Intestinal permeability and an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine are both associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). These findings are revealed in a new study in the June issue of Hepatology, a journal published by John Wiley & Sons on behalf of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD).
Previous studies have suggested that bacteria from the intestine might play a role in NAFLD, which is the hepatic component of the Metabolic Syndrome. NAFLD can worsen to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and some experts have wondered if liver exposure to bacteria from the gut could promote this progression.
Researchers, led by Antonio Grieco of Rome , investigated gut permeability in patients with NAFLD and compared the results to patients with untreated celiac disease, who are known to be prone to this condition, and to healthy volunteers.
Previous studies have suggested that bacteria from the intestine might play a role in NAFLD, which is the hepatic component of the Metabolic Syndrome. NAFLD can worsen to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and some experts have wondered if liver exposure to bacteria from the gut could promote this progression.
Researchers, led by Antonio Grieco of Rome , investigated gut permeability in patients with NAFLD and compared the results to patients with untreated celiac disease, who are known to be prone to this condition, and to healthy volunteers.
