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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2024 Oct 8;24(1):354.
doi: 10.1186/s12876-024-03424-3.

The effect of probiotic supplementation on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) fibrosis score in patients attending a tertiary hospital clinic in Cairo, Egypt

Alaa Ahmed Abd El Hamid  1 , Azza Emam Mohamed  2 , Manal Sabry Mohamed  2 , Ghada Essam El-Din Amin  1   3 , Hagar Ahmed Ahmed Elessawy  2 , Mohamed Farouk Allam  4
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

The effect of probiotic supplementation on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) fibrosis score in patients attending a tertiary hospital clinic in Cairo, Egypt

Alaa Ahmed Abd El Hamid et al. BMC Gastroenterol. .

Abstract

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by hepatic fat accumulation (> 5% of liver tissue) in the absence of alcohol abuse or other chronic liver diseases. NAFLD can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to assess the efficacy of probiotic (lactobacillus) supplementation on NAFLD fibrosis score.

Methodology: A double-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted in the family medicine clinic of a tertiary hospital, enrolling patients with sonographic evidence of NAFLD. Fifty patients were divided into two groups: the Probiotic group received lifestyle modification instructions along with daily probiotic supplementation for twelve weeks, with regular monthly follow-up visits. The Standard Treatment group received low-fat diet and lifestyle modification instructions only.

Results: The mean age of participants was 46.10 years (SD 10.11), with 70% females and 30% males. The study found a statistically significant difference in liver enzymes (ALT and AST) and BMI in the probiotic group before and after intervention. However, there was no significant difference in NAFLD fibrosis score between the two groups.

Conclusion: Short-term probiotic treatment resulted in improvements in ALT, AST, and BMI in the probiotic group, but did not significantly affect NAFLD fibrosis score. Further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods is warranted.

Trial registration: The clinical trial was registered at Protocol Registration and Results System with number NCT06074094 (12/09/2021).

Keywords: NAFLD fibrosis score; Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis; Probiotics.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

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