Share:
Researchers probiotics help against cirrhosis
Cirrhosis of the liver (shrinking liver) is detectable in the end stage of many chronic liver diseases. The scarring of the tissue massively affects the function of the organ and the body is no longer able to adequately detoxify itself. It threatens a hepatic encephalopathy (impairment of the brain by the accumulation of toxins) or even a so-called liver coma. Healing is not possible with liver cirrhosis. However, researchers at the Medical University of Graz have now successfully tested the use of a probiotic for the treatment of liver cirrhosis.
"At the University of Graz, a probiotic was identified as a new treatment option for cirrhosis of the liver," according to the University's announcement. The tested probiotic improves liver function and forms a promising carrier for the treatment of liver cirrhosis. For the first time, the scientists were able to "show that the administration of a probiotic can significantly improve the liver function of liver cirrhosis patients," reports the Medical University of Graz. The current research results are attracting international attention, as in the treatment of cirrhosis so far only a relief of the symptoms, but no improvement in liver function was possible.
The impaired liver function in liver cirrhosis can be improved again by probiotics. (Image: ag visual / fotolia.com) Alcohol abuse is the most common cause of liver cirrhosis
"The dreaded cirrhosis of the liver is often the final stage of chronic liver disease, with alcoholic cirrhosis being the most common form in the industrialized nations," according to a report by the University of Graz. Most cirrhosis of the liver develops over a period of several years to decades, although faster courses of a few months may occur. In addition to alcohol abuse, viral infections are the most common causes of disease in Europe. The inflammation of the liver cells caused a scarred remodeling of the liver with subsequent functional impairment, explains the study director Prof. Dr. med. Vanessa Stadlbauer-Köllner from the Clinical Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology of the University of Graz. As central symptoms of liver cirrhosis the expert mentions performance reduction, fatigue and lack of concentration, these symptoms are usually perceived only at a late stage.
Improvement of liver function
The impairments of liver function in cirrhosis of the liver have so far been considered irreversible, but the scientists of Med Uni Graz were able to achieve considerable success in their current experiments with the administration of a probiotic. The liver function of liver cirrhosis patients had improved significantly when they took certain probiotics, write Vanessa Stadlbauer-Koellner and colleagues. "In a placebo-controlled study, the liver function of those who ingested the multispecies probiotic improved significantly," reports the study leader. Probiotics contain viable microorganisms and are assigned to the so-called "functional food products".
Liver function, intestinal barrier, immune defense and intestinal flora investigated
The scientists investigated the effect of probiotics on 101 cirrhotic patients treated in the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology of the University of Graz. Over a period of six months, subjects were given either the probiotic or a placebo twice daily. Subsequently, the participants were observed for another six months. "In addition to liver function, the study also examined the immune defense, the intestinal barrier and the composition of the intestinal microbiome," reports Vanessa Stadlbauer-Köllner. Overall, an excellent tolerability of the probiotic was found.
Search for the causes of improved liver function
In addition to the observed improvements in liver function, the scientists made another interesting discovery. While in the placebo group eleven patients did not complete the study until the end, in the probiotics group all but one patient ended the study. "This circumstance could also indicate an improvement in the subjective condition of the probiotic," emphasizes the study director. Based on the latest results, the Graz researchers are now looking for the mechanism that causes the gratifying improvement in liver function. "Perhaps the probiotic affects the composition of intestinal bacteria positively or improves the high permeability of the intestine", so the assumption of Stadlbauer-Koellner. This could also have a positive effect on the entire immune system, explains the researcher. (Fp)