The epigenetics of chronic liver disease

Project Summary

Steatotic liver disease (SLD), previously known as fatty liver disease, is the most common liver condition, affecting about 1 in 3 adults. It starts with a build-up of fat in the liver, which can lead to severe and sometimes life-threatening damage. In 2023, the classification of SLD was changed to consider metabolic health and alcohol use. Early-life adversity, measured through Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), is associated with long-term health risks, including liver fat, alcohol use, and cardiometabolic outcomes. This study aims to explore the mechanisms linking ACEs to adverse liver and cardiometabolic outcomes, focusing on the role of biological age as a mediator and the identification of phenotypes that stratify risk.