Profermin®: Prevention of Progression in Alcoholic Liver Disease by Modulating Dysbiotic Microbiota

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Chronic alcohol overuse is associated with increased gut permeability and in addition, the intestinal microbiota changes qualitatively (dysbiosis) and quantitatively (bacterial overgrowth) in alcoholic liver disease in favour of a microbiota with increased invasive potential. As a consequence, an in...

Chronic alcohol overuse is associated with increased gut permeability and in addition, the intestinal microbiota changes qualitatively (dysbiosis) and quantitatively (bacterial overgrowth) in alcoholic liver disease in favour of a microbiota with increased invasive potential. As a consequence, an increased load of bacterial products is transported to the liver leading to inflammation and fibrogenesis. This cross talk between the intestinal microbiota and the liver constitute a gut-liver axis, which is increasingly recognized as key mechanism in the progression of liver disease and pathogenesis of liver related complications. The investigators hypothesize that the gut microbiota and its metabolites are major drivers of fibrosis in human liver disease and that modulating the intestinal flora by Profermin® (a food for special medical purposes) will modulate the alcohol related dysbiotic signatures in the microbiota which may halter disease progression by reducing activity of hepatic stellate cells. Dietary supplements that alter the microbiome towards a more beneficent type may improve liver inflammation and thus be a better alternative than supplements that simply add nutrients. Investigators expect that the trial will provide proof-of-concept for a sustainable dietary strategy in liver fibrosis.

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