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Updated: Jul 7, 2025
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Published on: April 3, 2017
Gut microbe and hepatic macrophage polarization in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Yao Chen1,2, Yumeng Gan1,2, Huijie Zhong1,2
1Department of Infectious Disease and Hepatic Disease, First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
Abstract:
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common chronic hepatic disorder with the potential to progress to hepatic fibrosis, hepatic cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. Activation of hepatic macrophages, important innate immune cells predominantly composed of Kupffer cells, plays a pivotal role in NAFLD initiation and progression. Recent findings have underscored the regulatory role of microbes in both local and distal immune responses, including in the liver, emphasizing their contribution to NAFLD initiation and progression. Key studies have further revealed that gut microbes can penetrate the intestinal mucosa and translocate to the liver, thereby directly influencing hepatic macrophage polarization and NAFLD progression. In this review, we discuss recent evidence regarding the translocation of intestinal microbes into the liver, as well as their impact on hepatic macrophage polarization and associated cellular and molecular signaling pathways. Additionally, we summarize the potential mechanisms by which translocated microbes may activate hepatic macrophages and accelerate NAFLD progression.
Insights
Gut microbes translocating to the liver activate hepatic macrophages, driving the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This review explores microbial translocation and its impact on liver inflammation and NAFLD.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent chronic liver condition with potential severe outcomes.
- Hepatic macrophages, particularly Kupffer cells, are critical in NAFLD pathogenesis.
- The gut microbiome's role in modulating immune responses, including in the liver, is increasingly recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on intestinal microbial translocation into the liver.
- To examine the impact of translocated microbes on hepatic macrophage polarization.
- To summarize mechanisms linking microbial translocation to NAFLD progression.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on microbial translocation and NAFLD.
- Analysis of cellular and molecular signaling pathways involved.
- Synthesis of evidence on hepatic macrophage activation by gut microbes.
Main Results:
- Gut microbes can penetrate the intestinal barrier and reach the liver.
- Translocated microbes directly influence hepatic macrophage polarization.
- Microbial translocation contributes to liver inflammation and NAFLD progression.
Conclusions:
- Microbial translocation is a significant factor in NAFLD pathogenesis.
- Understanding these mechanisms offers potential therapeutic targets for NAFLD.
- Further research is needed to elucidate specific microbial and host pathways.
