Utilizing the Gut Microbiome as a Therapeutic Target for Liver Disease – Narrative Review

Abstract

The gut microbiome has been well-established in its role of regulating the onset of many gastrointestinal disorders. Recent evidence has shown a bidirectional relationship between the intestinal microbiota and the liver. The gut microbiome may affect liver disease progression through its bacterial composition, the metabolism of bile acids, and the translocation of bacterial products. Modulation of dysbiosis may be considered as a potential therapeutic target for liver disease regardless of the underlying cause. Continuing to identify parts of the gut-liver axis that are disordered in different etiologies of liver disease may offer insight into potential interventions to restore homeostasis. Thus, this review will focus on exploring some of the major gut microbiome targeted therapies for liver disease, including probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation.