The Effect of Mobile Lifestyle Intervention Combined with High-Protein Meal Replacement on Liver Function in Patients with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Hwa Jung Kim, Eunbyul Cho, Siye Gil, Ju Young Kim, Yumi Go, Sunwoo Kim, Soonkyu Kim, Yu Jung Lee, Haesol Lee, Sung Kwon Yoon, Keonho Chu

Journal: Nutrients 2024;16(14):

PMID: 39064697

Plain Language Summary

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Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) is a growing global health concern related to poor diet, obesity, and lack of physical activity. Liver function can be improved by lifestyle interventions, especially those supporting weight loss and metabolic balance. This study aimed to evaluate whether a mobile-based lifestyle programme combined with a high-protein meal replacement could improve liver function in patients with MASLD. This research was a pilot randomised controlled trial. Participants with MASLD were randomly assigned to: 1. a mobile intervention group that received lifestyle guidance via a mobile app along with a high-protein meal replacement, or 2. a control group receiving standard care. The results showed that participants who received the combined intervention experienced significant improvements in liver enzyme levels (ALT and GGT), which are key markers of liver function. However, there were no significant changes in body weight or waist circumference. The authors concluded a combination of app-based lifestyle coaching and high-protein meal replacement may help improve liver health in MASLD patients, even without significant weight loss.These findings are clinically relevant for healthcare practitioners because they support the use of integrated digital tools and targeted nutrition (high-protein diets) to help patients manage liver conditions.

Abstract

While many studies have explored dietary substitutes and mobile apps separately, a combined approach to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has not been investigated. This study evaluated short-term mobile interventions coupled with partial meal replacement in patients with MASLD. Sixty adults with MASLD and a body mass index ≥25 kg/m from a health examination center were randomized into an intervention group using a mobile app with partial meal replacements or a control group receiving standard educational materials. Liver enzyme levels, lipid profiles, and anthropometric measurements were assessed at baseline and after 4 weeks. Twenty-five participants in the intervention group and 24 in the control group completed the trial. Significant reductions were observed in the intervention group for alanine aminotransferase (-28.32 versus [vs.] -10.67, = 0.006) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (-27.76 vs. 2.79, = 0.014). No significant changes in aspartate aminotransferase, body weight, or waist circumference were noted in the intervention group. Four weeks of mobile lifestyle intervention incorporating partial meal replacements improved liver enzyme profiles in patients with MASLD. This strategy demonstrated the potential for mitigating elevated liver enzyme levels without altering body weight or waist circumference. Comprehensive and longer-term research is needed to substantiate and elaborate these preliminary outcomes.

Address: Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si 13620, Republic of Korea.; Health Promotion Center, Seoul Bumin Hospital, Seoul 07590, Republic of Korea.; Bionutrion Corp., Seoul 06097, Republic of Korea.; Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea.
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