Targeting the gut-liver axis in liver disease

Abstract

The gut-liver axis is widely implicated in the pathogenesis of liver diseases, where it is increasingly the focus of clinical research. Recent studies trialling an array of therapeutic and preventative strategies have yielded promising results. Considering these strategies, the armamentarium for targeting the gut-liver axis will continue to expand. Further clinical trials, translated from our current knowledge of the gut-liver axis, promise an exciting future in liver treatment.

Keywords: Bacterial translocation; Bile acids; Cirrhosis; Faecal microbial transplantation; Fibrosis; Gut-liver-axis; Incretines; Liver injury; Microbiome; Pre-, probiotics.