The effect of probiotic supplementation as alternative therapy for NAFLD: a literature review

Introduction

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease in the world [1]. NAFLD is characterized as ≥ 5% fat accumulation from hepatocytes with no other secondary diagnostic cause having similar histological characteristics such as viral hepatitis infection, excessive alcohol consumption, other chronic liver diseases (e.g. Wilson's disease, Celiac disease) and drug therapy (e.g. corticosteroids, methotrexate, isoniazid and anti-retrovirals [2-3]. The prevalence of NAFLD has increased in the last 20 years to reach 25.54% worldwide, with the largest number of cases in the Middle East and South America [4]. NAFLD can cover a wide clinical spectrum in the course of disease severity from non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis to hepatocellular carcinoma [5].

The main risk factors for NAFLD are type 2 diabetes mellitus and the components of metabolic syndrome (e.g. central obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance), while genetic factors, age and alcohol consumption can worsen the progression of NAFLD to fibrosis and cirrhosis [6]. Metabolic syndrome can be caused by a sedentary lifestyle, a diet high in fat and calories and infrequent exercise. NAFLD is also more common in men than women, although post-menopausal women have the same risk of developing NAFLD as men [2]. With the increasing trend of obesity and diabetes, there is a need for improvements in effective management and prevention efforts to address risk factors and reduce the incidence of NAFLD [7].

Currently, there is no definitive pharmacological therapy to treat NAFLD. Instead, patients are offered therapies to reduce the risk of NAFLD, e.g. by increasing insulin sensitivity and decreasing inflammation [8]. Current findings suggest that the microbiota in the gut may influence the course of NAFLD disease [9]. This condition is influenced by an unhealthy diet that affects the development of the gut microbiota and affects the metabolism of nutrients in the gut [10]. Probiotics are one of the supplements that can be used to modify the diet of NAFLD patients [11]. Several studies have shown the effect of probiotics on the gut microbiota in patients with diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and chronic liver disease [12]. This review aims to discuss the effect of the gut microbiota on NAFLD and the role of probiotics on NAFLD.

Material and methods

A simple literature review was performed. Literature search was carried out from December 2019 to March 2020 using the PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar search engines and the keywords "probiotic," "microbiota," "non-alcoholic fatty liver disease," "metabolic disorder" and "therapy." The inclusion criteria used were: full-text in English or Indonesian, article published within the last 10 years. Articles in other languages or published earlier than 10 years ago were excluded. The articles included in the analysis were: randomized controlled trials (RCTs), meta-analyses, literature reviews and systematic reviews.

Results

A total of 13 articles were included in the analysis (see Table 1).

Table 1. Studies on the effects of probiotics in NAFLD patients

Discussion

Pathophysiology of NAFLD and Effect on Gut Microbiota

NAFLD is influenced by various metabolic disorders [13]. NAFLD is associated with metabolic disorders resulting from worsening metabolic syndrome, e.g. obesity and insulin resistance [14]. The condition of obesity caused by unhealthy consumption patterns with a diet high in fat and calories plays a role in an increase in insulin resistance in the periphery and an increase in the proliferation of adipose cells in the tissue [15]. In obesity there is an increase in the release of free fatty acids (FFA) and cholesterol due to insulin resistance and causes the liver to increased de novo lipogenesis activity [13]. Increased lipogenesis in the liver then increases fat storage in hepatocyte cells, which in turn causes the liver to undergo steatosis [16].

Obesity can also lead to insulin resistance through increased release of pro-inflammatory tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6 cytokines, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and many inflammatory mediators in obese patients [17]. The release of proinflammatory cytokines is caused by hyperplasia and hypertrophy of adipose cells due to excess fat accumulation in adipose cells [18]. Inflammation in obesity interferes with insulin activity through several mechanisms, namely interfering with insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) signaling which functions as an insulin receptor and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) function which plays a role in directing fat storage and lipid synthesis and FFA levels. through stimulation of lipolysis and an increase in triglycerides [18-20]. Obesity condition also results in increased insulin secretion from β cells in the pancreas which is stimulated by increased levels of fatty acids and glucose in the blood [21]. Inflammation and increased insulin production in the pancreas lead to the decrease in insulin receptor sensitivity and hyperinsulinemia [22]. This condition then leads to insulin resistance which in turn results in increased lipogenesis of fat in the liver and increases the risk of NAFLD [16].

