Could Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Improve Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease?

In a pilot study, insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis were not improved, but small intestinal permeability was reduced.

Dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota has been associated with poor liver-related outcomes in patients with cirrhosis (NEJM JW Gastroenterol Apr 2018 and Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019 Mar; 17:756.). Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been used to alter the gut microbiome and might have the potential to improve liver disease.

In a randomized pilot study, investigators assessed whether FMT improves liver-related and metabolic outcomes in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Outcomes assessed were insulin resistance (primary endpoint; assessed using HOMA-IR score), hepatic steatosis (measured by proton density fat fraction on MRI), and intestinal permeability (measured via the lactulose:mannitol urine test).

Twenty-…

Reviewing Author

Atif Zaman, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Atif Zaman, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Could Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Improve Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease?

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Reviewing Author