Ileal Bile Acid Transporter Inhibitor Improves Hepatic Steatosis by Ameliorating Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in NAFLD Model Mice
Masahiro Matsui, Shinya Fukunishi, Takashi Nakano, Takaaki Ueno, Kazuhide Higuchi, Akira Asai
Abstract
NAFLD is an increasingly recognized condition that may progress to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, and community surveys have assessed that the prevalence is 14 to 32% worldwide. The first line of treatment for NAFLD is lifestyle modification to achieve weight reduction, particularly through diet and exercise. However, weight reduction is difficult to achieve and maintain, and pharmacological agents approved for the treatment of NAFLD are lacking. This study investigated the influence of the gut microbiota and the effect of an IBATi on NAFLD using a murine model. Treatment with IBATi significantly improved NAFLD in HFD mice. Further, fecal microbiome transplantation using stool from HFD plus IBATi mice prevented hepatic steatosis caused by HFD. Our study makes a significant contribution to the literature because the study findings suggest a potential treatment strategy for NAFLD patients by ameliorating gut microbiota dysbiosis.