticity parameters across cohorts, and exploring a Modified US-FAST score.

Assessment of Non-Invasive Testing in Major Liver-Related Outcomes

This is a general clinical research protocol to study the clinical evaluation, investigation and long-term follow up of patients who have Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) and MetALD (MASLD and increased alcohol intake), and to assess the usefulness and accuracy of non-invasive testing such as MRI and Fibroscan in tracking the progression of disease. The protocol is designed to follow the natural history, pathogenesis, interventions, treatment response, comorbidities, major liver related outcomes, and major cardiac events in patients with MASLD and MetALD, especially those with significant and advanced fibrosis. Data will be collected to help further the understanding of non-invasive testing with the hopes of lessening the need for liver biopsies in phase 3 clinical trials of MASLD and in clinical practice. Additionally, the study will aim to define the natural history of MetALD, an area that is poorly understood.

A Large Language Model-based Chatbot for Alcohol Reduction in Patients With Metabolic Alcohol-Related Liver Disease

The goal of this pilot randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the trial feasibility and acceptability of LLM-based chatbot for reducing alcohol use among patients with metabolic alcohol-related liver disease. Specific objectives include: 1. To assess how many MetALD patients accept the invitation to participate in the trial 2. To assess the retention rate of the participants through 3 and 6 months after treatment initiation 3. To assess the acceptability of the LLM-based chatbot in terms of participants' compliance and usability rating 4. To estimate the intervention effect on alcohol reduction 5. To explore the participants' perception and experiences in the chatbot

Developing Microbial Therapy for MASLD: From Mechanism to Clinical Validation

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), redefined in 2020, is an improved diagnostic standard evolved from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), emphasizing the correlation between hepatic steatosis and metabolic dysfunction. Compared to NAFLD, which relies on exclusion-based diagnosis, MASLD criteria enhance population homogeneity in studies and accommodate patients with coexisting liver diseases, thereby improving the efficiency and relevance of drug development. MASLD affects approximately one-quarter of the global population. If left untreated, it may progress to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma. Given its high clinical burden and the current lack of FDA-approved therapies, effective treatments for MASLD are urgently needed. Previous studies suggest that diet and gut microbiota play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of MASLD. Dietary composition influences microbial balance and intestinal barrier function. In dysbiosis, gut-derived harmful substances such as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and microbiota-derived metabolites (MDMs) may translocate via a leaky gut to the liver through the portal vein, contributing to hepatic injury. These processes, often described as the gut-liver axis, remain incompletely understood. Animal studies have shown that dietary components regulating gut microbiota may help alleviate MASLD. While clinical evidence remains limited, incorporating microbiota-modulating and immune-regulating food ingredients holds potential. Next-generation probiotics have demonstrated benefits in improving hepatic lipid metabolism and modulating gut microbiota, potentially slowing MASLD progression through gut-liver axis modulation. Our previous research investigated a pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila strain, NTUH\_Amuc03 (pAKK\_LWHK0003), which attenuated fatty liver progression in preclinical models. In mice subjected to a high-fat, high-fructose, high-cholesterol diet, pAKK\_LWHK0003 administration resulted in reduced body weight, improved dyslipidemia, lowered NAFLD activity scores, and improved HOMA-IR. These findings support the potential of pAKK\_LWHK0003 in slowing MASLD progression. This study aims to evaluate further the clinical efficacy and safety of pAKK\_LWHK0003 in individuals with MASLD.

Effect on Body Weight Reduction of a Behavioral Intervention on Lifestyle Using a Digital Nutritional Program in People Living With HIV and Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is now the leading cause of chronic liver disease in people living with HIV (PLWH). Currently, there are no approved medications to treat this condition. That's why weight loss through healthy lifestyle changes is the most important way to manage it. This study will test if a digital nutritional program (DNP), using a mobile phone app, can help improve weight loss better than the usual advice on healthy eating and exercise. The study includes people living with HIV, aged 18 and older, with fatty liver (detected by ultrasound or other scans), and on stable HIV treatment. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: * Intervention group: Will receive personalized lifestyle support through a mobile app (DNP). * Control group: Will receive general advice on healthy habits. The study will last 12 months, with follow-up visits during and after the program. What Will Be Measured: * Weight, waist size, blood pressure, and body fat. * Blood tests to check cholesterol, sugar levels, liver enzymes, and other markers. * Liver scans to assess fat and stiffness. * Questionnaires on eating habits, exercise, and satisfaction with the program. Goals of the Study: Main goal: To see how many people lose at least 5% of their body weight after 6 months. Other goals: To see the effects on weight after 12 months, and 6 months after stopping the program, and to monitor improvements in liver health. Why This Matters: This study aims to find new ways to help people with HIV improve their liver health and overall well-being through simple, practical tools like a mobile app.

