Naama Reshef

Mrs. Naama Reshef


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

8Years (2019-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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22 May 2024 in Nutrients
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
NRNaama Reshef
Naama Reshef
Uri GophnaUri Gophna
Uri Gophna
LRLeah Reshef
Leah Reshef
FKFred Konikoff
Fred Konikoff
GGGila Gabay
Gila Gabay
YMYaakov Maor
Yaakov Maor
Several studies show that gut microbiotas in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) differ from those in a healthy population, suggesting that this alteration plays a role in NAFLD pathogenesis. We investigated whether prebiotic administration affects liver fat content and/or liver-related and metabolic parameters. Patients with NAFLD and metabolic syndrome (age: 50 ± 11; 79% men) were randomized to receive either 16 g/day of prebiotic (ITFs—inulin-type fructans) (n = 8) or placebo (maltodextrin) (n = 11) for 12 weeks. Patients were instructed to maintain a stable weight throughout the study. Liver fat content (measured by H1MRS), fecal microbiota, and metabolic, inflammatory, and liver parameters were determined before and after intervention. Fecal samples from patients who received the prebiotic had an increased content of Bifidobacterium (p = 0.025), which was not observed with the placebo. However, the baseline and end-of-study liver fat contents did not change significantly in the prebiotic and placebo groups, neither did the liver function tests’ metabolic and inflammatory mediators, including fibroblast growth factor-19 and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein. Body weight remained stable in both groups. These findings suggest that prebiotic treatment without weight reduction is insufficient to improve NAFLD.