[Probiotics] Lactobacillus plantarum GRX16 and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): A New Healthy Option

Previously ， Breaking News! | The patented Lactobacillus plantarum strain GRX16 blocks carbohydrate absorption! In the article, we primarily demonstrated Lactobacillus plantarum. grx16 can inhibit the hydrolysis of starch or maltose into glucose in the intestine, thereby blocking the body’s absorption of carbohydrates—a significant advantage in this regard.

This time, we will explore Lactobacillus plantarum from the perspective of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Another potential direction for grx16.

What is Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD), is a condition that affects genetically susceptible individuals by at Nutritional excess and Insulin resistance Chronic progressive liver disease caused by ， That is It is a condition in which excessive fat accumulates in the liver, and with… It is associated with excessive intake of fats and sugars and a lack of physical activity. ^[1-2] 。

Unlike individuals with alcoholic fatty liver disease, Non-alcoholic fatty liver The patient population is Refers to in No significant alcohol consumption. in the case of, Fat accumulation in the liver exceeds 5% to 10% and caused by Liver injury ， With obesity and With the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the global prevalence and incidence of NAFLD have been steadily increasing; it is estimated that approximately 25% of the world’s population is affected by NAFLD. ， This is particularly severe in our country. ^[3] 。 NAFLD may initially be asymptomatic, but as the condition progresses, symptoms such as fatigue, abdominal pain, weight gain, and splenomegaly may develop. In more severe cases, NAFLD can also progress to… Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis ( NASH), leading to hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. 。

How to Prevent and Manage Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

At this point, one can’t help but feel a bit concerned: while heavy drinkers may develop alcoholic fatty liver disease, how can people who don’t drink at all also suffer from this kind of liver damage? We should How to prevent and manage it What about NAFLD?

So far, apart from Changing one’s lifestyle, including Healthy eating, moderate exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight ； Increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and high-quality protein. ； Reduce your intake of high-sugar, high-fat foods. ； Avoid excessive drinking. Outside, improvement NAFLD There is currently no definitive pharmacological treatment; therefore, the development of effective and rapid interventions is urgently needed.

However, as people’s understanding of the gut microbiome has grown… NAFLD the recognition of its important role in the pathogenesis, Research shows, Probiotics It has demonstrated promising potential in improving liver health. ， Research on the prevention and treatment of non-alcoholic liver disease using probiotics has also been increasing.

Image source: China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI)

Probiotics and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease , primarily functions in the following aspects:

① Improve gut microbiota
Probiotics can modulate the beneficial microbial community in the gut, inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria, and improve the intestinal microecology, thereby influencing liver health.

② Reduce hepatic fat accumulation
Research indicates that certain probiotic strains can reduce hepatic fat accumulation and alleviate the severity of fatty liver.

③ Improve insulin sensitivity
Probiotics help improve insulin sensitivity, reduce insulin resistance, and thereby lower the risk of fatty liver.

④ Anti-inflammatory effect
Probiotics can modulate immune responses, reduce hepatic inflammation, and help protect hepatocytes.

Lactobacillus plantarum grx16 and Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Professor Gu Ruixia’s research team at Yangzhou University The strain was isolated from the gut of the longevity population in Bama, Guangxi, and is designated Lactobacillus plantarum grx16. Enter New research has been conducted, and in 2023… In the year, it was published in the journal “International Journal of Dairy Technology.” Positive effect of Limosilactobacillus plantarum grx16 on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in rats /Lactobacillus plantarum “Positive Effects of GRX-16 on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Rats” , next we will provide an interpretation of this article. ^[4] ：

Figure 1: Positive effect of Limosilactobacillus plantarum grx16 on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in rats Image source: Academic journal

I. Preface Introduction

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a major public health issue worldwide. At present, a widely accepted… The mechanistic theory of NAFLD is the “two-hit” hypothesis. , that is a. Following the onset of obesity and insulin resistance, enhanced lipolysis leads to increased lipid accumulation in the liver. ； b. The expansion of adipose tissue leads to the release of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). ) is released in increased amounts, thereby exacerbating hepatic inflammation and promoting insulin resistance in the body. ； c. Adipokines secreted by adipose tissue, such as adiponectin and leptin, all contribute to NAFLD. It has an impact on development.

