title: Bifidobacterium longum with Fructo-Oligosaccharides in Patients with Non Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Effects of Probiotic and Prebiotic Supplementation on Leptin, Adiponectin, and Glycemic Parameters in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial [Efficacy of probiotics on the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease]. A Multi-strain Probiotic Reduces the Fatty Liver Index, Cytokines and Aminotransferase levels in NAFLD Patients: Evidence from a Randomized Clinical Trial. Probiotic Soy Milk Consumption and Renal Function Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Nephropathy: a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial Synbiotic supplementation in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Effect of a Probiotic and Metformin on Liver Aminotransferases in Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis: A Double Blind Randomized Clinical Trial Ultrasound scanning in the detection of hepatic fibrosis and steatosis. Do symbiotic and Vitamin E supplementation have favorite effects in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease? A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial Treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis with probiotics. A proof-of-concept study. Effect of a probiotic on liver aminotransferases in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease patients: a double blind randomized clinical trial. The Effect of Symbiotic Supplementation on Liver Enzymes, C-reactive Protein and Ultrasound Findings in Patients with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Clinical Trial Effects of Probiotics on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Obese Children and Adolescents Randomised clinical trial: the beneficial effects of VSL#3 in obese children with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis Influence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease on the development of diabetes mellitus. Synbiotic supplementation in lean patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a pilot, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial.
abstract: Background Increased exposure to intestinal bacterial products may contribute to the pathogenesis of non alcoholic steatohepatitis ( NASH ) . Bifidobacteria are predominant bacterial species in the human gut microbiota and have been considered to exert a beneficial effect on human health by maintaining the equilibrium of the resident microbiota . Aims To evaluate the effects of Bifidobacterium longum with fructo-oligosaccharides ( Fos ) in the treatment of NASH . Methods A total of 66 patients were r and omly and equally divided into two groups receiving Bifidobacterium longum with Fos and lifestyle modification ( i.e. , diet and exercise ) versus lifestyle modification alone . The following variables were assessed at −4 ( beginning of the dietary lead-in period ) , 0 ( r and omization ) , 6 , 12 , 18 , and 24 weeks : aspartate transaminase ( AST ) , alanine transaminase ( ALT ) , bilirubin , albumin , total cholesterol , high-density lipoprotein ( HDL ) cholesterol , low-density lipoprotein ( LDL ) cholesterol , triglycerides , fasting plasma glucose , insulin , C-peptide , C-reactive protein ( CRP ) , tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α , homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance ( HOMA-IR ) , and serum endotoxins . Liver biopsies were performed at entry and repeated after 24 weeks of treatment . Results At the end of study period , we observed that the Bifidobacterium longum with Fos and lifestyle modification group versus the lifestyle modification alone group showed significant differences in the AST −69.6 versus −45.9 IU/mL ( P < 0.05 ) , LDL cholesterol −0.84 versus −0.18 mmol/L ( P < 0.001 ) , CRP −2.9 versus −0.7 mg/L ( P < 0.05 ) , TNF-α −0.45 versus −0.12 ng/mL ( P < 0.001 ) , HOMA-IR −1.1 versus −0.6 ( P < 0.001 ) , serum endotoxin −45.2 versus −30.6 pg/mL ( P < 0.001 ) , steatosis ( P < 0.05 ) , and the NASH activity index ( P < 0.05 ) . Conclusions Bifidobacterium longum with Fos and lifestyle modification , when compared to lifestyle modification alone , significantly reduces TNF-α , CRP , serum AST levels , HOMA-IR , serum endotoxin , steatosis , and the NASH activity index BACKGROUND According to previous studies , probiotic and prebiotic supplementation have desirable effects on glycemic parameters . Thus far , the effect of supplementation on the glycemic parameters and adipokines in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease ( NAFLD ) has not been assessed . Therefore , the aim of this study was to determine the effects of supplementation with probiotic and prebiotic on adiokines and glycemic parameters in the patients with NAFLD . METHODS In the present r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled