Gut-liver Axis and Microbiota in NAFLD: Insight Pathophysiology for Novel Therapeutic Target

Abstract

There is increasing evidence for a correlation between intestinal microbiota, bacterial translocation and hepatic steatosis. Intestinal microbiota affects nutrient absorption and energy homeostasis. Altered intestinal permeability may favor the passage of bacteriaderived compounds into systemic circulation, causing a systemic inflammatory state, characteristic of the metabolic syndrome. The interaction between intestinal permeability and luminal bacteria is involved in the pathogenesis and evolution of non-alcoholic liver disease. Microbiota pharmacological modulation could be a promising tool for a new therapeutical approach to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Keywords: Gut-liver axis, intestinal permeability, insulin resistance, human microbiota, NAFLD, portal hypertension.