Abstract:
AIM To explore the changes in the diversity of gut microbiota in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and further clarify the important role or roles of the changes in the diversity of gut flora in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced cardiovascular diseases rats.
METHODS The model of NAFLD was established by high-fat feeding and the changes of liver morphology in the model group and the control group were observed by HE staining technique. SREBP-1c levels were detected by Western blot in liver cells of both groups. Serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, trimethylamine and trimethylamine oxide were measured by an ELISA kit. The difference of gut flora structure between NAFLD group and control group was detected by high-throughput 16s rDNA.
RESULTS Compared with control group, the excessive accumulation of fat in the liver cells and inflammatory infiltration increased in the rat model group. Compared with the control group, serum levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol in the model group were significantly increased. In the model group, the diversity of gut flora was significantly altered, and the number and proportion of lactobacillus were significantly reduced.
CONCLUSION NAFLD causes changes in the diversity of gut flora, which may be a key link in the induction of cardiovascular disease by NAFLD.