Effect of intestinal microbiota on liver disease and its related future prospection: From the perspective of intestinal barrier damage and microbial metabolites

Abstract

Liver diseases contribute notably to the global concern of mortality and disease. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that intestinal microbiota can regulate intestinal barrier function and produce bioactive metabolites. Failure of any aspect of this barrier can result in the translocation of microbes into the blood and a sustained inflammatory response that promotes liver injury, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Here, we review the mechanisms by that intestinal microbiota regulate the intestinal barrier. The multiple underlying mechanisms of intestinal microbiota in liver disease are elaborated in detail, emphasizing them as the bridge linking the liver with gut microbiota. Thus, we highlight the feasibility of targeting the gut-liver axis for treating liver diseases.