**2. Aim of the study**

The aim of the study was to assess whether there is a link between PCT and gut dysbiosis in noncirrhotic patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Scientific Research of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babes" from Timisoara, Romania, Nr. 15/10.05.2021 and was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. All the participants provided written informed consent before the beginning of the study.
