Subgroup analysis suggested the existence of liver disease at baseline , synbiotics supplementation and duration of supplementation ≥ 8 weeks result ed in more pronounced improvement in liver function enzymes than their counterparts .
Conclusions Probiotics and synbiotics may be suggested as supplements to improve serum concentration of liver enzymes , especially when synbiotics administered for a period ≥ 8 weeks and in individuals with liver disease
Purpose The gut – liver interaction suggests that modification of gut bacterial flora using probiotics and synbiotics may improve liver function .
This systematic review and meta- analysis aim ed to clarify the effect of probiotics and synbiotics consumption on the serum concentration of liver function enzymes .
Synbiotic modulation of gut flora: effect on minimal hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis.
Minimal hepatic encephalopathy ( MHE ) is an important disorder that may seriously impair daily functioning and quality of life in patients with cirrhosis . Treatment with lactulose is of benefit . The possible role of synbiotics ( probiotics and fermentable fiber ) has not been assessed . We screened 97 consecutive cirrhotic patients without overt hepatic encephalopathy for MHE using the number connection test and measurement of brainstem auditory evoked potentials . MHE , defined by abnormality on at least one test modality , was present in 58 ( 60 % ) patients . Fifty-five of these patients with MHE were r and omized to receive a synbiotic preparation ( n = 20 ) , fermentable fiber alone ( n = 20 ) , or placebo ( n = 15 ) for 30 days . Cirrhotic patients with MHE were found to have substantial derangements in the gut microecology , with significant fecal overgrowth of potentially pathogenic Escherichia coli and Staphylococcal species . Synbiotic treatment significantly increased the fecal content of non-urease-producing Lactobacillus species at the expense of these other bacterial species . Such modulation of the gut flora was associated with a significant reduction in blood ammonia levels and reversal of MHE in 50 % of patients . Synbiotic treatment was also associated with a significant reduction in endotoxemia . The Child-Turcotte-Pugh functional class improved in nearly 50 % of cases . Treatment with fermentable fiber alone was also of benefit in a substantial proportion of patients . In conclusion , treatment with synbiotics or fermentable fiber is an alternative to lactulose for the management of MHE in patients with cirrhosis
Subgroup analysis suggested the existence of liver disease at baseline , synbiotics supplementation and duration of supplementation ≥ 8 weeks result ed in more pronounced improvement in liver function enzymes than their counterparts .
Conclusions Probiotics and synbiotics may be suggested as supplements to improve serum concentration of liver enzymes , especially when synbiotics administered for a period ≥ 8 weeks and in individuals with liver disease
Purpose The gut – liver interaction suggests that modification of gut bacterial flora using probiotics and synbiotics may improve liver function .
This systematic review and meta- analysis aim ed to clarify the effect of probiotics and synbiotics consumption on the serum concentration of liver function enzymes .