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NAFLD/MASLD and the Gut–Liver Axis: From Pathogenesis to Treatment Options

Authors :
Natalia G. Vallianou
Dimitris Kounatidis
Sotiria Psallida
Nikolaos Vythoulkas-Biotis
Andreas Adamou
Tatiana Zachariadou
Sofia Kargioti
Irene Karampela
Maria Dalamaga
Source :
Metabolites, Vol 14, Iss 7, p 366 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

Abstract

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) poses an emerging threat topublic health. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is reported to be the most rapidly rising cause of hepatocellular carcinoma in the western world. Recently, a new term has been proposed: metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The introduction of this new terminology has sparked a debate about the interchangeability of these terms. The pathogenesis of NAFLD/MASLD is thought to be multifactorial, involving both genetic and environmental factors. Among these factors, alterations in gut microbiota and gut dysbiosis have recently garnered significant attention. In this context, this review will further discuss the gut–liver axis, which refers to the bidirectional interaction between the human gut microbiota and the liver. Additionally, the therapeutic potential of probiotics, particularly next-generation probiotics and genetically engineered bacteria, will be explored. Moreover, the role of prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, and phages as well as fecal microbiota transplantation will be analyzed. Particularly for lean patients with NAFLD/MASLD, who have limited treatment options, approaches that modify the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota may hold promise. However, due to ongoing safety concerns with approaches that modulate gut microbiota, further large-scale studies are necessary to better assess their efficacy and safety in treating NAFLD/MASLD.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
22181989
Volume :
14
Issue :
7
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Metabolites
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.f92e03e2abc468a8106d564cc023b56
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo14070366