Currently, regarding Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) of the Response Plan ， Dietary control and increased physical activity It is the first-line treatment for NAFLD. ， Insulin sensitizers, lipid-lowering agents, and certain digestive enzyme inhibitors have already been used to treat NAFLD. ， Surgical interventions, such as bariatric surgery, are also feasible. , but Commonalities of Current Response Strategies That is… Homogenization Severe ， Moreover The effect is not obvious. 。

And Current probiotics of the Solution: a. The modulation of gut microbiota and lipid metabolism by probiotics, as well as their anti-inflammatory effects, are currently key research topics. b. Probiotics possess their own enzymatic systems, such as amylase (AMS) and lipase (LPS), which can participate in various metabolic processes; they also hold potential as inhibitors of digestive enzymes. However, ， There are few studies on the inhibitory effects of probiotics on digestive enzymes in rats with NAFLD. 。

In previous in vitro studies, we found that plant lactic acid bacteria Plant Bacillus grx16 possesses Strong antioxidant activity , and possesses Potential to alleviate NAFLD 。 So then… Studied plant milk Plant Bacillus grx16 in rats The beneficial effects of NAFLD, particularly its role as a digestive enzyme inhibitor in alleviating NAFLD.

II. Main content

Rat experimental protocol design:

1、 A total of 21 were selected. Five-week-old male Wistar rats were all purchased from the Center for Comparative Medicine at Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Province, China. The animal study was approved by the Animal Care Committee of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Jiangsu Province, China; No. 202103262, March 5, 2021).

2、 NAFLD model: adaptive feeding 1 One week later, the rats were divided into a normal control group (NC), a model control group (MC), and a plant… Milk plant Bacillus grx16 treatment group, three groups.

3、 During the first 4 weeks, all rats were Only feeding, No gavage. NC group Feed a low-fat diet (20% wheat flour, rice flour 10% corn, 20% wheat bran, 26% soybean meal, 20% soybean material, 2% fish meal, 2% bone meal, 165 kcal/100 g); the other two groups were fed a high-fat diet (10% lard, 10% egg powder, 1% cholesterol, and 0.2% bile salts), while the remaining group received a low-fat diet (78.8% low-fat content, 370 kcal/100 g).

4、 The diet remains unchanged for the final 4 weeks, NC group And MC group Gavage Physiology Saline solution (1 mL per 100 g of rat body weight), g rx16 gavage with plant milk Plant bacillus g rx16 suspension (1 mL/100 g) Rat body weight, 1×10 ⁹ cfu/mL). All mice had free access to food and water. , record daily The food intake of each group of mice ， The food intake of rats in each group was recorded daily, and body weight was measured weekly.

5、 All rats were euthanized at the end of week 8. ， Blood, liver, adipose tissue, and duodenal contents were collected from rats for analysis. Subsequent Research.

III. Main Results

1. Plant milk Plant Bacillus grx16 in rats The impact of NAFLD

Figure 2: Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum GRX16 on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in rats. (a) Transaminases, (b) hepatic lipid accumulation, (c) histopathological examination of the liver (×200). * indicates a significant difference between groups (P < 0.05), ** indicates a significant difference between groups (P < 0.01), *** indicates a significant difference between groups (P < 0.001), and **** indicates a significant difference between groups (P < 0.0001).

Lactobacillus plantarum After grx16 intervention, grx16 Serum AST, ALT, hepatic TC, and TG levels in the group of rats were significantly lower than those in the MC group (P < 0.05; see figure). 2 a, b ). MC group In the livers of rats, hepatocyte architecture was severely disrupted, with indistinct intercellular spaces and prominent lipid accumulation; numerous hepatic steatotic vacuoles were also observed. ， and MC group Compared with rats, Through Lactobacillus plantarum Following grx16 intervention, the hepatocyte architecture in rats was more intact, with clearer cell boundaries and a reduction in lipid vacuoles. This pattern more closely resembled that of the NC group. The condition of the rats in (Figure 2 c).

2. Plant Milk Plant The effects of Bacillus grx16 on obesity and insulin resistance in rats

Figure 3: Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum strain GRX16 on obesity and insulin resistance in rats. (a) Body weight, (b) Food intake, (c) Insulin resistance. * indicates a significant difference between groups (P < 0.05), ** indicates a significant difference between groups (P < 0.01), *** indicates a significant difference between group A (P < 0.001), and **** indicates a highly significant difference between groups (P < 0.0001).

Following intervention with Lactobacillus plantarum GRX16, the final body weight of rats in the GRX16 group was significantly lower than that of MC rats (P < 0.0001), with no significant difference compared to the NC group (Figure 3a). Compared with the MC group, after treatment with Lactobacillus plantarum GRX16, insulin levels and the HOMA‑IR index were significantly reduced (P < 0.05), while the GLP‑1 (glucagon‑like peptide‑1, an incretin) level was significantly increased (P < 0.05; Figure 3c).

