Targeting nonalcoholic fatty liver disease via gut microbiome-centered therapies - PubMed (original) (raw)

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Targeting nonalcoholic fatty liver disease via gut microbiome-centered therapies

Mijra Koning et al. Gut Microbes. 2023 Jan-Dec.

Abstract

Humans possess abundant amounts of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and archaea, in their gut. Patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) exhibit alterations in their gut microbiome and an impaired gut barrier function. Preclinical studies emphasize the significance of the gut microbiome in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. In this overview, we explore how adjusting the gut microbiome could serve as an innovative therapeutic strategy for NAFLD. We provide a summary of current information on untargeted techniques such as probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation, as well as targeted microbiome-focused therapies including engineered bacteria, prebiotics, postbiotics, and phages for the treatment of NAFLD.

Keywords: NAFLD; NASH; bacteriophages; fecal microbiota transplantation; obesity; postbiotics; probiotics.

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Conflict of interest statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Figures

Figure 1.

Metabolites produced by the microbiota produced via the diet-gut microbiota axis can have both local and peripheral effects in the host. The gut microbiota generates a variety of metabolites that can act either in the intestine or be absorbed into the host’s bloodstream and influence other organs. These metabolites can modulate the secretion of gastrointestinal hormones, which in turn can have peripheral effects. The liver is directly exposed to microbially produced metabolites through the portal vein and can metabolize some of them, resulting in the production of a distinct set of metabolites. The circulating metabolites can impact various organs in the body, causing changes in the host’s metabolism.

Figure 2.

The composition of gut microbiota is influenced by various factors such as genetics of the host, dietary habits, medication, level of physical activity, and geographic location. Patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease have alterations in their gut microbial composition. To restore intestinal homeostasis, probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, bacteriophages and postbiotics can be used to restore the gut microbial composition.

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Targeting nonalcoholic fatty liver disease via gut microbiome-centered therapies - PubMed (original) (raw)