Can modulation of gut microbiota affect anthropometric indices in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease? An umbrella meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Background and aim: Modulating the gut microbiota population by administration of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics has shown to have a variety of health benefits in different populations, particularly those with metabolic disorders. Although the promising effects of these compounds have been observed in the management of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the exact effects and the mechanisms of action are yet to be understood. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate how gut microbiota modulation affects anthropometric indices of NAFLD patients to achieve a comprehensive summary of current evidence-based knowledge. Methods: Two researchers independently searched international databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, from inception to June 2023. Meta-analysis studies that evaluated the effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on patients with NAFLD were entered into our umbrella review. The data regarding anthropometric indices, including body mass index, weight, waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), were extracted by the investigators. The authors used random effect model for conducting the meta-analysis. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were also performed. Results: A total number of 13 studies were finally included in our study. Based on the final results, BMI was significantly decreased in NAFLD patients by modulation of gut microbiota [effect size (ES): −0.18, 05% CI: −0.25, −0.11, P<0.001]; however, no significant alteration was observed in weight and WC (ES: −1.72, 05% CI: −3.48, 0.03, P=0.055, and ES: −0.24, 05% CI: −0.75, 0.26, P=0.353, respectively). The results of subgroup analysis showed probiotics had the most substantial effect on decreasing BMI (ES: −0.77, 95% CI: −1.16, −0.38, P<0.001) followed by prebiotics (ES: −0.51, 95% CI: −0.76, −0.27, P<0.001) and synbiotics (ES: -0.12, 95% CI: −0.20, −0.04, P=0.001). Conclusion: In conclusion, the present umbrella meta-analysis showed that although modulation of gut microbiota by administration of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics had promising effects on BMI, no significant change was observed in the WC and weight of the patients. No sufficient data were available for other anthropometric indices including waist-to-hip ratio and waist-to-height ratio and future meta-analyses should be done in this regard.