FEATURES OF THE GUT MICROBIOME IN PATIENTS WITH NONALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11603/1681-2727.2024.4.14972Keywords:
NAFLD, gut microbiome, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Akkermansia muciniphilaAbstract
The aim – to assess the composition of the gut microbiome in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and determine its role in the development and progression of the disease.
Patients and Methods. The study involved 152 patients with NAFLD (mean age 46.5±0.89 years) who were examined at several medical centers. The control group consisted of 150 patients without liver pathology (mean age 48.36±0.97 years). NAFLD was diagnosed using liver ultrasound, evaluation of the hepatorenal index, and identification of cardiometabolic risk factors. The composition of the gut microbiome was analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), focusing on Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Bacteroides, and Akkermansia muciniphila.
Results. Patients with NAFLD exhibited significantly increased levels of Firmicutes (50.30±2.46 %) and Actinobacteria (15.34±2.87 %) compared to the control group (25.17±1.51 % and 10.90±1.87 %, respectively). The Firmicutes/Bacteroides index was substantially higher in NAFLD patients (5.02±2.61 vs. 2.10±1.74). The presence of Akkermansia muciniphila was notably lower in NAFLD patients (33 %) compared to the control group (63 %).
Correlation analysis revealed a positive relationship between Actinobacteria levels and the Firmicutes/Bacteroides index (r=0.75, p≤0.05), as well as between the F/B index and blood triglyceride levels (r=0.68, p≤0.05). A negative correlation was found between the presence of Akkermansia muciniphila and diagnosed NAFLD (r=-0.69, p≤0.05).
Conclusions. Patients with NAFLD exhibit significant alterations in the composition of the gut microbiome. Increased levels of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, a higher Firmicutes/Bacteroides index, and decreased levels of Akkermansia muciniphila indicate impaired gut barrier function. Akkermansia muciniphila exerts a protective effect, suggesting potential for probiotic therapy to restore a healthy microbiome and prevent NAFLD progression.
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