Host-microbiome interactions in alcoholic liver disease

The intestinal microbiota and the human body have a symbiotic relationship. A dysbalance of this delicate homeostasis between host and microbes can lead to disease. Alcoholic liver disease is associated with changes in the gut... [ view full abstract ]

The intestinal microbiota and the human body have a symbiotic relationship. A dysbalance of this delicate homeostasis between host and microbes can lead to disease. Alcoholic liver disease is associated with changes in the gut microbiota. Alcohol-associated intestinal dysbiosis is characterized by an increase in bacterial numbers and changes in the bacterial composition. We have recently demonstrated that chronic alcohol consumption is associated with altered intestinal fungi (mycobiota) and translocation of fungal products. The contribution of dysbiosis to alcoholic liver disease goes beyond a dysfunction of the intestinal barrier. Microbial metabolites are equally important for the progression of liver disease. Manipulation of the intestinal microbiota might be an effective strategy for attenuation of alcohol-related liver disease.