Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for the Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis

Overview

Human microbiota is the set of microorganisms that, in a symbiotic way, coexist and develop in the different surfaces (skin and mucous membranes) of the human body. It is estimated that it is composed of approximately 10\^14 bacteria and other unicellular life forms . The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the organ in which the microbiota reaches its greatest complexity, influencing its metabolic activities in different organs and human systems. Human microbiota plays a role in multiple homeostatic and physiological functions including energy and intermediary metabolism, normal immune responses, and even appropriate bowel development and nervous system functioning. Given its vascular supply, the liver plays important roles in metabolism and immunological functions. It receives 70% of blood supply through the portal vein which carries all metabolic products derived from GI microbiota. Non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in developed countries (with an estimated prevalence around 25 - 40% of adults) and it is expected that the burden of disease will increase in the near future. This condition can progress through a spectrum of progressive liver damage to non alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. Around 20-30% of NAFLD patients develop NASH, with a lower rate progressing further to fibrosis and cirrhosis. Currently, there is no approved pharmacological or interventional treatment for the management of this so prevalent disease, apart from changes in lifestyle aiming weight loss. The aim of the present pilot study is to assess the efficacy and safety of microbiota manipulation by means of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in the treatment of patients with NASH.