trial , 89 patients with NAFLD were r and omly divided into three groups to receive one probiotic capsule + 16 g/d maltodextrin ( probiotic group ) or 16 g/d oligofructose powder + one placebo capsule ( prebiotic group ) , and one placebo capsule + 16 g/d maltodextrin ( control group ) for 12 weeks . All the subjects in the study were advised to follow the weight loss diet and physical activity recommendations during the intervention . Fasting blood sample s were taken at baseline and after the intervention to measure leptin , adiponectin , insulin , and fasting blood sugar . RESULTS At the end of the study , serum concentrations of leptin , insulin , and HOMA-IR decreased significantly in the probiotic and prebiotic groups compared with the control group . Despite the changes within the groups , serum concentrations of adiponectin did not change significantly between the three groups . Also , fasting blood sugar did not change between the groups , but decreased in the prebiotic group . Quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index ( QUICKI ) increased significantly in probiotic and prebiotic groups compared with the control group . CONCLUSION Probiotic and prebiotic supplementation along with lifestyle intervention has a favorable impact on glycemic parameters and leptin levels compared with lifestyle intervention alone Objective : To study the clinical effect of probiotics in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease ( NAFLD ) . Methods : A total of 200 patients with NAFLD were r and omly divided into 4 groups : control group ( routine treatment group ) and combined treatment group A , B and C. Each group had equal patients . The control group received orally polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules ; whereas combined group A , B and C were given orally the live " combined Bifidobacterium Lactobacillus and Enterococcus powder " , " two live combined Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus " , and the both probiotics respectively . The duration of treatment was 1 month . Laboratory parameters were evaluated before treatment and thirtieth day after treatment , including cholesterol ( TC ) , triglyceride ( TG ) , high density lipoprotein cholesterol ( HDL-C ) , low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C ) , alanine aminotransferase(ALT ) , aspartate aminotransferase ( AST ) , fasting blood glucose ( FPG ) , serum high molecular weight adiponectin ( HMW-APN ) and serum TNFα . Meanwhile the faece sample was collected for routine test and bacterial culture . Liver ultrasound scan was done in all patients . Results : In terms of blood lipids and blood glucose , each group improved after treatment with significant differences ( P<0.05 ) except for HDL-C. As for liver function , serum ALT and AST decreased after treatment in each group ; especially in combined group C which were lower than those of control group [ ( 33.7±7.6 ) U/L vs. ( 45.0±8.5 ) U/L ; ( 22.0±1.6 ) U/L vs. ( 29.4±3.7 ) U/L ; P<0.05 ] . TNFα levels decreased after treatment in each group , in addition the values in combined group C was significantly lower than that of control group[(0.51±0.27 ) µg/L vs. ( 0.82±0.28 ) µg/L , P<0.05 ] . Serum HMW-APN increased after treatment in each group , and the HMW-APN in combined C group was significantly higher than that of control group[(9.28±3.72 ) µg/L vs. (7.87±3.96)µg/L , P<0.05 ] . ( 5 ) After treatment , all groups showed improvement of fatty liver by ultrasound , but the difference between groups was not statistically significant . ( 6 ) Compared with before treatment , fecal flora in combined groups was all reduced ( P<0.01 ) , but it was comparable before and after treatment in control group . Conclusions : Probiotics improve intestinal microecological system in NAFLD patients via inhibiting TNFα and enhancing adiponectin , possibly result ing in regulating blood glucose , lipid metabolism , and protecting liver injury from NAFLD BACKGROUND Probiotics have a beneficial effect on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease ( NAFLD ) in animal models . R and omized placebo-controlled trials ( RCTs ) in NAFLD are still lacking in humans despite a large number of data from animal research . AIM We performed a double-blind single center RCT of live multi-strain probiotic vs. placebo in type 2 diabetes patients with NAFLD . METHODS A total of 58 patients met the criteria for inclusion . They were r and omly assigned to receive the multi-probiotic " Symbiter " ( concentrated biomass of 14 probiotic bacteria genera Bifidobacterium , Lactobacillus , Lactococcus , Propionibacterium ) or placebo for 8-weeks administered as a sachet formulation in double-blind treatment . The primary main outcomes were the changes in fatty liver index ( FLI ) and liver stiffness ( LS ) measured by Shear Wave Elastography ( SWE ) . Secondary outcomes were the changes in aminotransferase activity , serum lipids and cytokines ( TNF-α , IL-1β , IL-6 , IL-8 , and IFN-γ ) levels . Analysis of covariance was used to assess the difference between groups . RESULTS In the probiotic group , FLI significantly decreased from 84.33+/-2.23 to 78.73+/-2.58 ( p<0.001 ) but it did not change in the placebo group ( 82.57+/-2.45 to 81.6 + /-2.36 ; p=0.367 ) . In both groups a slight but not significant reduction of LS measured by SWE was detected . Analysis of the secondary outcomes showed that probiotics reduced the level of serum AST and GGT . Among the markers of chronic systemic inflammatory state , only TNF-α and IL-6 levels changed significantly after the treatment with the probiotic . CONCLUSION The probiotic " Symbiter "  reduces liver fat , aminotransferase activity , and the TNF-α and IL-6 levels in NAFLD patients . Modulation of the gut microbiota might represent a new therapy for NAFLD , which should be tested in larger studies Diabetic nephropathy ( DN ) is one the most important complications of diabetes leading to end-stage renal disease . Dietary approaches have been considered to control of the kidney function deterioration among these patients . The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of fortified soy milk with Lactobacillus plantarum A7 on renal function biomarkers in type 2 DN patients . Forty-eight DN subjects were attended to this parallel r and omized trial study . Participants were r and omly assigned to consume a diet containing 200 mL/day probiotic soy milk in intervention group or soy milk in the control condition for 8 weeks . An inflammatory adipokine — Progranulin ( PGRN ) , a cytokine receptor-soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 ( sTNFR1 ) , and serum levels of Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin ( NGAL ) and cystatin C ( Cys-C ) as the new renal function biomarkers were measured after 8 weeks of intervention according to the st and ard protocol . Our analysis showed that consumption of probiotic soy milk result ed in a significant reduction in the Cys-C and PGRN levels compared with the soy milk ( P = 0.01 ) in the final adjusted model . In addition , after adjustment for age , weight , and energy intake , a marginally significant in the NGAL level was seen between two groups ( P = 0.05 ) . However , there was no significant differences on the sTNFR1concenteration between two groups ( P = 0.06 ) . Overall , intake of probiotic soy milk may have a beneficial effect on the renal function in patients with DN BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease ( NAFLD ) is the most common chronic liver disease in the world . Oral administration of synbiotic has been proposed as an effective treatment of NAFLD because of its modulating effect on the gut flora , which can influence the gut-liver axis . OBJECTIVE The objective was to evaluate the effects of supplementation with synbiotic on hepatic fibrosis , liver enzymes , and inflammatory markers in patients with NAFLD . DESIGN In a r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted as a pilot study , 52 patients with NAFLD were supplemented twice daily for 28 wk with either a synbiotic or a placebo capsule . Both groups were advised to follow an energy-balanced diet and physical activity recommendations . RESULTS At the end of the study , the alanine aminotransferase ( ALT ) concentration decreased in both groups ; this reduction was significantly greater in the synbiotic group . At the end of the study , the following significant differences [ means ( 95 % CIs ) ] were seen between the synbiotic and placebo groups , respectively : ALT [ -25.1 ( -26.2 , -24 ) compared with -7.29 ( -9.5 , -5.1 ) IU/L ; P < 0.001 ] , aspartate aminotransferase [ -31.33 ( -32.1 , -30.5 ) compared with -7.94 ( -11.1 , -4.8 ) IU/L ; P < 0.001 ] , γ-glutamyltransferase [ -15.08 ( -15.5 , -14.7 ) compared with -5.21 ( -6.6 , -3.9 ) IU/L ; P < 0.001 ] , high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [ -2.3 ( -3 , -1.5 ) compared with -1.04 ( -1.5 , -0.6 ) mmol/L ; P < 0.05 ] , tumor necrosis factor-α [ -1.4 ( -1.7 , -1.1 ) compared with -0.59 ( -0.8 , -0.3 ) mmol/L ; P < 0.001 ] , total nuclear factor κ-B p65 [ -0.016 ( -0.022 , -0.011 ) compared with 0.001 ( -0.004 , -0.007 ) mmol/L ; P < 0.001 ] , and fibrosis score as determined by transient elastography [ - 2.98 ( -3.6 , -2.37 ) compared with -0.77 ( -1.32 , -0.22 ) kPa ; P < 0.001 ] . CONCLUSIONS Synbiotic supplementation in addition to lifestyle modification is superior to lifestyle modification alone for the treatment of NAFLD , at least partially through attenuation of inflammatory markers in the body . Whether these effects will be sustained with longer treatment duration s remains to be determined Background : Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis ( NASH ) is a