Effect of L-ornithine-L-aspertate (LOLA) on the Gut Microbiome (LOLAbiome)

Liver cirrhosis is associated with gut microbiome dysbiosis, which may drive intestinal inflammation, gut barrier dysfunction and the development of complications. LOLA is a well-established drug against elevated ammonia levels that contribute to hepatic encephalopathy and sarcopenia. In a recent retrospective study, LOLA has been shown to improve gut microbiome dysbiosis.In this study we aim to investigate whether LOLA therapy over three months in patients with liver cirrhosis (irrespective of the etiology) and covert or overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) leads to an improvement in gut microbiome dysbiosis, as well as markers of gut permeability, inflammation, muscle function and ammonia levels