Plain-English translation of NCT03209791 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
Researchers at Cleveland Clinic want to understand why people with alcoholic liver disease lose muscle mass and strength. This study will compare muscle tissue from people with different stages of alcohol-related liver disease to healthy volunteers, looking at how alcohol changes the way muscles break down and rebuild themselves.
People who drink heavily often lose muscle mass and become weaker, even when their nutrition seems adequate. This study exists to understand the biological mechanisms behind this muscle loss so that doctors can eventually develop better treatments to prevent it.
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If you join this study, you will have your body composition measured using physical measurements and imaging scans. The main part of the study involves a muscle biopsy, where researchers take a small sample of muscle tissue (usually from the leg) using a needle. You will be in one of four groups: mild liver disease, moderate liver disease, severe liver disease, or healthy control. All participants, including healthy volunteers, will undergo the same muscle biopsy procedure.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 27, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States
The Cleveland Clinic
Enrollment target
~40 participants
Started
May 2015
Primary completion
June 2027
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in January 2026.
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Central contact
Revathi Penumatsa, MPH
The Cleveland Clinic
Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.