Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for the Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Abstract

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is significantly on the rise, which will seriously affect human health; yet, there is no approved drug for the treatment of NAFLD currently. Recently, more and more studies have demonstrated that intestinal bacteria affect liver function through the gut-liver axis, and that the imbalance of intestinal bacterial composition is essential in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Correcting intestinal bacterial imbalance, therefore, may prevent the development and attenuate the progression of NAFLD. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is considered the most effective method to correct intestinal bacteria imbalance, but its therapeutic role in NAFLD has not been established. Moreover, the potential molecular mechanisms of FMT for NAFLD have not been elucidated. This review paper summarizes the currently available experimental and clinical research results on the therapeutic effects of FMT for NAFLD. In addition, the underlying molecular mechanisms are proposed, which would provide theoretical support for FMT as a useful modality for the treatment of NAFLD.