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Interactions between the intestinal microbiome and liver diseases.

Bernd Schnabl¹, David A Brenner¹

¹Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.

Gastroenterology

|January 21, 2014

Summary

The gut microbiome influences liver health. Disruptions in gut homeostasis, or dysbiosis, contribute to liver diseases like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cirrhosis through inflammation and microbial metabolites.

Keywords:

Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Endotoxin Microbiota

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Area of Science:

Microbiology
Hepatology
Gastroenterology

Background:

The human intestine hosts a complex microbial community crucial for host metabolism and digestion.
Disruptions in the intestinal microbial balance (dysbiosis) are linked to various diseases, including liver conditions.
Factors like diet and alcohol intake can negatively impact intestinal homeostasis.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the factors disrupting intestinal homeostasis and their contribution to liver diseases.
To explore the role of the intestinal microbiome beyond simple microbial product translocation in liver disease pathogenesis.
To understand how combined liver insult and intestinal dysbiosis drive liver disease progression.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies investigating the gut microbiome and liver disease.
Analysis of extrinsic factors (diet, alcohol) affecting intestinal homeostasis.
Examination of mechanisms linking dysbiosis to liver injury, including inflammation, barrier dysfunction, and microbial metabolites.

Main Results:

Liver diseases such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, steatohepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, and cirrhosis are associated with dysbiotic changes in the gut microbiota.
Dysbiosis leads to intestinal inflammation, impaired gut barrier function, and translocation of microbial products.
Microbial metabolites and host factors, in addition to translocated products, play a significant role in liver disease pathogenesis.

Conclusions:

Intestinal dysbiosis is a key contributor to the development and progression of various liver diseases.
The interplay between liver insult and disrupted intestinal homeostasis is critical in liver disease.
Targeting the gut microbiome and restoring intestinal homeostasis may offer therapeutic strategies for liver disease.