Researchers discovered that a specific type of gut bacteria called Bifidobacterium bifidum might help treat fatty liver disease, a condition where fat builds up in the liver. In a study using rats fed a high-fat diet, the bacteria improved how the liver breaks down fat and reduced harmful cholesterol levels. The bacteria seemed to work by turning on special genes that help the liver’s energy factories (mitochondria) burn fat more efficiently. While these results are promising, more research in humans is needed before doctors can recommend it as a treatment.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a specific gut bacteria (Bifidobacterium bifidum) could help treat fatty liver disease by improving how the liver burns fat
  • Who participated: Male laboratory rats that were given a high-fat diet to develop fatty liver disease, then treated with the bacteria for either 6 or 14 weeks
  • Key finding: Rats treated with the bacteria had lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels, and their liver cells showed improved ability to burn fat through changes in important genes that control fat metabolism
  • What it means for you: This suggests that probiotics containing this specific bacteria might one day help people with fatty liver disease, but human studies are needed first to confirm safety and effectiveness

The Research Details

Scientists created fatty liver disease in rats by feeding them a high-fat diet combined with a chemical that damages the pancreas. Once the disease developed, they gave some rats the Bifidobacterium bifidum bacteria while others received no treatment. The treatment lasted either 6 or 14 weeks. The researchers then examined the rats’ blood, liver tissue, and measured which genes were turned on or off in the liver cells.

This type of study is called a controlled animal experiment. It allows scientists to carefully control all the conditions and see exactly how the bacteria affects the liver. The researchers measured multiple things including cholesterol levels, liver function, and the activity of five specific genes involved in fat burning.

The study was designed to understand the exact mechanism—the step-by-step process—of how this bacteria might help the liver. Rather than just looking at whether the liver got better, they investigated which genes and pathways the bacteria activated to create that improvement.

Understanding how a treatment works at the genetic level is important because it helps scientists know if the results are real and lasting. This study didn’t just show that the bacteria helped; it showed exactly which biological switches the bacteria flipped to improve liver function. This detailed understanding makes it more likely that the treatment could work in humans and helps guide future research.

This study was published in Scientific Reports, a well-respected scientific journal. The researchers used standard laboratory techniques and measured multiple outcomes rather than relying on just one measure. However, this is an animal study, so results may not directly apply to humans. The study also didn’t specify the exact number of rats used, which makes it harder to evaluate the statistical strength of the findings. More research, especially in humans, would be needed to confirm these results.

What the Results Show

The bacteria treatment successfully reduced harmful fats in the rats’ blood. Specifically, triglycerides (a type of fat) and total cholesterol both decreased significantly. LDL cholesterol, often called ‘bad cholesterol,’ also went down. The only cholesterol measure that didn’t improve much was HDL cholesterol, the ‘good’ kind that protects the heart.

More importantly, the bacteria changed how the liver’s genes worked. Five key genes that control fat burning were measured. The bacteria restored normal activity to three genes (PGC-1α, CPT1A, and PPAR-α) that had been turned down in the diseased livers. It also normalized two other genes (UCP2 and PPAR-γ) that had been turned up too high. This genetic rebalancing suggests the liver’s fat-burning machinery was repaired.

When scientists looked at the actual liver tissue under a microscope, they saw real improvements. The fatty buildup in liver cells decreased, and the liver cells looked healthier overall. These structural improvements matched what the genetic tests showed—the liver was actually functioning better, not just appearing better on paper.

The study found that both treatment durations (6 weeks and 14 weeks) produced benefits, though the paper doesn’t specify whether one was significantly better than the other. This suggests that even relatively short-term treatment with this bacteria might help. The fact that liver tissue structure improved alongside genetic changes suggests the benefits were real and not just temporary.

Previous research has shown that probiotics can help with digestive health and some metabolic conditions, but this study provides new evidence about how one specific bacteria works at the genetic level in fatty liver disease. The focus on mitochondrial function (the energy factories in cells) is relatively new for this type of research. This study builds on earlier work showing that gut bacteria influence liver health by demonstrating a specific mechanism through which this happens.

This research was conducted only in rats, not humans, so we can’t be certain the same effects would occur in people. The study didn’t compare the bacteria to other treatments, only to untreated disease. The exact number of rats used wasn’t specified, which makes it harder to judge how reliable the results are. Additionally, the study only looked at male rats, so we don’t know if the bacteria would work the same way in females. Finally, this was a relatively short-term study, so we don’t know if the benefits would last long-term or if any side effects might develop with extended use.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research alone, we cannot recommend Bifidobacterium bifidum as a treatment for fatty liver disease in humans. The evidence is promising but preliminary (confidence level: low to moderate). If you have fatty liver disease, continue following your doctor’s advice about diet, exercise, and any prescribed medications. Do not start taking probiotics specifically for this condition without talking to your doctor first, as individual results vary and some people may have contraindications.

People with fatty liver disease or metabolic syndrome should be aware of this research as a potential future option. Those interested in preventive health through gut bacteria may find this interesting. However, this research is not yet ready for clinical application. People with compromised immune systems should be especially cautious about starting any new probiotic without medical supervision.

In the rat study, improvements appeared within 6 weeks, with additional benefits at 14 weeks. If this translates to humans, benefits might take several weeks to appear. However, this is speculative—human studies would need to be conducted to establish realistic timelines for people.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If your doctor approves trying this probiotic, track your energy levels and digestive comfort daily on a 1-10 scale. Also note any changes in bloating or digestive symptoms weekly. These are early indicators of how your gut bacteria are responding.
  • Users interested in supporting liver health while waiting for human studies could use the app to track complementary habits: daily steps (aim for 30 minutes of movement), weekly servings of vegetables (target 5+ servings daily), and alcohol consumption (track to ensure minimal intake). These evidence-based changes support liver health independently.
  • Create a monthly check-in reminder to assess overall digestive health, energy levels, and any changes in how you feel. If you do start taking this probiotic under medical supervision, photograph or note any changes in how you feel. Share this tracking data with your doctor at regular checkups to help evaluate whether the treatment is working for you personally.

This research is preliminary and was conducted in animals, not humans. The findings do not constitute medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Fatty liver disease is a serious medical condition that requires professional medical evaluation and treatment. Do not start, stop, or change any treatment, including probiotics, without consulting your healthcare provider first. Individual results vary, and what works in laboratory animals may not work the same way in people. If you have fatty liver disease or are concerned about your liver health, speak with your doctor about evidence-based treatment options appropriate for your specific situation.