Fatty liver can cause muscle breakdown

The study focused on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a common ailment affecting 20 to 40 percent of the total, adult population. Being overweight is a major risk factor for the disease: a fatty liver occurs in about 70 percent of overweight people and about 90 percent of people that are obese.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was long thought to be benign, without many negative effects. This was already disproved in a study in 2015: a fatty liver can change the protein secretion profile of the liver. These proteins reach other parts of the body via the bloodstream, causing the development of insulin resistance, which is the main feature of type 2 diabetes.

Downward spiral

In the newly published study, the scientists show for the first time that the altered secretion profile of a fatty liver also leads to increased breakdown of muscle proteins. ‘This finding provides more insight into the relationship between a fatty liver, which is often linked to obesity, and the loss of muscle mass,’ says research leader Dr Ruth Meex of Maastricht University. ‘Muscles play an important role in maintaining good health. Reduced muscle mass leads to less physical activity and reduced fitness. This can easily lead to a downward spiral of even more muscle loss, worse physical health, reduced quality of life, and premature death.’

The researchers have submitted a grant application for follow-up research into the link between a fatty liver and the development of muscle atrophy in humans. In the meantime, they advocate a lifestyle geared to reducing overweight and keeping the liver and muscles healthy. Exercise and a healthy diet can prevent muscle loss and insulin resistance.