Modulating the Gut-Liver Axis: Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms of Probiotics and Prebiotics in MASLD
Narrative review describes how probiotics and prebiotics modulate inflammatory cytokines via the TLR4/NF-κB axis in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).
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What the study showed
The abstract reports that probiotics (Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Akkermansia muciniphila) and prebiotics (inulin, oat β-glucan) consistently suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-17) and enhance anti-inflammatory signals (IL-10) in animal models. The proposed central mechanism involves reduced LPS translocation leading to inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB signaling and the NLRP3 inflammasome. Clinical trial outcomes are described as heterogeneous.
How it was done
Narrative/integrative review synthesizing preclinical and clinical findings on probiotics and prebiotics in MASLD-related inflammation. No inclusion criteria, number of studies, search strategy, or risk-of-bias assessment are reported in the available abstract.
Risk of bias
The abstract provides no inclusion criteria, study count, risk-of-bias evaluation, or quantitative synthesis, indicating a narrative review with limited methodological rigor. Heterogeneity in clinical trials is acknowledged by the authors, restricting generalizability.
What this study does NOT prove
This review does not prove that probiotics or prebiotics reverse hepatic fibrosis or alter clinically relevant outcomes in humans with MASLD.
In clinical practice
Preclinical data appear consistent, but the acknowledged clinical heterogeneity precludes definitive therapeutic recommendations based on this review alone. Clinical decisions should await rigorous systematic reviews with meta-analysis.
Limitations
The abstract provides no inclusion criteria, study count, risk-of-bias evaluation, or quantitative synthesis, indicating a narrative review with limited methodological rigor. Heterogeneity in clinical trials is acknowledged by the authors, restricting generalizability.
Technical appendix
Version history
- 1.0 · 2026-08-05 — Auto-generated under Evidence Standard v1.0
Paid access: structured summary from public metadata; consult the original study at the source.