3. Lactobacillus plantarum The effect of grx16 on intestinal digestive enzymes in rats

Figure 4: Lactobacillus plantarum Effects of grx16 on intestinal digestive enzymes in rats. * indicates a significant difference between groups (P < 0.05), ** indicates a significant difference between groups (P < 0.01), *** indicates a significant difference between groups (P < 0.001).

By Lactobacillus plantarum After grx16 intervention, compared with MC Compared with the group of rats, intestinal AMS (Amylase) and LPS (Lipase) The activity was significantly reduced (P < 0.01), while the intestinal TPS (Trypsin) Activity was significantly increased (P < 0.01).

4. Lactobacillus plantarum The effects of grx16 on adipokines and inflammatory responses in rats

Figure 5: Lactobacillus plantarum The effects of grx16 on adipokines and inflammatory responses in rats. Figure 5 a) Adipokines, ( Figure 5 b) Inflammatory response. * indicates a significant difference between groups (P < 0.05), ** indicates a significant difference between groups (P < 0.01), *** indicates a significant difference between groups (P < 0.001), and **** indicates a significant difference between groups (P < 0.0001).

Compared with the rats in the MC group, Lactobacillus plantarum GRX16 intervention only significantly reduced TNF-α in adipose tissue. (Tumor Necrosis Factor) the content (P < 0.01), whereas in fat it... LEP (Leptin) and ADPN (Adiponectin) No significant effect (P > 0.05; Figure 5 a). With MC group Compared with rats, Lactobacillus plantarum GRX16 intervention significantly reduced TNF-α levels in serum. , IL-6 (Interleukin -6) and NF-κB (Nuclear factor -kB) The content (P < 0.05, Figure 5 b).

5. Lactobacillus plantarum The effect of grx16 on hepatic lipid peroxidation in rats

Figure 6: Lactobacillus plantarum The effect of grx16 on hepatic lipid peroxidation in rats. * indicates a significant difference between groups (P < 0.05), ** indicates a significant difference between groups (P < 0.01), *** indicates a significant difference between groups (P < 0.001), and **** indicates a highly significant difference between groups (P < 0.0001).

Compared with the MC group, intervention with Lactobacillus plantarum strain GRX16 significantly reduced the levels of NO (nitric oxide) and MDA (malondialdehyde) (P < 0.01), while having no significant effect on the activities of SOD (superoxide dismutase) and GSH-Px (glutathione peroxidase) (P > 0.05).

IV. Conclusion

Plant Milk plant Bacillus grx16 on the gut AMS (Amylase) and LPS (Lipase) Its inhibitory effect is an important mechanism by which it alleviates NAFLD.

Mechanism of action ：                                                 

Lactobacillus plantarum GRX16 exerts its effects by inhibiting the gut… The activity of AMS and LPS

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Inhibits the absorption of starch and triglycerides during the digestion and absorption phase.

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Alleviate insulin resistance and reduce lipid accumulation in the body.

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Alleviate NAFLD in rats

But plant-based milk Bacillus grx16 on the gut Mechanisms of the inhibitory effects of AMS and LPS also Further research is needed. , plant-based milk Bacillus grx16 Only in the context of animal experiments does NAFLD It has played a positive role, and further research in human clinical trials may be needed in the future. Stay tuned!

Probiotics, as a natural health supplement, have a positive effect on the improvement of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

By carefully selecting and using probiotics, combined with a healthy lifestyle, we can better safeguard liver health and stay clear of the challenges posed by fatty liver.

Take charge of your health—starting today, give your liver a fresh start!

[1] Fan Jiangao, Xu Xiaoyuan, Nan Yuemin, et al. Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Metabolic‑Related (Non‑Alcoholic) Fatty Liver Disease (2024 Edition) [J]. Journal of Practical Hepatology, 2024, 27(04): 494–510.

[2] Rinella ME, Neuschwander-Tetri BA, Siddiqui MS, et al. AASLD practice guidance on the clinical assessment and management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [J]. Hepatology, 2023, 77(5):1797-1835. DOI: 10.1097/HEP.0000000000000323.

[3] Lou TW, Yang RX, Fan JG. The global burden of fatty liver disease: the major impact of China [J]. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr, 2024, 13(1): 119-123. DOI: 10.21037/hbsn-23-556.

[4] Qu, H., Zhang, L., Liu, X., Liu, Y., Mao, K., Shen, G., Wa, Y., Chen, D., Huang, Y., Chen, X. and Gu, R. (2023), Positive effect of Limosilactobacillus plantarum grx16 on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in rats. Int J Dairy Technol, 76: 710-716. https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0307.12956