Can Synbiotics Affect Health Outcomes in Patients with NAFLD? A Systematic Review
Can Synbiotics Affect Health Outcomes in Patients with NAFLD? A Systematic Review
Mohammad Amin Mohammadi Dehnavaki,1,*Ali Khazen,2Kimia Ghaedi,3
1. Student Research Committee, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran. 2. Student Research Committee, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran. 3. Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Introduction: Alterations in the gut microbiota, due to environmental and genetic factors, can disrupt intestinal homeostasis. This disruption can lead to a deregulation of the host’s metabolism and immune system, thereby increasing the risk factors for the onset and exacerbation of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The administration of synbiotics has been viewed as a potential and promising approach to modulate the gut microbiota and yield beneficial outcomes in patients with hepatic disorders. This review sought to assess the efficacy of synbiotics in patients diagnosed with NAFLD.
Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Embace and Cochrane Library were systematically searched for trials on the use of synbiotic supplements in patients with NAFLD. RCTs investigating the effects of synbiotic supplementation in patients diagnosed with NAFLD were included.
Results: Of 375 identified articles, 10 RCTs were eligible and finally included in this study. ALT and AST were reported in 9 studies. The significant difference suggest that synbiotic supplementation can significantly lower ALT and AST levels in these patients. Similarly, GGT, TC and CAP were significantly decreased after supplementation. However, the results show no significant difference in TG, IR, and insulin levels.
Conclusion: In conclusion, our study found that symbiotic supplementation significantly improved liver function, adjusted lipid metabolism, and delayed progression of NAFLD. Further well-designed studies with a larger sample size are recommended.