薬理と治療

Abstract

Objectives　The barrier function of the intestine and the cleansing and detoxification function of the liver are functioning in healthy people. However, when the intestinal barrier function is disrupted, exogenous substances enter the body, the immune system becomes abnormally activated, and toxic inflammation occurs in the liver. Previously, we reported that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 22A–3(LP22A–3)has the potential to improve intestinal barrier function. In the present study, we examined the effects of LP22A–3 on liver function under the assumption that improvement of intestinal barrier function may improve liver function. Methods　A randomized, double–blind, placebo–controlled, parallel–group study was conducted on 60 healthy Japanese men who had higher liver function–related indexes and a body mass index in the range of 23.0–30.0. Test food containing 40 mg LP22A–3 or placebo was consumed by the study participants daily for 12 weeks. Alanine aminotransferase(ALT)levels were defined as the primary endpoint, with aspartate aminotransferase(AST)and γ–glutamyl transpeptidase(γ–GTP)levels as the secondary endpoints. Results　LP22A–3 significantly reduced ALT and AST levels compared to placebo, and γ–GTP levels tended to decrease. Under the conditions of our study, no safety issues LP22A–3 administration were noted. Conclusion　These results suggest that ingestion of LP22A–3 improves liver function in healthy individuals. This study is registered with UMIN Clinical Trials registry(ID: UMIN000051994).(Jpn Pharmacol Ther 2024;52:939‒48)