HMB Supplement Trial Explores New Treatment for Chronic Liver Disease

Can a Muscle-Building Supplement Help Treat Liver Disease?

Cirrhosis, a serious liver condition characterized by scarring, affects over 60,000 people in the UK. This chronic disease, frequently enough stemming from excessive alcohol consumption or fatty liver disease, can significantly diminish a patient’s quality of life. Currently,treatment options are limited,mainly focusing on managing symptoms or resorting to liver transplantation in severe cases. Though, a groundbreaking study is offering a glimmer of hope: researchers are exploring the potential of HMB, a popular supplement known for enhancing muscle mass and function, as a novel treatment for cirrhosis.

“HMB has been identified as having the potential to fill that gap, with no suggestions at this time that there will be adverse side effects,” explains Dr. Ashwin Dhanda, Associate Professor in Hepatology at the University of Plymouth and Chief Investigator of the BOOST study. “This trial will hopefully enable us to test that fully and establish whether HMB can indeed deliver real benefits for people with cirrhosis and those around them.”

The BOOST study, a five-year project funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), is a collaborative effort between leading experts from the University of Plymouth, the University of Southampton, and Imperial College London.

The study will recruit 124 patients with cirrhosis from hospitals across England, carefully selecting locations with higher cirrhosis prevalence. Participants will undergo rigorous monitoring throughout the trial,with researchers closely measuring various factors to assess the effectiveness and safety of HMB as a treatment.

Can a Muscle-Building Supplement Help Treat Liver Disease?

Cirrhosis, a debilitating liver condition affecting over 60,000 people in the UK, often stems from alcohol abuse or fatty liver disease. It significantly diminishes a patient’s quality of life,leaving them with limited treatment options.

Conventional treatments primarily focus on managing symptoms or, in severe cases, resorting to liver transplantation. Now, a groundbreaking study is exploring the potential of HMB, a supplement commonly used for building muscle mass and strength, as a novel therapy for cirrhosis.

Dr. Ashwin Dhanda,an Associate Professor in Hepatology at the University of Plymouth and the Chief Investigator of the BOOST study,sheds light on this exciting research.

Dr. Dhanda, can you tell us more about this promising research involving HMB for cirrhosis?

“We believe HMB has the potential to revolutionize cirrhosis treatment,” Dr.Dhanda explains. “HMB appears promising as a new therapeutic option, with no signs of adverse effects at this stage. The BOOST trial will allow us to rigorously test this hypothesis and determine if HMB truly delivers tangible benefits to patients with cirrhosis and their loved ones.”

What are the goals of the BOOST study, and how will it work?

“The BOOST study is a five-year project funded by the National Institute for Health and Care research (NIHR). It’s a collaborative effort involving leading experts from the University of Plymouth, University of Southampton, and Imperial College London,” states Dr. Dhanda. “We plan to recruit 124 patients diagnosed with cirrhosis from hospitals across England,focusing on areas with high prevalence rates.

Participants will be closely monitored throughout the trial, and our researchers will meticulously evaluate changes in their liver function, muscle strength, overall quality of life, and mental well-being.”

Lesley Manning,a member of the BOOST project team and a liver transplant recipient,emphasizes the importance of patient outlook in this research.”Living with advanced cirrhosis is very debilitating,” she shares. “It makes you feel like you have no energy or strength, and there are no treatments out there to help manage your symptoms.”

Manning stresses, “I believe you need to look after yourself, and the BOOST trial is testing something simple and safe that may improve the quality of life of people with advanced cirrhosis.”

Manning’s firsthand experience ensures that the patient perspective remains central throughout the trial. The BOOST study represents a notable step forward in the fight against cirrhosis. Its findings hold the promise of offering a new, perhaps life-changing treatment option for those living with this debilitating condition.

A New Dawn for Cirrhosis Treatment: Hope on the Horizon

Cirrhosis, a debilitating liver disease, often leaves patients feeling drained and desperate for effective treatment options. Now, a groundbreaking new therapy developed by Professor Stuart Forbes of the University of Edinburgh, supported by Edinburgh Innovations, offers a glimmer of hope.

This innovative approach involves modifying immune cells, taken directly from patients, to target and combat the disease. the BOOST trial, spearheaded by Dr.Dhanda, is meticulously investigating this novel therapy, meticulously designed to improve the quality of life for individuals living with advanced cirrhosis.

Lesley Manning, a liver transplant recipient and valuable member of the BOOST project team, emphasizes the crucial role of patient perspectives in this research. “Lesley’s firsthand experience with cirrhosis ensures the patient’s voice remains central to our research,” explains dr. Dhanda. “Living with advanced cirrhosis can be incredibly debilitating, leaving individuals feeling drained of energy and strength with limited treatment options. Lesley’s insight is invaluable as we strive to develop new, possibly life-changing therapies for those affected by this condition.”

Lesley herself shares her perspective, stating, “I believe taking care of yourself is essential, and the BOOST trial offers hope by investigating a simple, safe intervention that could significantly improve the quality of life for people with advanced cirrhosis.”

Dr.Dhanda,brimming with optimism,sees the BOOST study as a significant step forward in the fight against cirrhosis. “We are filled with optimism about its potential to revolutionize treatment options and offer a new path toward hope for those living with this complex disease,” he concludes. Dr. Dhanda urges patients to engage with their healthcare providers,explore all available options,and stay informed about ongoing research promising transformative advancements.

Dr. dhanda’s work, alongside advancements like the BOOST trial, paints a brighter picture for the future of cirrhosis treatment. Continued research holds immense promise, offering hope for individuals battling this challenging disease.

What are the details of the BOOST trial and its goals for treating cirrhosis?

Can a Muscle-Building Supplement help treat Liver Disease?

Cirrhosis, a debilitating liver disease, often leaves patients feeling drained and desperate for effective treatment options. Now, a groundbreaking new therapy developed by Professor Stuart Forbes of the University of Edinburgh, supported by Edinburgh Innovations, offers a glimmer of hope.

This innovative approach involves modifying immune cells, taken directly from patients, to target and combat the disease. the BOOST trial, spearheaded by Dr.Dhanda, is meticulously investigating this novel therapy, meticulously designed to improve the quality of life for individuals living wiht advanced cirrhosis.

Lesley Manning, a liver transplant recipient and valuable member of the BOOST project team, emphasizes the crucial role of patient perspectives in this research. “Lesley’s firsthand experience with cirrhosis ensures the patient’s voice remains central to our research,” explains dr. Dhanda. “living with advanced cirrhosis can be incredibly debilitating, leaving individuals feeling drained of energy and strength with limited treatment options. Lesley’s insight is invaluable as we strive to develop new, possibly life-changing therapies for those affected by this condition.”

Lesley herself shares her perspective, stating, “I believe taking care of yourself is essential, and the BOOST trial offers hope by investigating a simple, safe intervention that could significantly improve the quality of life for people with advanced cirrhosis.”

Dr.Dhanda,brimming with optimism,sees the BOOST study as a important step forward in the fight against cirrhosis. “We are filled with optimism about its potential to revolutionize treatment options and offer a new path toward hope for those living with this complex disease,” he concludes. Dr. Dhanda urges patients to engage with their healthcare providers,explore all available options,and stay informed about ongoing research promising transformative advancements.

Dr. dhanda’s work, alongside advancements like the BOOST trial, paints a brighter picture for the future of cirrhosis treatment. Continued research holds immense promise, offering hope for individuals battling this challenging disease.