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Related Concept Videos

Gut-Brain Axis01:22

Gut-Brain Axis

The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such as...
Functions of the Gut Microbiota01:18

Functions of the Gut Microbiota

The gut microbiota includes trillions of microorganisms that colonize the human gastrointestinal tract, including bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi. This complex ecosystem plays a critical role in maintaining intestinal and systemic health. Most of these microbes inhabit the large intestine, establishing a relatively stable and diverse community that contributes to gut homeostasis through various metabolic, immunological, and protective mechanisms.Dominant bacterial phyla, such as...
Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota01:18

Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota

The human gut microbiome includes a diverse array of microbial species, including beneficial commensals and opportunistic pathogens, which interact to support host health. These microbes contribute to essential functions such as nutrient metabolism, immune system modulation, and maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity. However, disruptions to this equilibrium—referred to as dysbiosis—can have widespread physiological consequences.Dysbiosis is often characterized by reduced microbial...
Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics01:21

Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics

Antibiotics have revolutionized modern medicine by saving countless lives from bacterial infections. However, their widespread use has inadvertently harmed the delicate balance of the human gut microbiota. The gut microbiota, a complex community of bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi, plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, immune responses, and maintaining intestinal health. Antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum types, disrupt this ecosystem by eradicating both harmful and beneficial...
Physiology of Enteric Nervous System and Gut Health01:05

Physiology of Enteric Nervous System and Gut Health

The gastrointestinal tract, responsible for the digestion and absorption of nutrients, is safeguarded by the intestinal barrier, which consists of secretory, physical, and immune components. At the forefront is the secretory barrier, composed of essential elements such as mucus, gut microbiota, and defense proteins. They collaborate to break down food particles, facilitate nutrient absorption, and maintain optimal gut health. These secretory components ensure the smooth functioning of the...
Neural Regulation01:37

Neural Regulation

Digestion begins with a cephalic phase that prepares the digestive system to receive food. When our brain processes visual or olfactory information about food, it triggers impulses in the cranial nerves innervating the salivary glands and stomach to prepare for food.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

A Gut-on-a-Chip Model to Study the Gut Microbiome-Nervous System Axis
09:18

A Gut-on-a-Chip Model to Study the Gut Microbiome-Nervous System Axis

Published on: July 28, 2023

Gut-liver axis and sensing microbes.

Gyongyi Szabo1, Shashi Bala, Jan Petrasek

  • 1University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Mass., USA. gyongyi.szabo@umassmed.edu

Digestive Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 29, 2011
PubMed
Summary

The liver detoxifies gut microbes, but increased bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in liver disease drives inflammation. Understanding how liver cells sense LPS is key to treating gut-liver axis disorders.

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Last Updated: Jun 2, 2026

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Injections of Lipopolysaccharide into Mice to Mimic Entrance of Microbial-derived Products After Intestinal Barrier Breach
08:24

Injections of Lipopolysaccharide into Mice to Mimic Entrance of Microbial-derived Products After Intestinal Barrier Breach

Published on: May 2, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • The liver's primary role involves detoxifying gut-derived microbial products.
  • Elevated levels of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are observed in chronic liver diseases, linked to increased gut permeability.
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases involve LPS and inflammatory cascades.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of gut-derived microbial products, specifically LPS, in liver disease pathogenesis.
  • To investigate the mechanisms of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling in response to LPS in chronic liver conditions.
  • To elucidate the cell-specific recognition and intracellular signaling of gut microbes in the context of the gut-liver axis.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of LPS levels in portal and systemic circulation in various chronic liver diseases.
  • Investigation of alcohol's effect on gut epithelial integrity and tight junction proteins.
  • Examination of TLR4-mediated signaling pathways (MyD88-dependent and independent) in liver disease models.
  • Assessment of microRNA-155's role in Kupffer cell sensitization to LPS.

Main Results:

  • Increased gut permeability and LPS contribute to alcoholic liver disease (ALD) by impairing gut barrier function.
  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with elevated serum LPS and inflammatory responses.
  • The MyD88-independent, IRF3-dependent TLR4 pathway is implicated in ALD-related steatosis and inflammation.
  • Chronic alcohol exposure sensitizes Kupffer cells to LPS via microRNA-155 upregulation.

Conclusions:

  • Gut-derived LPS and TLR4 signaling are critical factors in the progression of chronic liver diseases.
  • Targeting cell-specific microbial sensing pathways, like microRNA-155 in Kupffer cells, offers therapeutic potential for gut-liver axis disorders.
  • Further research into the gut-liver axis is essential for developing effective treatments for liver diseases.