Lactobacillaceae in Acute and Chronic Liver Diseases: From Microbiota Modulation to Therapeutic Potential

Liver diseases, including metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), alcoholic liver disease (ALD), and viral hepatitis, are highly prevalent and constitute a major global health burden. Accumulating evidence indicates that dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is closely associated with the development and progression of various liver diseases. Among microbial regulators, Lactobacillaceae, a family of probiotic lactic acid bacteria, has attracted considerable attention for its capacity to reshape the gut microbiota, strengthen mucosal barrier integrity, modulate nutrient metabolism, and regulate both innate and adaptive immune responses. A growing body of evidence has shown that members of the Lactobacillaceae family can alleviate hepatic inflammation, reduce steatosis, and modulate gut-derived metabolic pathways involving bile acids, lactate, and short-chain fatty acids. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the role of Lactobacillaceae in acute and chronic liver diseases, examines the mechanisms by which this family influences liver diseases through the gut-liver axis, and highlights future directions for microbiota-based therapeutic strategies.