Effect of Probiotics on Gut-Liver Axis of Alcoholic Liver Disease
Effect of Probiotics on Gut-Liver Axis of Alcoholic Liver Disease
Background/Aims:

 The investigators explored the therapeutic effects of probiotics in patients with AH.

 Methods:

 Between September 2010 and April 2012, the investigators conducted a 7-day,
 double-controlled, randomized, prospective clinical trial comparing the efficacy of
 probiotics in improving liver enzymes, LPS, pro-inflammatory cytokines. AH was defined as an
 aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) > 2 and elevated AST (ALT)
 level with an alcohol consumption history within 48 hours. Patients were randomized to
 receive 7 days of probiotics (1500 mg/day) or placebo. The levels of liver enzymes, modified
 Discriminant Function (mDF), LPS, and pro-inflammatory cytokines were checked at baseline and
 again after therapy.
Background/Aims: Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is one of the leading causes of liver diseases.
 Gut-derived microbial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been known as a central role in the
 pathogenesis of AH. Some animal studies suggested an emerging role of probiotics in
 restoration of the bowel flora and improving liver enzymes. We explored the therapeutic
 effects of probiotics in patients with AH.

 Methods: Between September 2010 and April 2012, we conducted a 7-day, double-controlled,
 randomized, prospective clinical trial comparing the efficacy of probiotics in improving
 liver enzymes, LPS, pro-inflammatory cytokines. AH was defined as an aspartate
 aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) > 2 and elevated AST (ALT) level with
 an alcohol consumption history within 48 hours. Patients were randomized to receive 7 days of
 probiotics (1500 mg/day) or placebo. The levels of liver enzymes, modified Discriminant
 Function (mDF), LPS, and pro-inflammatory cytokines were checked at baseline and again after
 therapy.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Alcoholic Hepatitis

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Cancer

 -  Viral Hepatitis, other Hepatitis