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A Gut-on-a-Chip Model to Study the Gut Microbiome-Nervous System Axis
Published on: July 28, 2023
Microbiota and Gut-Liver Axis: An Unbreakable Bond?
Saraswathy Sivaprasadan1, K N Anila1, Krishnanunni Nair1
1Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Solid Organ Transplantation, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, India.
The gut microbiota, comprising trillions of microbes, significantly impacts human health and disease. This review explores the gut-liver axis and microbial modulation strategies for liver disease management.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Human Genetics
Background:
- The human gut hosts approximately 10^14 microbes, collectively forming a microbiome with a genetic capacity exceeding the human genome.
- Emerging evidence highlights a bidirectional relationship between human and microbial genes, influencing metabolism, immunity, and gut endocrine function.
- The gut microbiota is increasingly implicated in various chronic diseases, particularly liver ailments, though direct scientific evidence remains limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology and formation of gut microbiota.
- To examine the gut-liver axis and its connection to liver disease development and progression.
- To summarize current research on modulating gut microbiota for liver disease treatment.
Main Methods:
- This is a narrative review synthesizing existing scientific literature.
- The review discusses epidemiological data on gut microbiota.
- It explores the gut-liver axis and therapeutic modulation strategies.
Main Results:
- Gut microbiota play crucial roles in human metabolism and disease.
- A strong link exists between gut microbiota and liver diseases.
- Modulating gut microbiota presents potential therapeutic avenues for liver conditions.
Conclusions:
- The gut microbiota is integral to human health and disease pathogenesis.
- The gut-liver axis is a critical pathway influencing liver health.
- Targeting the gut microbiota offers promising strategies for managing liver diseases.
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