Metformin attenuates the onset of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and affects intestinal microbiota and barrier in small intestine.

ABSTRACT: The antidiabetic drug metformin has been proposed to affect non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) through its effects on intestinal microbiota and barrier function. However, so far most studies focused on long-term effects and more progressed disease stages. The aim of this study was to assess in two experimental settings, if the onset of NAFLD is associated with changes of intestinal microbiota and barrier function and to determine effects of metformin herein. C57Bl/6J mice were fed a liquid control diet (C) or fat-, fructose- and cholesterol-rich diet (FFC) for four days or six weeks ±300 mg/kg BW/day metformin (Met). Markers of liver health, intestinal barrier function and microbiota composition were assessed. Metformin treatment markedly attenuated FFC-induced NAFLD in both experim

SUBMITTER: Brandt A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6491483 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature