Abstract
Aim:Despite extensive ongoing research, there is scarcity of widely accepted therapeutic options for the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Probiotics are a promising treatment option for treating NAFLD; however, their effectiveness needs to be established. Since any single randomized controlled trial (RCT) cannot establish the role of probiotics in the treatment of NAFLD, this study aims at meta-analysis of different RCTs.Materials and methods:Extensive search was done by two independent observers for RCTs studying the role of probiotics in the treatment of NAFLD. The parameters under consideration were body mass index (BMI), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), serum triglycerides (TGs), and ultrasonographic grades of fatty liver. Jadad scale was used to select the articles for meta-analysis. Heterogeneity in the results was evaluated using chi-square test and I2. Significant heterogeneity in the results was decided based on p-value < 0.05 and the corresponding I2 close to 0%.Results:Seven studies qualified for meta-analysis. Use of probiotics significantly caused reduction in BMI (p < 0.0001), ALT (p < 0.0001), AST (< 0.0001), HOMA-IR (p = 0.006), and ultrasonographic grade of fatty liver (p = 0.0051). Heterogeneity in other parameters was contributed mainly by couple of previous studies.Conclusion:Meta-analysis shows that variety of parameters has significant improvement after probiotic treatment in different RCTs. However, the magnitude of improvement is not uniform across studies due to varying strains, dose patterns, and treatment duration. In future, probiotics remain a promising option for treating NAFLD.How to cite this article: Lavekar AS, Raje DV, Manohar T, Lavekar AA. Role of Probiotics in the Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Meta-analysis. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2017;7(2):130-137.
Highlights
There is a consensus regarding increasing worldwide prevalence of obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its impact on health, especially the progression to cirrhosis of liver and hepatocellular carcinoma
Meta-analysis shows that variety of parameters has significant improvement after probiotic treatment in different randomized controlled trial (RCT)
Probiotics remain a promising option for treating NAFLD
Summary
There is a consensus regarding increasing worldwide prevalence of obesity and NAFLD and its impact on health, especially the progression to cirrhosis of liver and hepatocellular carcinoma. The prevalence of NAFLD ranges from 9 to 40% and varies across different regions.[1,2,3,4] Since it is an obesity-related disorder, the main emphasis of treatment for NAFLD has been on exercise and weight reduction so far. Musso et al[5] demonstrated improvement in liver histology with reduction in weight. Quite often, it is difficult to practice it in real life, and there is always scope for exploring newer therapeutic strategies. Vitamin E, statins, pioglitazone, ursodeoxycholic acid, probucol, N-acetyl cysteine, low-dose carnitine, and pentoxifylline are some of the studied therapeutic options available. Each has its own limitations to be used on a wide scale and nothing can be said conclusively about their efficacy.[6,7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
