Polysaccharides: The Potential Prebiotics for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD)

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Nutrition Science
• Hepatology

Background:

• Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the leading global cause of chronic liver disease.
• The exact mechanisms driving MAFLD pathogenesis are not fully understood.
• The gut-liver axis is increasingly recognized for its role in MAFLD development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the protective effects of dietary polysaccharides on MAFLD.
• To explore the mechanisms by which polysaccharides interact with the gut microbiota and its metabolites.
• To highlight potential therapeutic strategies for MAFLD based on polysaccharide bioactivity.

Main Methods:

• This is a narrative review synthesizing existing research.
• Focuses on studies investigating polysaccharides from fungal and algal sources.
• Examines the impact of polysaccharides on gut microbiome modulation, gut barrier function, and microbial metabolites.

Main Results:

• Polysaccharides exert beneficial effects on glycometabolism, lipid metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
• Their prebiotic properties modulate gut microbiota composition and function.
• Polysaccharides regulate key microbial metabolites including lipopolysaccharide (LPS), short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and bile acids (BAs).

Conclusions:

• Polysaccharides demonstrate significant potential in preventing and treating MAFLD.
• Their interactions with the gut microbiota and its metabolites are crucial for their protective effects.
• Further research into the molecular mechanisms of polysaccharide bioactivity may yield novel MAFLD therapeutic avenues.