clinicopathological entity that is being recognized more frequently in recent years . This study aim ed to evaluate the effects of Metformin , with and without a probiotic supplement on liver aminotransferases in patients with NASH . Methods : Sixty four patients 18 - 75 years with NASH confirmed by biopsy and histological assessment were enrolled to study . Patients were r and omized to one of the following treatments for 6 months : Group I , probiotic ( Protexin two tablets per day ) plus Metformin 500 mg two tablets per day ( Met/Pro ) , or group II , Metformin 500 mg two tablets per day plus two placebo tablet ( Met/P ) . After 6 month alanine aminotransferase ( ALT ) , aspartate aminotransferase , and ultrasound grading of NASH were assessed . Results : In group I , serum alanine aminotransferase ( ALT : 133.7 ± 70 vs. 45.2 ± 32.5 ; P < 0.00 ) , and aspartate aminotransferase activity ( AST : 123.1 ± 72 vs. 44.2 ± 33.9 ; P < 0.001 ) , and ultrasound grading of NASH ( P < 0.001 ) all decreased significantly by the end of the treatment period . In group II , while serum alanine aminotransferase ( ALT ) was not significantly reduced ( 118.4 ± 67.9 vs. 112.5 ± 68.7 ; P < 0.064 ) , aspartate aminotransferase activity ( AST : 125.3 ± 71 vs. 113.4 ± 71 ; P < 0.001 ) , and ultrasound grading of NASH did fall significantly ( P < 0.01 ) . Body mass index ( BMI ) , fasting blood sugar ( FBS ) , cholesterol , and triglyceride fell significantly in both groups . Conclusions : Probiotic combination with Metformin improves liver aminotransferases better than metformin alone in patients with NASH Hepatic steatosis and fibrosis produce abnormal echo patterns on ultrasound scanning , but the potential of ultrasound scanning for diagnosing these conditions in routine clinical practice is uncertain . A prospect i ve comparative study of 85 patients with histologically assessed liver conditions was performed , and specificity was assessed in 76 patients with functional bowel disease who were presumed to have normal livers . Histological examination showed steatosis ranging from mild to severe in 48 patients and fibrosis ranging from increased fibrous tissue to established cirrhosis in 35 patients . Ultrasound scanning accurately identified steatosis , recognising 45 cases ( sensitivity 94 % ) with a specificity of 84 % . Fibrosis was less reliably detected ( sensitivity 57 % and specificity 88 % ) . Of the 50 patients with alcoholic liver disease , 47 ( 94 % ) yielded abnormal results on scanning . In the 76 patients with functional bowel disease there was only one false positive result , giving a specificity of 99 % in this group . As hepatic steatosis is the earliest change in alcoholic liver disease and seems to be of prognostic importance for the development of cirrhosis , ultrasound scanning provides an effective screening procedure , particularly in the occult alcoholic , who often presents with non-specific gastrointestinal complaints Background : Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease ( NAFLD ) is the most common chronic liver disease in the world . Oral administration of symbiotic and Vitamin E has been proposed as an effective treatment in NAFLD patients . This study was carried out to assess the effects of symbiotic and /or Vitamin E supplementation on liver enzymes , leptin , lipid profile , and some parameters of insulin resistance ( IR ) in NAFLD patients . Material s and Methods : We r and omly assigned sixty NAFLD adult patients to receive ( 1 ) symbiotic twice daily + Vitamin E-like placebo capsule ; ( 2 ) 400 IU/d Vitamin E + symbiotic-like placebo ; ( 3 ) symbiotic twice daily + 400 IU/d Vitamin E ; and ( 4 ) symbiotic-like placebo + Vitamin E-like placebo for 8 weeks . Results : Symbiotic plus Vitamin E supplementation led to a significant decrease in concentrations of liver transaminase ( P ≤ 0.05 ) . Mean difference of apolipoprotein A-1 was more significant in symbiotic group compared to control . However , mean difference of apolipoprotein B100/A-1 was only significant in symbiotic group compared to control . At the end of the study , significant differences in total cholesterol ( TC ) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C ) were seen between the symbiotic plus Vitamin E and control groups ( P < 0.001 ) . Furthermore , intake of symbiotic plus Vitamin E supplements led to a significant decrease in concentrations of triglycerides ( TG ) after the intervention . Significant differences in leptin , fasting blood sugar ( FBS ) , and insulin levels were seen between the symbiotic plus Vitamin E and control groups at the end of the study ( P < 0.001 ) . In contrast , symbiotic and /or Vitamin E supplementation did not affect high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and homeostasis model assessment for IR levels . Conclusion : In our study , symbiotic plus Vitamin E