Effects of Long-lasting Bicarbonate-Sulfate-Calcium-Magnesium Water Intake on Metabolic Dysfuncti… (NCT07211113) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Effects of Long-lasting Bicarbonate-Sulfate-Calcium-Magnesium Water Intake on Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)-Related Outcome
Italy87 participantsStarted 2023-01-29
Plain-language summary
Background: Fonte Essenziale®, a mineral water rich in bicarbonate, sulphate, calcium, and magnesium, has shown potential in modulating the gut-liver axis and microbiota in hepatic steatosis. However, its long-term effects on intestinal permeability (IP), systemic inflammation (SI), and oxidative stress-key factors in Metabolic dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) -remain unexplored.
MASLD patients will be consecutively endoller and randomized into two groups: group A receiving Fonte Essenziale® (400 ml/day, fasting) plus a controlled nutritional regimen for 12 months, followed by a 6-month water washout; group B followed only the controlled nutritional regimen. IP markers, SI (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), oxidative stress (dROMs/BAP), and clinical data (including Controlled Attenuation Parameter - CAP) will be assessed at baseline (T0), 12 months (T12), and post-washout (T18). Baseline increased IP (in-IP) was defined by fecal zonulin \>110 ng/ml and serum LBPp \>10 µg/ml; improvement (im-IP) required normalization of both. A ≥30% CAP reduction will indicate hepatic steatosis improvement.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
The inclusion criteria were: age \> 18 years, imaging ultrasound-based evidence of hepatic steatosis, and clinical and biochemical features configuring MD (at least one of: obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, or essential arterial hypertension diagnosis).
All patients who were potentially considered eligible received TE evaluation with the LSM definition. Importantly, patients with AF (TE-assessed LSM confirming \>F3) were excluded. This choice was motivated by evidence that in AF, IP is significantly altered, contributing to an enhanced bacterial translocation, both events influenced by the potential presence of portal hypertension Other exclusion criteria were: (a) chronic liver disease (CLD) of other etiology \[hepatitis B and/or C virus, alcohol-related liver disorder (ALD) with evidence of alcohol abuse history assessed by using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test questionnaire, hemochromatosis, Wilson's disease, or cholestatic liver disorders\]; (b) evidence of cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); (c) acute systemic infections; (d) pregnancy; (e) psychological/psychiatric problems potentially invalidating the informed consent and/or conditions impacting the ability to adhere to dietary recommendations and intervention protocol; (f) chronic kidney disease (with Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate - eGFR- \<30 ml/min); (g) the use (ongoing and/or in the 3 months preceding the enrollment) of drugs/supplements that could influence IP (e.g., prob…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Intestinal permeability changes
Timeframe: T0-T12 (after the 12 months of intervention)