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Effect of probiotics and synbiotics consumption on serum concentrations of liver function test enzymes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

European Journal of Nutrition volume 57, pages 2037–2053 (2018)Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose

The gut–liver interaction suggests that modification of gut bacterial flora using probiotics and synbiotics may improve liver function. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to clarify the effect of probiotics and synbiotics consumption on the serum concentration of liver function enzymes.

Methods

PubMed (MEDLINE), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Cochrane Library (Central) were searched from 1980 to August 2017 for studies where adults consumed probiotics and/or synbiotics in controlled trials and changes in liver function enzymes were examined.

Results

A total of 17 studies (19 trials) were included in the meta-analysis. Random effects meta-analyses were applied. Probiotics and synbiotics significantly reduced serum alanine aminotransferase [− 8.05 IU/L, 95% confidence interval (CI) − 13.07 to − 3.04; p = 0.002]; aspartate aminotransferase (− 7.79 IU/L, 95% CI: − 13.93 to − 1.65; p = 0.02) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (− 8.40 IU/L, 95% CI − 12.61 to − 4.20; p < 0.001). Changes in the serum concentration of alkaline phosphatase and albumin did not reach a statistically significant level. Changes to bilirubin levels were in favour of the control group (0.95 μmol/L, 95% CI 0.48–1.42; p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis suggested the existence of liver disease at baseline, synbiotics supplementation and duration of supplementation ≥ 8 weeks resulted in more pronounced improvement in liver function enzymes than their counterparts.

Conclusions

Probiotics and synbiotics may be suggested as supplements to improve serum concentration of liver enzymes, especially when synbiotics administered for a period ≥ 8 weeks and in individuals with liver disease.

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Affiliations

  1. Physical Activity Research Group, Appleton Institute and School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD, 4701, Australia

    Saman Khalesi, Susan Williams, Andrew Fenning & Sonia Saluja

  2. Centre for Kidney Disease Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia

    David Wayne Johnson

  3. Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia

    David Wayne Johnson

  4. Metro South and Ipswich Nephrology and Transplant Services (MINTS), Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia

    David Wayne Johnson

  5. Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia

    Katrin Campbell

  6. Menzies Health Institute Queensland and School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia

    Christopher Irwin

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  1. Saman Khalesi
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Khalesi, S., Johnson, D.W., Campbell, K. et al. Effect of probiotics and synbiotics consumption on serum concentrations of liver function test enzymes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Nutr 57, 2037–2053 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-017-1568-y

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Keywords

  • Liver function
  • Liver enzyme
  • Probiotics
  • Synbiotics
  • Systematic review