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Assessment of Gut Barrier Integrity in Mice Using Fluorescein-Isothiocyanate-Labeled Dextran
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Intestinal barrier dysfunction in cirrhosis: Current concepts in pathophysiology and clinical implications
Georgios I Tsiaoussis1, Stelios F Assimakopoulos1, Athanassios C Tsamandas1
1Georgios I Tsiaoussis, Christos K Triantos, Konstantinos C Thomopoulos, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital of Patras, CP 26504 Patras, Greece.
World Journal of Hepatology
|August 25, 2015
Summary
Bacterial translocation, the movement of gut microbes into sterile areas, is common in liver disease. This process worsens liver cirrhosis complications by breaching the intestinal barrier.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- The intestinal lumen harbors diverse microbiota, interacting with the immune system and epithelium to form a barrier.
- Bacterial translocation involves microbial migration from the gut to extraintestinal sites.
- This phenomenon is prevalent in liver disease patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the role of bacterial translocation in liver cirrhosis.
- To highlight its contribution to severe liver disease complications.
- To identify gaps in understanding the underlying mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing studies on bacterial translocation in liver disease.
- Analysis of the pathophysiological role of intestinal barrier dysfunction.
- Examination of complications linked to microbial translocation.
Main Results:
- Deterioration of intestinal barrier integrity and increased permeability are key in cirrhosis.
- Bacterial translocation contributes to infections, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hepatic encephalopathy, hepatorenal syndrome, variceal bleeding, liver injury progression, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
- The precise cellular and molecular mechanisms remain unclear.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial translocation is a significant factor in the pathophysiology of liver cirrhosis.
- It drives severe complications, underscoring the importance of intestinal barrier integrity.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms involved.
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