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Changes in intestinal microflora in patients with chronic severe hepatitis
1Department of Infectious Deseases, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China. LJLi@mail.hz.zj.cn
Chinese Medical Journal
|January 10, 2002
Summary
Patients with chronic severe hepatitis (CSH) show significantly altered gut microbiota, with decreased beneficial bacteria and increased harmful bacteria. This dysbiosis is linked to elevated endotoxin levels and may contribute to liver failure.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Chronic severe hepatitis (CSH) is a life-threatening liver disease.
- Intestinal microflora plays a crucial role in maintaining gut health and immune homeostasis.
- Disturbances in gut microbiota have been implicated in various liver diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the changes in intestinal microflora composition in patients with chronic severe hepatitis (CSH).
- To explore the role of these microfloral changes in the pathogenesis of CSH.
- To assess the relationship between gut dysbiosis, endotoxin levels, and liver function in CSH patients.
Main Methods:
- Fecal flora analysis was performed on 19 CSH patients, 30 chronic hepatitis (CH) patients, and 31 healthy controls.
- Plasma endotoxin, serum cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta), and liver function tests were assessed.
- Correlations between microflora, endotoxin levels, and clinical parameters were analyzed.
Main Results:
- CSH patients exhibited significantly decreased Bifidobacterium and Bacteroidaceae, and significantly increased Enterobacteriaceae and yeasts compared to CH and control groups.
- Plasma endotoxin, TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and total bilirubin levels were significantly elevated in CSH patients.
- Endotoxin levels positively correlated with Enterobacteriaceae, negatively with Bifidobacterium, and were associated with increased TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and liver damage.
Conclusions:
- Intestinal microflora is severely disturbed in CSH patients, indicating impaired gut microbiological colonization resistance.
- Gut dysbiosis may play a pivotal role in elevating plasma endotoxin levels.
- These microfloral changes and subsequent endotoxemia likely contribute to hepatic lesions and liver failure in CSH.
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