supplementation was the most effective treatment in lowering liver enzymes , leptin , FBS , insulin , TG , TC , and LDL-C among NAFLD patients BACKGROUND Probiotics have profound effect on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis ( NASH ) in animal models . We aim ed to test the hypothesis that probiotics treatment was superior to usual care in reducing liver fat in NASH patients . MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients with histology-proven NASH were r and omized to receive probiotics ( n = 10 ) or usual care ( n = 10 ) for 6 months . The Lepicol probiotic formula contained Lactobacillus plantarum , Lactobacillus deslbrueckii , Lactobacillus acidophilus , Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium bifidum . The primary endpoint was change in intrahepatic triglyceride content ( IHTG ) , as measured by proton-magnetic resonance spectroscopy , from baseline to month 6 . Secondary endpoints included changes in liver biochemistry and metabolic profile . RESULTS IHTG decreased from 22.6 ± 8.2 % to 14.9 ± 7.0 % in the probiotic group ( P = 0.034 ) but remained static in the usual care group ( 16.9 ± 6.1 % to 16.0 ± 6.6 % ; P = 0.55 ) . Six subjects in the probiotic group had IHTG reduced by more than 30 % from baseline , compared to 2 subjects in the usual care group ( P = 0.17 ) . The probiotic group also had greater reduction in serum aspartate aminotransferase level ( P = 0.008 ) . On the other h and , the use of probiotics was not associated with changes in body mass index , waist circumference , glucose and lipid levels . CONCLUSIONS Probiotics treatment may reduce liver fat and AST level in NASH patients . The therapeutic potential of probiotics in NASH should be tested in larger studies OBJECTIVE The present pilot trial was carried out to evaluate the effects of an acute treatment with a mixture containing 500 million of Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus per day in patients with non alcoholic fatty liver disease ( NAFLD ) . RESEARCH METHODS A sample of 30 patients with NAFLD ( diagnosed by liver biopsy ) was enrolled and 28 patients were analyzed in a double blind r and omized clinical trial . Patients were r and omized to one of the following treatments during 3 months : group I , treated with one tablet per day with 500 million of Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus and group II , treated with one placebo tablet ( 120 mg of starch ) . RESULTS In group I , alanine amino transferase ( ALT : 67.7 + /- 25.1 vs. 60.4 + /- 30.4 UI/L ; p < 0.05 ) , aspartate aminotransferase activity ( AST : 41.3 + /- 15.5 vs. 35.6 + /- 10.4 UI/L ; p < 0.05 ) and gammaglutamine transferase levels ( gammaGT : 118.2 + /- 63.1 vs. 107.7 + /- 60.8 UI/L ; p < 0.05 ) decreased . In group II , all liver function parameters remained unchanged ( ALT : 60.7 + /- 32.1 vs. 64.8 + /- 35.5 UI/L ; p < 0.05 ) , aspartate aminotransferase activity ( AST : 31.7 + /- 13.1 vs. 36.4 + /- 13.8 UI/L ; ns ) and gammaglutamine transferase levels ( gammaGT : 82.1 + /- 55.1 vs. 83.6 + /- 65.3 UI/L ; ns ) . Anthropometric parameters and cardiovascular risk factors remained unchanged after treatment in both groups . CONCLUSION A tablet of 500 million of Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus , with a r and omized clinical design , improved liver aminotransferases levels in patients with NAFLD Background : Regarding to the growing prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease ( NAFLD ) , concentrating on various strategies to its prevention and management seems necessary . The aim of this study was to determine the effects of symbiotic on C-reactive protein ( CRP ) , liver enzymes , and ultrasound findings in patients with NAFLD . Methods : Eighty NAFLD patients were enrolled in this r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled clinical trial . Participants received symbiotic in form of a 500 mg capsule ( containing seven species of probiotic bacteria and fructooligosaccharides ) or a placebo capsule daily for 8 weeks . Ultrasound grading , CRP , and liver enzymes were evaluated at the baseline and the end of the study . Results : In the symbiotic group , ultrasound grade decreased significantly compared to baseline ( P < 0.005 ) but symbiotic supplementation was not associated with changes in alanine aminotransferase ( ALT ) and aspartate transaminase ( AST ) levels . In the placebo group , there was no significant change in steatosis grade whereas ALT and AST levels were significantly increased ( P = 0.002 , P = 0.02 , respectively ) . CRP values remained static in either group . Conclusions : Symbiotic supplementation improved steatosis  in NAFLD patients and might be useful in the management of NAFLD or protective against its progression Objectives : This study aims to evaluate the effects of some probiotics on sonographic and