Gut-liver axis and probiotics: Their role in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

The incidence of obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has dramatically increased in all age groups worldwide.

• Specific gut microbiota and low bacterial richness may contribute to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and fatty liver under certain conditions.
• Dysbiosis or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth can increase energy extraction, potentially exacerbating obesity-related conditions.
• A damaged intestinal barrier, or 'leaky gut', may enhance interactions between gut bacteria and liver receptors, leading to oxidative stress and insulin resistance.
• Gut-liver axis interactions are associated with hepatic inflammation and fibrosis.
• Probiotics may modulate gut microbiota, as suggested by animal model studies and pilot human studies for NAFLD.

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