Not Yet RecruitingPhase 2

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

44 participantsStarted 2026-05-21

Plain-language summary

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.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 70 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.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 to 70 years. * Male or female participants. * Scheduled to undergo elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy or other benign biliary surgery for benign biliary disease. * Diagnosis of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease based on hepatic steatosis shown by liver biopsy or imaging, including controlled attenuation parameter, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging, together with at least one cardiometabolic risk factor. * Expected preoperative window of at least 28 days before surgery. * Able and willing to provide written informed consent. * Willing to provide blood samples, urine samples, and intraoperative liver tissue samples. * Able and willing to avoid soy-containing foods during the study period, including soybeans, edamame, black soybeans, soy milk, tofu, dried tofu, tofu skin, yuba, tofu pudding, natto, miso, fermented soybeans, tempeh, and other traditional or fermented soy products. Exclusion Criteria: * Viral hepatitis, autoimmune liver disease, drug-induced liver injury, Wilson disease, or other clearly defined chronic liver diseases. * Significant alcohol consumption, defined as more than 140 g per week for women or more than 210 g per week for men. * Liver cirrhosis, decompensated liver disease, or hepatobiliary malignancy. * Use of antibiotics, probiotics, soy isoflavone-containing products, or hormone-like dietary supplements within 4 weeks before enrollment. * Treatment within 3 months before enrollmen…

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

NAFLD Activity Score in Intraoperative Liver Tissue

Timeframe: At the time of surgery

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07623044

SponsorEastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-07-10

Contact for this trial

Feng Shen, MD、PhD

+86-21-81875005 shenfengdfgd@163.com

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease trials