Ma et al demonstrated the influence of the gut microbiota in the course of NAFLD disease [9]. In the gut, four main phyla bacteria are consisting of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria with 90% of the bacterial population consisting of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes [23]. In the condition of obesity, there is a change in the composition of the intestinal microbiota with changes in the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B ratio) found in NAFLD conditions [24]. Such dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota can damage the tight junctions in the intestinal epithelium and increase the permeability of the gastrointestinal tract [25]. Increased permeability then results in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) produced from bacteria and parts of bacteria such as DNA and RNA in the intestine to enter the body and liver circulation through the gut-liver axis in the portal vein and activate inflammatory reactions systemically through activation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) [26]. One of the TLRs that influence the pathophysiology of NAFLD is TLR4 which stimulates the release of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β through the nuclear factor кβ (NF-кβ) pathway and activates the body's innate immune system [27].

Activation of the innate immune system against NAFLD is influenced by Kupffer cells found in the sinusoid liver and stimulated by LPS from bacteria in the gut [28]. Kupffer cells will produce various types of chemokines and proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12 IL-18 and TNF-α which play a role in the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and can cause oxidative stress in hepatocyte cells [15]. Increased production of ROS will then result in mitochondrial dysfunction due to interference with antioxidants in cells and excess lipid peroxidation due to high levels of FFA in the liver so that liver cells are damaged [29]. Also, injury to liver cells due to oxidative stress due to the production of ROS can result in increased disease progression through stimulation of fibrotic cells to liver cells resulting in fibrosis [30].

Dysbiosis in the intestinal microbiota plays an important role in increasing the absorption of monosaccharides in the intestine, accelerating the activity of lipogenesis de novo activity in the liver and increased triglycerides [31]. Intestinal microbiota dysbiosis affects the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) consisting of acetate, propionate and butyrate [32]. In patients with NAFLD, butyrate levels were lower than acetate and propionate level [32]. Butyrate acts as a source of energy for colonocytes in the intestines that maintain intestinal integrity and improve insulin sensitivity of β cells, thereby reducing the number of adipose cells in the body [33]. Meanwhile, acetate and propionate affect gluconeogenesis and lipogenesis which lead to NAFLD [32]. These SCFAs can increase absorption, can stimulate G-protein coupled receptors (GPRs) to increase fat and sugar intake from the intestine and increase storage in the adipose tissue [34]. Also, SCFA can activate carbohydrate response element-binding protein (ChREBP) in the liver and increase lipogenesis [35].

Dysbiosis in the gut microbiota can also result in disorders of choline metabolism [32]. Choline is a type of membrane-forming phospholipid and a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine [32]. Choline also plays a role in the synthesis of VLDL and the transport of lipids to the liver to prevent fat accumulation in the liver [32]. In the dysbiosis of microbiota, choline obtained from the consumption of animal products can be converted into trimethylamine (TMA), which in the liver is converted into trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) and triggers choline deficiency [36]. In conditions of choline deficiency and elevated TMAO, hepatocyte damage occurs and liver steatosis increases [37]. Choline deficiency also affects the permeability of the intestinal barrier which can increase intestinal bacterial infiltration to the liver via the gut-lung-axis which triggers lipid accumulation and steatosis in the liver [21]. With their findings on an important role in NAFLD gut microbiota modulation via the intestinal microbiota has become a potential therapeutic target for treating NAFLD.

Effect of Probiotics on NAFLD

Probiotics are defined as "live microorganisms when consumed can provide health benefits to the host" [38]. Probiotics have been widely used in the fermentation of foods such as cheese and yoghurt [39]. Several types of probiotic bacteria from the Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Lactococcus, Streptococcus and Saccharomyces groups have been widely studied for their usefulness in the treatment of diarrhoea-associated with Clostridium difficile, gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Helicobacter pylori infection, and respiratory tract infections [40]. Also, probiotics can be used in metabolic disorder due to their anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, and anti-hyperlipidemic activity [41]. With the benefits of probiotics in the improvement of conditions of metabolic disorders, many studies have shown the benefits of probiotics for NAFLD therapy [42].

