Early identification of alcoholic liver disease
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Early identification of alcoholic liver disease
IRAS ID
135979
Contact name
Vinood B. Patel
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Westminster
Research summary
Early diagnosis of alcoholic liver disease is difficult and often late. There is no method for identifying the most at risk and the least aware – binge/chronic drinkers (6 million in the UK), nor a simple test to accurately state the level of liver injury due to alcohol consumption and motivate essential changes in consumption. Biopsies (invasive) or fibroscan (expensive limited availability) are the only methods. Other methods trace the presence of alcohol in the blood, or metabolites but do not indicate damage to the liver, whereas liver function tests can only diagnose 50% of alcohol abusers. Current predictions of liver damage in an individual are unreliable being based on self-reported consumption measured against general guidelines.
We have shown that modified proteins, which are a known by-product of liver damage through alcohol consumption are found in the blood, but not in those who do no consume alcohol. However, their incidence in the blood and urine has not been usefully calibrated to actual liver damage. Matching these proteins in blood and urine with liver fibroscan results will establish a method enabling widespread use of an alternative, cheaper and reliable test. This test will state the level of liver injury sustained by an individual enabling improved diagnosis and earlier treatment of alcoholic liver disease.
Participants that are admitted to the Salvation Army’s alcohol rehabilitation centre at Greig House Addiction Services for a period of 1-2 weeks will be approached to participate in this study. The clients of the Salvation Army have been referred to this centre by the local borough council DAAT (drug and alcohol action team) service or via self-referral. The study will involve blood and urine collection and a liver fibroscan of 100 participants. In addition, blood will be analysed for genetic markers of alcohol dependence.
REC name
London - Riverside Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/1443
Date of REC Opinion
18 Nov 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion