Probiotics to prevent the Progression of Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis to Cirrhosis

As a result of increasing obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now the most common chronic liver disease. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the pathogenic form of NAFLD and can progress to cirrhosis and need for liver transplantation. There is currently no Health Canada-approved therapy for the treatment of NASH. The intestinal microbiome has been shown to contribute to the development of NASH. This project aims to understand the impact of alterations in the intestinal microbiome on the development and progression of NASH development, and how probiotics (Lacidofil, Lallemand health solutions Inc.) can inhibit progression to significant scarring of the liver. These results will help to expand the current knowledge on probiotics as a preventive and therapeutic option for NASH.

Faculty Supervisor:

Mamatha Bhat

Student:

Saranya Sivaraj

Partner:

Lallemand Health Solutions

Discipline:

Forestry

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

University of Toronto