Probiotics in hepatology

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Hepatology
• Microbiology
• Immunology

Background:

• The intestinal microflora plays a crucial role in maintaining gut barrier function and immune homeostasis.
• Alterations in gut microbiota, including bacterial overgrowth and translocation, are observed in liver cirrhosis.
• These dysbiotic changes contribute to the pathogenesis of liver disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of intestinal microflora in liver diseases.
• To discuss the current and potential applications of probiotics in hepatology.
• To evaluate the impact of probiotics on gut barrier function and liver inflammation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on intestinal microflora and liver diseases.
• Analysis of research on probiotic efficacy in animal models and human clinical trials.
• Examination of mechanisms by which probiotics influence gut permeability and bacterial translocation.

Main Results:

• Probiotics can decrease intestinal permeability, bacterial translocation, and endotoxemia.
• Clinical evidence supports probiotic use primarily for hepatic encephalopathy.
• Probiotics may mitigate oxidative and inflammatory liver damage, suggesting potential for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

Conclusions:

• Intestinal microflora dysbiosis is a significant factor in liver disease progression.
• Probiotics demonstrate therapeutic potential in managing liver cirrhosis complications and infections post-liver transplantation.
• Further research may establish probiotics as a viable treatment for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.