biochemical nonalcoholic fatty liver disease ( NAFLD ) . Methods : This r and omized triple-blind trial was conducted among 64 obese children with sonographic NAFLD . They were r and omly allocated to receive probiotic capsule ( containing Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC B3208 , 3 × 109 colony forming units [ CFU ] ; Bifidobacterium lactis DSMZ 32269 , 6 × 109 CFU ; Bifidobacterium bifidum ATCC SD6576 , 2 × 109 CFU ; Lactobacillus rhamnosus DSMZ 21690 , 2 × 109 CFU ) or placebo for 12 weeks . Results : After intervention , in the probiotic group the mean levels of alanine aminotransferase decreased from 32.8 ( 19.6 ) to 23.1 ( 9.9 ) U/L ( P = 0.02 ) and mean aspartate aminotransferase decreased from 32.2 ( 15.7 ) to 24.3 ( 7.7 ) U/L ( P = 0.02 ) . Likewise the mean cholesterol , low-density lipoprotein-C , and triglycerides as well as waist circumference decreased in the intervention group , without significant change in weight , body mass index , and body mass index z score . After the trial , normal liver sonography was reported in 17 ( 53.1 % ) and 5 ( 16.5 % ) of patients in the intervention and placebo groups , respectively . Conclusions : The present findings suggest that a course of the abovementioned probiotic compound can be effective in improving pediatric NAFLD Gut microbiota modifiers may have beneficial effects of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease ( NAFLD ) but r and omised controlled trials ( RCT ) are lacking in children BACKGROUND AND AIM Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease ( NAFLD ) is linked to metabolic syndrome , and is known to be associated with impaired fasting glycemia and diabetes mellitus . This prospect i ve community-based study was conducted to determine the association between NAFLD and incidence of diabetes mellitus  in an urban adult population in Sri Lanka . METHODS Participants of the Ragama Health Study cohort were assessed for NAFLD using established ultrasound criteria in 2007 . Those who were free of diabetes at baseline were followed up for 3 years . Incidence rates of diabetes mellitus were compared between subjects with and without NAFLD at baseline . RESULTS Out of 2984 subjects , 926 had NAFLD and 676 had diabetes in 2007 . Of the 2276 subjects who were free of diabetes in 2007 , 1914 were re-assessed in 2010 . After 3 years , 104 out of 528 subjects with NAFLD and 138 out of 1314 subjects without NAFLD had developed diabetes mellitus de novo . Incidence rates of diabetes were respectively 64.2 and 34 per 1000 person-years of follow up for those with and without NAFLD . NAFLD was an independent predictor of developing diabetes mellitus . Other independent predictors were impaired fasting glycemia and dyslipidemia . CONCLUSIONS Subjects with ultrasonically diagnosed NAFLD have an increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus . Intervention for NAFLD through lifestyle modification may prevent progression of the current diabetes epidemic Although non-alcoholic fatty liver disease ( NAFLD ) is the leading aetiology of liver disorders in the world , there is no proven treatment for NAFLD patients with normal or low BMI . The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of synbiotics supplementation in NAFLD patients with normal or low BMI . In this r and omised , double-blind , placebo-controlled , clinical trial , fifty patients with NAFLD were assigned to take either a synbiotic supplement or a placebo capsule for 28 weeks . Both groups were advised to follow a healthy lifestyle . At the end of the study , hepatic steatosis and fibrosis reduced in both groups ; however , the mean reduction was significantly greater in the synbiotic group rather than in the placebo group ( P<0·001 ) . Furthermore , serum levels of fasting blood sugar , TAG and most of the inflammatory mediators reduced in the synbiotic group significantly compared with the placebo group ( P<0·05 ) . Our results provide evidence that synbiotic supplementation improves the main features of NAFLD in patients with normal and low BMI , at least partially through reduction in inflammatory indices . Further studies are needed to address the exact mechanism of action of these effects
target: Conclusion We present clear evidence for the benefit of probiotics and synbiotics supplementation  for liver steatosis , liver enzymes , lipid profiles and liver stiffness in patients with NAFLD
background: Background and Aim Extensive epidemiological evidence suggests that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease ( NAFLD ) is the primary chronic liver disease worldwide .
  However , some studies have showed conflicting results on the effects of probiotics and synbiotics supplementation .
  Therefore , we conducted a systematic review and meta- analysis to investigate the effectiveness of the supplementation in subjects with NAFLD .