Prebiotics and Probiotics: Therapeutic Tools for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Overview

Journal Int J Mol Sci

Publisher MDPI

Specialties Biochemistry
Chemistry
Molecular Biology

Date 2023 Oct 14

PMID 37834367

Authors

Alejandra Mijangos-Trejo

Natalia Nuno-Lambarri

Varenka Barbero-Becerra

Misael Uribe-Esquivel

Paulina Vidal-Cevallos

Norberto Chavez-Tapia

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Alterations in the gut-liver axis and changes in the gut microbiome are among the risk factors for the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). These patients show increased bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine and impaired intestinal permeability. Therefore, therapeutic options such as probiotics or prebiotics have been investigated to modulate intestinal microbiota composition to improve NAFLD. Most in vivo and in vitro probiotic studies have focused on reducing hepatic fat accumulation. The beneficial effects of probiotics on NAFLD have been demonstrated in animal models, and the most widely used microorganisms are those of the and genera. In animal models, probiotics help restore the intestinal microbiota and improve the integrity of the intestinal barrier. This narrative review summarizes published evidence and the likely benefits of probiotics and prebiotics as a therapeutic option for patients with NAFLD.

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