Abstract
Chronic liver disease encompasses diseases that have various causes, such as alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Gut microbiota dysregulation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of ALD and NAFLD through the gut–liver axis. The gut microbiota consists of various microorganisms that play a role in maintaining the homeostasis of the host and release a wide number of metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), peptides, and hormones, continually shaping the host’s immunity and metabolism. The integrity of the intestinal mucosal and vascular barriers is crucial to protect liver cells from exposure to harmful metabolites and pathogen-associated molecular pattern molecules. Dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability may allow the liver to be exposed to abundant harmful metabolites that promote liver inflammation and fibrosis. In this review, we introduce the metabolites and components derived from the gut microbiota and discuss their pathologic effect in the liver alongside recent advances in molecular-based therapeutics and novel mechanistic findings associated with the gut–liver axis in ALD and NAFLD.
Highlights
Chronic liver disease, which is one of the most common medical conditions, affects approximately 840 million people and accounts for 2 million deaths per year [1]
Chronic liver disease is characterized by the progressive deterioration of liver functions, including the production of clotting factors and other proteins, the detoxification of harmful products of metabolism, and the excretion of bile
The continuation of the initial insult leads to decompensated liver cirrhosis; the cessation of the insulting factor has still been reported to result in the progression of liver disease [2]
Summary
Chronic liver disease, which is one of the most common medical conditions, affects approximately 840 million people and accounts for 2 million deaths per year [1]. Chronic liver disease is characterized by the progressive deterioration of liver functions, including the production of clotting factors and other proteins, the detoxification of harmful products of metabolism, and the excretion of bile. A continuous process of inflammation, destruction, and regeneration of liver parenchyma leads to fibrosis and cirrhosis. The initial conditions or factors causing chronic liver disease include viral hepatitis, fatty liver (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), autoimmune diseases, and genetic and metabolic disorders. The continuation of the initial insult leads to decompensated liver cirrhosis; the cessation of the insulting factor has still been reported to result in the progression of liver disease [2]. To determine what influences this progression in addition to the primary cause of chronic liver disease, investigators have evaluated the changes in gut microbial composition, the relationship between these changes and the different causes of liver disease, and the relevance of these changes to disease progression
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
