Research Progress on the Therapeutic Effect of Polysaccharides on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease through the Regulation of the Gut–Liver Axis

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease affecting global public health at present, which can induce cirrhosis and liver cancer in serious cases. However, NAFLD is a multifactorial disease, and there is still a lack of research on its mechanism and therapeutic strategy. With the development of the gut–liver axis theory, the association between the gut–liver axis and the pathogenesis of NAFLD has been gradually disclosed. Polysaccharides, as a kind of natural product, have the advantages of low toxicity, multi-target and multi-pathway action. It has been reported that polysaccharides can affect the gut–liver axis at multiple interrelated levels, such as maintaining the ecological balance of gut microbiota (GM), regulating the metabolites of GM and improving the intestinal barrier function, which thereby plays a protective role in NAFLD. These studies have great scientific significance in understanding NAFLD based on the gut–liver axis and developing safe and effective medical treatments. Herein, we reviewed the recent progress of polysaccharides in improving nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) through the gut–liver axis.

A study on the treatment effects of Crataegus pinnatifida polysaccharide on non-alcoholic fatty liver in mice by modulating gut microbiota

“…Research on polysaccharides and NAFLD has advanced significantly in recent years, with multiple studies demonstrating that polysaccharides can successfully impede the onset and progression of NAFLD through a variety of mechanisms ( 27 – 30 ), such as enhancing glucose and lipid metabolism, exerting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, and modulating the gut-liver axis ( 31 ). Polysaccharide, as an essential natural product, is drawing increasing attention due to its unique benefits, such as low toxicity, high safety, multi-targeting ability, and various mechanism of actions in different scenarios.…”

“…NAFLD is the most common among chronic liver diseases. Intestinal dysbiosis, oxidative stress, and low-grade inflammation may be caused by dietary, pharmaceutical, or environmental factors, eventually leading to NAFLD ( 31 ). Polysaccharides have been shown to improve NAFLD by modulating gut microbiota ecology.…”

Therapeutic Potential of Fucoidan in Alleviating Histamine-Induced Liver Injury: Insights from Mice Studies

“…The majority of FCD remains resilient to breakdown, allowing only a small fraction to enter the bloodstream. The predominant influence of FCD is directed toward the host's intestinal cavity, where it interacts with intestinal microorganisms and their metabolites [42]. The intimate relationship between the gut microbiota and the intestine forms a crucial connection that plays a pivotal role in maintaining overall health.…”

Utilization of Food-Derived β-Glucans to Prevent and Treat Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

“…Along this axis, the gut and its microbiota as well as the liver interact with each other in a bidirectional manner through the portal vein [24]. Damaged gut barrier function due to dysbiosis could facilitate the translocation of harmful bacteria and metabolites from the gut to the liver, intensifying NAFLD [25]. Prevention and management of NAFLD might be achieved by targeting the gut-liver axis using natural polysaccharides via protecting the gut barrier and reprogramming the gut microbiota and its metabolites [25].…”