Interventions targeting the gut-liver axis: A potential treatment strategy for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

Summary

Your gut bacteria play a crucial role in liver health. When harmful bacteria build up in your gut, they can trigger liver inflammation and fat accumulation, leading to fatty liver disease. Researchers found that simple lifestyle changes like intermittent fasting, eating certain foods that feed good bacteria, and maintaining a healthy diet can restore healthy gut bacteria, strengthen your intestinal barrier, and reduce liver disease. This gut-focused approach could offer new ways to prevent and treat fatty liver disease beyond current treatments.

Background

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a complex condition influenced by genetic and environmental factors. The gut-liver axis represents a crucial communication pathway between gut microbiota and liver function. Gut microbiota dysbiosis contributes significantly to MASLD pathogenesis through transfer of microbial metabolites and inflammatory signals.

Objective

To examine therapeutic strategies targeting the gut-liver axis as a potential treatment approach for MASLD. The paper reviews how modulation of gut microbiota composition and intestinal barrier function may complement existing clinical interventions.

Results

Intermittent fasting (5:2 regimen) achieved 20.5% liver fat reduction within 12 weeks with superior compliance. IL-22 signaling pathway restoration improves MASLD by maintaining intestinal barrier integrity. Microbiota modulation with prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics shows promise in reducing liver inflammation and steatosis.

Conclusion

Comprehensive therapeutic approaches targeting the gut-liver axis offer potential for addressing underlying MASLD mechanisms. Modulation of cytokine signaling and microbiota composition through dietary interventions and targeted therapies represents a novel strategy for MASLD management.
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