Background-aim: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD1) is the most frequent chronic liver disorder worldwide. Currently, no pharmacological treatment has been approved for NAFLD. Probiotics have been suggested as a potential therapy for NAFLD. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the impact of probiotic intake on liver tests, lipids, glycemic parameters and inflammatory markers in NAFLD patients.
Methods: We searched electronic databases using related terms. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effects models. Clinical outcomes were presented as standard mean difference (SMD2) with a 95 % confidence interval (CI3). Publication bias and heterogeneity were evaluated in eligible studies.
Results: Fifteen randomized clinical trials comprising 899 participants were included in our meta-analysis. Probiotic supplementation improved alanine transaminase [SMD -0.796; 95 % CI (-1.419, -0.172); p = 0.012], Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR4) [SMD -0.596; 95 % CI (-1.071, -0.121); p = 0.01] and insulin levels [SMD -1.10; 95 % CI (-2.121, -0.087); p = 0.03]. No significant effects were observed on fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c, aspartate transaminase, lipid profile, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α.
Conclusions: Probiotic intake may improve insulin sensitivity and alanine transaminase in NAFLD patients.
Keywords: Liver; Meta-analysis; Metabolic indices; Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; Probiotics; Steatosis.
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