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Gut microbial signatures associated with the Indian lean MASLD phenotype
1Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, Punjab, India.
Frontiers in Nutrition
|October 10, 2025
Summary
Indian lean Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) shows unique gut microbial changes, including decreased beneficial bacteria and increased harmful bacteria. These shifts are linked to diet and genetics, impacting gut health and disease development.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Microbiome Research
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Lean Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) presents a unique challenge in India, affecting individuals with normal Body Mass Index (BMI).
- This phenotype is often described as 'metabolically obese normal weight', indicating metabolic dysregulation despite a healthy weight.
- Understanding the specific gut microbial signatures associated with lean MASLD in the Indian population is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate the distinct gut microbial signatures characterizing lean MASLD in India.
- To differentiate these signatures from those observed in obese MASLD.
- To explore the contributing factors and diagnostic potential of these microbial alterations.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on gut microbiota in lean MASLD within the Indian context.
- Analysis of key bacterial taxa showing significant alterations (decreases and increases).
- Correlation of microbial dysbiosis with dietary patterns, metabolic factors, and genetic predispositions.
Main Results:
- Significant reductions in beneficial bacteria such as *Faecalibacterium* (esp. *F. prausnitzii*), *Ruminococcus*, *Lactobacillus*, *Lachnospira*, and *Subdoligranulum*.
- A notable increase in pro-inflammatory *Escherichia-Shigella* species.
- Dysbiosis is linked to low-fiber diets, visceral obesity, insulin resistance, and the PNPLA3 rs738409 polymorphism.
Conclusions:
- The gut microbiome in Indian lean MASLD is characterized by a specific dysbiotic pattern, distinct from obese MASLD.
- Microbial shifts contribute to disease pathogenesis by impairing gut barrier function and promoting inflammation.
- A combination signature of increased *Escherichia-Shigella* and decreased *Lachnospira/Subdoligranulum* shows high diagnostic accuracy for lean MASLD in India, suggesting a need for tailored management strategies.
