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Effects of Elevating Colonic Propionate on Liver Fat Content in Adults with Non‐Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Author(s) -
Chambers Edward,
Viardot Alexander,
Psichas Arianna,
Morrison Douglas,
Murphy Kevin,
ZacVarghese Sagen,
Preston Tom,
Tedford Catriona,
Bell Jimmy,
Thomas Louise,
Dhillo Waljit,
Bloom Stephen,
Frost Gary
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.29.1_supplement.385.2
Subject(s) - propionate , inulin , fatty liver , medicine , gastroenterology , butyrate , food science , endocrinology , chemistry , fermentation , disease , biochemistry
Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is reported in 20% of adults worldwide, a condition associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Positive physiological effects have been linked with the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) by colonic fermentation of dietary fiber, including reductions in hepatic fat content. We have developed a novel inulin‐propionate ester (IPE), whereby the SCFA propionate is bound to the dietary fiber inulin. The bound propionate is only released through fermentation in the colon and we hypothesized that long term elevations in colonic propionate production would reduce liver fat in adults with NAFLD. Sixteen participants (40‐65 years) were recruited and intrahepatocellular lipid (IHCL) was determined using 1 H‐MRS. All participants were identified as having NAFLD on the basis of a liver fat content >5%. Participants were provided with either 10 g/day IPE ( n =11) or 10 g/day inulin control ( n =5) to add to their normal diet for a 24 week period. In the IPE group a significant reduction in IHCL content post‐intervention was observed (22.1±9.6% to 15.9±7.1%; P=0.038). This effect was not found in the inulin control group (19.1±6.2% to 18.7±4.2%; P=0.576). Targeting increased colonic propionate levels may offer a public health solution to the increased prevalence of NAFLD and warrants further investigation.