How genes affect fatty liver disease in Caribbean populations

Researchers are studying how genetic differences may explain why fatty liver disease affects people differently across different ethnic and geographic backgrounds. This study will enroll 600 adults from Caribbean and French overseas islands who have been diagnosed with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) to examine genetic variations that might influence disease risk and severity.

Fatty liver disease is affecting people worldwide at increasing rates, but some populations experience it more severely than others. Doctors don't fully understand whether these differences are due to genetics, lifestyle, diet, or a combination—and there's very little research on how this disease affects people in Caribbean and overseas French communities specifically.