The Establishment of Hong Kong Diabetes Steatotic Liver Disease Register

Liver is an important organ in maintaining energy homeostasis. Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is the most common chronic liver disease locally and globally. MASLD and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are closely related with alarmingly high prevalence of MASLD in people with T2DM, along with the escalated risk of adverse clinical outcomes. Our group has reported that around 70% of people with T2DM have increased controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) suggestive of hepatic steatosis and one out of six had advanced liver fibrosis as evidenced by increased liver stiffness measurements (LSM). Despite its prevalence, close relationships and potential consequences, the mechanisms underlying the complex interconnections between MASLD and T2DM are not fully understood. MASLD is associated with a twofold higher risk of developing T2DM, independent of obesity and other common metabolic risk factors. This risk increases with the severity of MASLD, such that patients with more advanced stages of liver fibrosis are at a higher risk of developing T2DM. Moreover, the progression from hepatic steatosis to fibrosis is an important, yet not fully understood, step towards cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease. Identification of clinical predictors and biomarkers to select individuals with MAFLD for close monitoring is pivotal to prevent the sinister outcomes. To date, longitudinal cohorts with paired biobank focused on people with diabetes and comorbid MASLD for investigating the clinical courses and biomarkers for prediction of outcomes are lacking. We hypothesized that Hong Kong Chinese T2DM with comorbid steatotic liver disease have unique clinical courses and special biomarkers for predicting the progression to advanced liver fibrosis. The aims of this study are: 1) establish a prospective cohort of people with T2DM and comorbid steatotic liver disease accompanied with the setting up of a biobank; 2) elucidate the clinical courses and outcomes of Hong Kong Chinese T2DM with comorbid steatotic liver disease; 3) identify potential diagnostic markers of advanced liver fibrosis in people with T2DM and comorbid steatotic liver disease in Hong Kong. The primary outcome measure will be all-cause mortality and secondary outcome measure will be fatal and non-fatal CVD, heart failure, hospitalizations, NT-proBNP levels, and novel diagnostic markers of MASH in people with T2DM comorbid with MASLD.

Using Digital Twin Technology and Clinical Decision Support Systems to Improve the Early Detection, Personalised Treatment, and Long-term Monitoring of Patients Across the Full Spectrum of Metabolic-associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD).

The goal of this observational study is to create a detailed virtual model to better understand how Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) develops. This model will also help predict heart problem at different stage of the disease.

Effect of a GnRH Analog on Hepatic Steatosis

Menopause increases the risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), possibly owing to the abrupt lack of estrogen. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) treatment in endometriosis is regarded as a model of pharmaceutical menopause. Thus, the effect of goserelin acetate, a GnRH analog that results in transient menopause, on hepatic steatosis and fibrosis will be evaluated in this study.

Efficacy and Safety of Rifaximin-α in Treating MASLD

Study Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Rifaximin-α in the treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), and investigate the underlying mechanisms by which Rifaximin-α influences MASLD progression. Target Population: Patients diagnosed with MASLD. Intervention: This trial is a multicenter, prospective, randomized, controlled study. Enrolled MASLD patients who meet the inclusion criteria, do not meet any exclusion criteria, and provide written informed consent will be randomized in a 2:1 ratio to the Rifaximin-α treatment group (40 cases) or the control group (20 cases). All patients are advised to maintain daily physical activity and follow a recommended dietary plan (e.g., Mediterranean diet). The Rifaximin-α treatment group will receive oral Rifaximin-α at a dose of 1200 mg per day for 24 weeks. Both groups of patients will enter a 24-week follow-up period after completing the 24-week treatment. During the study, patients' existing foundational treatments (such as liver-protecting, lipid-lowering, glucose-lowering, and antihypertensive therapies) will be maintained. Relevant indicators will be closely monitored. And avoid the use of medications known to alter the gut microbiota, such as lactulose, antibiotics, and various types of intestinal microecological preparations. Investigational Drug: Rifaximin-α (Alfa Wassermann S.p.A., Italy).

Ultrasound Liver Imaging for Classification of Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease

Tissue elasticity and viscosity correlate with pathology. These tissue properties are typically evaluated subjectively using palpation. The purpose of "elastography" is to provide an objective elasticity image that is equivalent to the remote palpation of tissue. The investigators have developed elastography imaging systems based on ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging and have applied them previously to prostate imaging, breast imaging in patients and liver imaging in healthy volunteers. A first objective of this study is to compare the investigators' ultrasound shear wave absolute vibro-elastography (S-WAVE) technology with the existing clinical standard, FibroScan, and magnetic resonance elastography to quantify liver stiffness in healthy volunteers and in patients suspected of fatty liver disease. A second objective of this study is to compare ultrasound-based liver tissue fat measurement with MRI-based measurements. A third objective of this study is to determine whether ultrasound can be used to assess liver inflammation.