Gut–liver axis: The impact of gut microbiota on non alcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, the Gut Microbiome, and Diet

“…Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms when ingested in specified dosages. Several studies showed that gut microbiota manipulation by probiotic supplements is associated with reduced liver damage, decreased concentrations of LPS, as well as improved aminotransferase concentrations (90)(91)(92)(93). A recent review summarized the studies that show that probiotic supplementation in animal models and human studies improve inflammatory status and clinical manifestations in NAFLD (94).…”

Gut–Liver Axis: Role of Inflammasomes

“…92,93 This close interplay between the gut and the liver has been termed the gut-liver axis. 94 Liver is the organ most exposed to gut derived toxins (bacteria and bacterial products), due to the portal circulation. Ethanol, ammonia and acetaldehyde produced in the intestine are metabolized in the liver.…”

“…SIBO. 94 Patients suffering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have reported SIBO correlating with severity of steatosis. 95,99 While many more studies need to be done for understanding the link between SIBO and NASH, intestinal permeability is the key toward better insight.…”

“…95,99 While many more studies need to be done for understanding the link between SIBO and NASH, intestinal permeability is the key toward better insight. 94 The development of insulin resistance and related metabolic disorders is influenced by the gut microbiota which plays a pivotal role in fat storage and energy harvesting. [100][101][102] Strikingly, fewer Bacteroidetes and more Firmicutes in the obese as compared to the lean controls demonstrate the affect of gut microbiota on calorie proportions obtained from the intestine.…”

Probiotics and Liver Disease

“…Gut microbiota may cause NAFLD by luminal ethanol production, causing a leaky gut and metabolic endotoxemia, or by metabolizing choline, which is no longer available for the liver. 15 Also, those who suffer from NAFLD may have a microbiota phenotype with a better energy-harvesting capacity that increases the calorie load to the liver. Indeed, the microbiota of obese individuals includes a reduced level of bacteroidetes and an increased level of firmicutes.…”