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Abstract Details
Microbiota changes and intestinal microbiota transplantation in liver diseases and cirrhosis
J Hepatol. 2020 May;72(5):1003-1027. doi: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.01.017.Epub 2020 Jan 28.
Jasmohan S Bajaj1, Alexander Khoruts2
Author information
1Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA. Electronic address: jasmohan.bajaj@vcuhealth.org.
2Division of Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
Abstract
Patients with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis demonstrate a global mucosal immune impairment, which is associated with altered gut microbiota composition and functionality. These changes progress along with the advancing degree of cirrhosis and can be linked with hepatic encephalopathy, infections and even prognostication independent of clinical biomarkers. Along with compositional changes, functional alterations to the microbiota, related to short-chain fatty acids, bioenergetics and bile acid metabolism, are also associated with cirrhosis progression and outcomes. Altering the functional and structural profile of the microbiota is partly achieved by medications used in patients with cirrhosis such as rifaximin, lactulose, proton pump inhibitors and other antibiotics. However, the role of faecal or intestinal microbiota transplantation is increasingly being recognised. Herein, we review the challenges, opportunities and road ahead for the appropriate and safe use of intestinal microbiota transplantation in liver disease.