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Updated: May 2, 2026

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing

Published on: October 15, 2019

Gut microbiota and liver disease.

Amit Goel¹, Mahesh Gupta, Rakesh Aggarwal

¹Department of Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India.

Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology

|February 20, 2014

Summary

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining host homeostasis. Understanding its composition and alterations is key to diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal and liver diseases.

Keywords:

NAFLD NASH alcoholic liver disease encephalopathy gastroenterology hepatology microbial pathogenesis pathogenesis portal hypertension

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Area of Science:

Microbiology
Gastroenterology
Hepatology

Background:

The human gastrointestinal tract hosts a vast number of microbes, collectively known as gut microbiota.
Historically, studying these microbes was challenging, but recent technological advancements have improved our understanding of their roles in health and disease.
The gut microbiota is increasingly recognized for its indispensable role in maintaining host homeostasis.

Purpose of the Study:

To review current knowledge on normal gut microbiota.
To summarize laboratory techniques and animal models used for studying gut microbiota.
To explore the role of gut microbiota perturbations in common hepatic disorders.

Main Methods:

Literature review of recent scientific publications.
Summary of established and emerging laboratory techniques for microbiota analysis.
Overview of animal models utilized in gut microbiota research.

Main Results:

Gut microbiota alterations are implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of various gastrointestinal and hepatic diseases.
Specific liver conditions discussed include non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), alcoholic liver disease (ALD), and liver cirrhosis.
Perturbations in gut flora present therapeutic and preventative strategies for liver disorders.

Conclusions:

The gut microbiota is a significant factor in liver disease development and progression.
Targeting the gut microbiota offers potential therapeutic avenues for managing hepatic disorders.
Further research into gut microbiota composition and function is crucial for advancing liver disease treatment.