The role of probiotics in reducing the risk factors associated with NAFLD has been widely assessed [43]. Obesity is one of the main risk factors for NAFLD [44]. Several human studies have shown probiotics to have anti-obesity effects that are associated with a reduced risk of NAFLD, although other studies have shown weight loss does not correlate with NAFLD improvement [43]. In a study by Alisi et al, administration of VSL #3 consisting of 8 probiotic strains has a weight loss effect in obese children with NAFLD after probiotic administration along with a reduced risk of progressive severity of NAFLD and liver steatosis [45]. The study by Manzhalii et al also showed decreased BMI accompanied by liver alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) enzymes and decreased liver stiffness [46]. However, the relationship between weight loss and improved course of NAFLD does not always have a significant effect. In the studies by Aller et al, Famouri et al and Vajro et al, improvement of hepatic function through decreased ALT and AST enzymes in the probiotic consumption group was not influenced by significant weight loss and cardiovascular risk in NAFLD patients [47-49].

Probiotics also have the benefit of improving lipid profiles in NAFLD patients. A study by Nabavi et al showed an improvement in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) followed by a decrease in liver enzyme levels after 8 weeks, although not followed by changes in triglycerides, serum glucose, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) compared to the control group [50]. The study by Asgharian et al and Manzhalii et al also showed a decrease in total cholesterol, body weight and total body fat in NAFLD patients although there were no significant changes in the levels of HDL, triglycerides, and fasting blood glucose [46, 51]. Also, Asgharian et al noted that in the control group there was an increase in total cholesterol, waist circumference and LDL, thus demonstrating the effect of probiotics to prevent worsening of the disease in NAFLD patients [51]. Another study by Famouri et al also showed improvements in the lipid profiles of NAFLD patients although without any significant changes in body weight.[49] However, in the study by Alisi et al, the consumption of probiotics led to insignificant results on triglycerides despite an improvement in the condition of NAFLD patients and a reduction of disease progression [45]. Aller et al also showed no significant improvement in cholesterol levels and other cardiovascular risks after probiotic administration, although there was the improvement in liver function in NAFLD patients [47].

Probiotics can also influence insulin resistance in NAFLD patients. A study by Malaguarnera et al showed that giving probiotics with the addition of fructooligosaccharides can improve insulin resistance with a decrease in the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) accompanied by improved levels of liver enzymes, lipids and proinflammatory cytokines in NAFLD patients [52]. The study by Behrouz et al also demonstrated improvement of insulin resistance in NAFLD patients with decreased insulin and HOMA-IR levels and increased insulin sensitivity [53]. The study by Sepideh et al also showed an improvement in the glycemic index accompanied by a decrease in fasting blood glucose and proinflammatory cytokine levels after the administration of probiotics [54]. However, the effects of insulin repair were inconsistent. This was shown in a study by Duseja et al where improvement of hepatic function with decreased hepatocyte ballooning, lobular inflammation, and NAFLD activity score (NAS) did not affect HOMA-IR improvement [55]. The study by Ahn et al and Alisi et al also showed no significant effect of improved HOMA-IR and decreased insulin levels on the improvement of hepatic function and intrahepatic fat [45, 56]. Although studies on NAFLD-model rats have shown the effect of improving insulin resistance on liver repair in NAFLD, further studies are needed regarding the relationship between NAFLD improvement and insulin resistance in humans [57].

Probiotics also have anti-inflammatory effects in NAFLD patients who have improved liver condition and reduce the risk of disease progression [58]. The study by Malaguarnera et al and Sepideh et al showed the anti-inflammatory effect of probiotics on the improvement of liver function in NAFLD patients, although in the study of Sepideh et al, the decrease in levels of proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α between groups was not significant in the intervention group there was a significant decrease compared to before the intervention. Studies by Kobyliak et al also demonstrated the effect of lowering pro-inflammatory cytokines on reducing levels of liver enzymes and fat accumulation [59]. However, the results were inconsistent in other studies, e.g. by Vajro et al and Ahn et al in which the anti-inflammatory effect was not significant despite the improvement in liver function and histological features in NAFLD patients [48, 56]. Although studies in animal models have shown an anti-inflammatory effect related to the course of NAFLD disease, further studies in humans are needed to determine the effectiveness of probiotics in NAFLD.

