Contribution of the Intestinal Microbiome and Gut Barrier to Hepatic Disorders

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Hepatology
• Microbiology
• Immunology

Background:

• The intestinal barrier, comprising physical, immunological, and microbiological components, maintains gut homeostasis.
• Dysfunction of this barrier allows microbial translocation, triggering inflammation and liver damage.
• The intestinal microbiome plays a critical role in regulating gut barrier integrity and host health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review mechanisms regulating intestinal permeability.
• To elucidate how intestinal microbiome alterations contribute to liver disease development.
• To discuss the disruption of intestinal barrier components in various liver diseases.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on intestinal barrier function, microbiome, and liver disease.
• Analysis of mechanisms underlying intestinal permeability regulation.
• Examination of the role of microbial translocation and inflammation in liver pathology.

Main Results:

• Intestinal barrier defects and dysbiosis are key drivers of liver injury, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and cancer.
• Microbial translocation leads to sustained inflammatory responses impacting liver health.
• Alterations in microbial composition and function significantly affect the progression of liver diseases.

Conclusions:

• The gut-liver axis is a critical determinant of liver health, with the intestinal barrier and microbiome playing pivotal roles.
• Understanding these interactions offers potential therapeutic targets for preventing and treating liver diseases.
• Further research into the gut microbiome's influence on liver pathology is warranted.