A new pilot study found that Probiotics may aid in protecting against increased intestinal permeability and help in stabilizing mucosal immune function in NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease).
32 individuals participated in this double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The participants were split into two groups. The first group comprising 15 individuals, received a twice daily Probiotic supplement. The second group with the remaining 17 participants received a placebo. The study lasted 6 months. Co morbidities for each participant, (diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidemia) were recorded at baseline. Additionally a FFQ (Food Frequency Questionniare) was completed at baseline for each participant to assess a baseline dietary pattern. Blood studies were taken both before and after the study to analyze the levels of inflammation, fibrosis and steatosis. Dueodenal samples were taken using an OGD (Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy) before and after the study period. Lastly liver stiffness measurements and controlled attenuation parameters were assessed using a FibroScan.
Researchers found that the Probiotic group seemed to have been able to stabilize their mucosal immune function in the small intestines since they had higher CD8 + T lymphocytes when compared to the placebo group. Additionally Probitoics seemed to protect NAFLD patients against increased intestinal permeability when compared with the placebo group. This allowed researchers to conclude that Probiotics Could play a beneficial role in treating NAFLD.
NAFLD is one of the more common causes of chronic liver disease. Treatment options for NAFLD mostly consist of lifestyle type interventions, but are only effective when put into practice early since disease progression tends to cause increased complication. Since it is believed that gut microbiota composition plays a role in this disease progression, Probitics offer a means to manipulate the gut microbiota and hence modulate intestinal permeability and local mucosal inflammation.
Further studies with larger participation and increased durations are needed.
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