Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can be accurately diagnosed by looking at a person’s gut microbiome signatures, scientists have said.
Researchers can now predict if someone is at risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by looking at the composition of their gut microbiome.
After analysing the health data of roughly 1,200 adults, the scientists have highlighted certain microbiome signatures that can predict the development of NAFLD in the future.
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All of the participants were living with at least one metabolic condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis and obesity – common comorbidities of NAFLD.
By looking at the participant’s microbiome signatures and using machine learning models, the academics achieved a diagnostic accuracy of more than 90%.
Senior author Gianni Panagiotou said: “The occurrence of NAFLD in combination with other metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes is a particular challenge, as it makes it difficult to distinguish specific microbiome signatures.
“We were able to identify signatures that are clearly associated with NAFLD and could enable a differentiated diagnosis.”
A person’s obesity status, age, use of medication, diet and gender can also influence the composition of their gut microbiome.
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Based on the microbiome signatures associated with a higher risk of NAFLD, new therapeutic approaches could be developed to positively influence intestinal health.
Gianni Panagiotou said: “Our results open up new possibilities for personalised therapy that is precisely tailored to the individual need of the patient.”
Affecting 40% of the western population, NAFLD is a condition where fat builds up in the liver. It’s often caused by being overweight or obese.
Read the study in full in the journal Microbiome.