Effect of Probiotics on NAFLD with Modulation of Gut Microbiota

Although probiotics improve the liver function in NAFLD patients, the specific mechanism of this effect is unclear [43]. Several studies have shown the effect of probiotics via the repair of tight junctions and the integrity of the barrier in the gut [60-62]. Improvement of barrier integrity by probiotic bacteria in animal studies model NAFLD can reduce the level of liver steatosis by improving choline levels from the gut microbiota which correlates with decreased levels of fat accumulation in the liver and decreased steatosis [61- 63]. Intestinal barrier repair can also improve the immune response in intestine to inhibit the growth and translocation of harmful bacteria to the liver and reduce the level of inflammation in the liver [36, 64-66].

Improvements in gut barrier integrity also reduce LPS from the gastrointestinal tract [67] which can reduce the level of inflammation in the NAFLD group [64]. Probiotics can reduce the levels of LPS that enter the liver through the portal vein and reduce TLR4 activation which results in activated Kupffer cells and result in hepatocyte cell damage [65]. Decreased levels of LPS and levels of inflammation can also affect the repair of microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract thereby inhibiting lipid disposition and chronic inflammation due to NAFLD [68].

The ability of probiotics to modulate the gastrointestinal microbiota also has anti-obesity effects on NAFLD through weight loss activities, inhibition of lipogenesis and decreased levels of inflammation [69]. Probiotic-mediated weight loss is influenced by the ability of probiotics to change the composition of the gut microbiota by increasing the number of Bacteroides, Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli bacteria and decreasing the number of Firmicutes bacteria which correlates with weight loss [70–72]. Changes in the composition of the gut microbiota have the effect of decreasing fat accumulation in the liver and decreasing the expression of proteins in the liver that affects lipid and glucose metabolism such as PPARγ, PPARα, fatty acids synthase (FAS) and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) [72]. Apart from inhibiting lipogenesis, the antiobesity effect of probiotics also reduces leptin and resistin levels which play a role in fat disposition in the body and affect food intake to lose weight [64, 73-74]. The reduction in lipogenesis and fat accumulation in the body by probiotics also contributes to a decrease in the level of inflammation, which correlates with an increase in insulin sensitivity [68, 74].

Several studies have shown that the ability of probiotic bacteria to produce SCFA plays a role in improving the condition of patients with NAFLD and of all the SCFAs butyrate has the greatest effect [75]. Butyrate has an anti-inflammatory effect through the regulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines in T cells via GPRs receptors, namely GPR41 and GPR43 so that it can maintain the integrity of the gastrointestinal mucosa and prevent bacterial translocation to blood vessels [33, 68, 75-76]. Several studies have shown the effect of butyrate on decreasing TLR4 expression to inhibit NF-кβ and release of proinflammatory cytokines in the liver, thereby reducing oxidative stress in the liver and preventing damage to the liver. Butyrate also affects the improvement of function and histology in the liver by increasing insulin sensitivity through the activation of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), so that it can reduce the risk factors associated with NAFLD such as obesity and insulin resistance [77].

Although probiotic bacteria have beneficial effects on NAFLD, there are still some limitations to the use of probiotic bacteria as NAFLD therapy [43]. One limitation is that at this time there is no known, specific mechanism by which probiotics can modulate liver repair [43]. Further studies are also needed to ascertain the safety and side effects of using probiotics as NAFLD therapy [78]. Furthermore, although several studies showed improvement in the condition of NAFLD patients, their small sample sizes make interpretation of results a challenge [79]. Therefore, larger studies with more heterogeneous sample sizes are needed to determine the effectiveness of probiotics as part of NAFLD therapy.

Conclusion

Probiotics have been extensively researched for their wide-ranging health benefits. Several studies have shown the effect of probiotics on improved liver function and decreased progression of risk factors in NAFLD patients. Although there are no studies regarding the probiotics’ specific mechanism of action in NAFLD, the ability of probiotic bacteria to modulate the microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract can lead to improvement in patients with NAFLD. Despite some limitations in the studies, probiotics can be a promising therapy against NAFLD.

Conflict of interest

There is no conflict of interest from any party.