EducaTH
EducaTH: Genetic and environmental factors influencing metabolic syndrome after liver transplantation. Personalised intervention programme.
Metabolic syndrome (MS) is the cornerstone of potentially serious conditions such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), kidney disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cancer. This disorder is particularly concerning in liver transplantation (LT) due to the increasing incidence of metabolic cirrhosis as an indication for LT and, above all, the extremely high rate of post-transplant MS (40% per year). In the non-transplant population, weight control through a heart-healthy diet is the best solution, but it often fails due to the lack of sustained multidisciplinary support over time.
This project (randomised study) aims to apply a multidisciplinary strategy (involving medical, nursing, physiotherapy, nutrition and psychology staff, together with patient associations and citizen collaboration – Association of liver patients and transplant recipients, chef, external company) that acts on the general, functional, nutritional and motivational status of transplant recipients (EducaTH programme) supported by an app (collaboration with the SABIEN research group) that gradually allows for less supervision and greater self-management by the patient.
At the same time, the genetic and epigenetic factors associated with obesity/MS and eating behaviour, the lipidome and the cellular inflammatory response will be studied. Finally, the impact of EducaTH (compared to standard follow-up) on functional, nutritional, motivational, behavioural and quality of life status, and the development of NAFLD in the graft and CV risk will be analysed.
Funded/Subsidised by:
- Carlos III Health Institute
- The CIBER in its thematic area of Liver and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD) aims to promote and protect health by encouraging research.
Researchers:
- La FE Health Research Institute in charge of clinical research (IIS La Fe)
- IIS La Fe carries out its work within the framework of La Fe Hospital in Valencia – https://lafe.san.gva.es/en
- The Regional Ministry of Education, Culture, Universities and Employment participates in the research
- The University of Valencia participates in the research
- SABIEN is a research group at the ITACA institute
- ITACA is an institute at the Polytechnic University of Valencia.
Also participating:
- AETHCV – The association of liver patients and transplant recipients in the Valencian Community participates by providing information and support.
- The Villa Fusió restaurant participates by providing nutritional recommendations and recipes.