Effect of Probiotics in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Steatohepatitis

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) are conditions without symptoms where inflammation in the liver can progress to end-stage liver disease (cirrhosis). Current standard of care for these conditions include control of metabolic syndrome which includes but is not limited to a patient's high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and excess fat around the waist (central obesity and waist circumference) with lifestyle modifications including diet, exercise and medications. While the mechanism for inflammation on the liver in NAFLD and NASH is not completely understood, the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases currently suspects it may be connected with the metabolism in the bowel and subsequent hepatic (liver) circulation. The bacteria of the intestines (microbiome or gut flora) may play a role in the inflammatory cascade through the bloodstream that affects the liver. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations define Probiotics as a "live microorganism" which, when taken in adequate amounts confer a health benefit in the gastrointestinal tract. This study will be done to determine if probiotic use may be a viable treatment option for NAFLD and NASH and to establish a link that the intestinal microbiome or gut flora plays a role in liver inflammation which will be measured by elastography. Patients with NAFLD and NASH seen in office consultation of the investigator will be approached to participate in the randomized like a flip of a coin, double-blind (patients and researchers will be blinded), placebo controlled study. Participant will be counseled on diet and exercise. The participants will receive information on a standardized Mediterranean diet based nutrition program as well as direction for recommended 30 minutes of aerobic exercise 3 times weekly. A baseline transient elastography, blood test such as liver enzymes Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) will be drawn, including hemoglobin A1C (diabetic marker), cholesterol in the form of Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL/bad cholesterol) and assessment of Body Mass Index (BMI). Participants will be randomized by pharmacy into 2 groups, a control group and a treatment group. The treatment group will be provided with a 6 month supply of Align probiotic once daily supplementation; the control group will be given a placebo for 6 months along with both groups given instructions on how to take the supplement. Subjects will receive a 1 month phone call follow up to ensure adherence to study instructions and daily oral intake of supplement, and again at 3 months. Study participation will end at 6 months after the repeat of liver enzymes, hemoglobin A1C, lipid panel, assessment of BMI and transient elastography as completed at scheduled clinical appointment.