Probiotics and Nonalcoholic Fatty liver Disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronicliver disease worldwide, both in adults and in children. NAFLD represents aspectrum of liver diseases that range from hepatic steatosis to steatohepatitisand cirrhosis. However, NAFLD is more prevalent in overweight and obeseindividuals. Evidences thus far suggest that hepatic triglyceride accumulationis not always derived from obesity; gut microbiota can also play a role in thedevelopment of insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, necroinflammation andfibrosis. On the other hand, probiotics can strengthen the intestinal wall, reducingits permeability, bacterial translocation, and endotoxemia according toanimal and human studies. They can also reduce oxidative and inflammatoryliver damage, while improving the histological state in certain situations. Thisreview article focuses on research that has been conducted on probiotics andNAFLD, highlighting their efficacy as a novel therapeutic option for the treatmentof this condition.