A Story of Liver and Gut Microbes: How Does the Intestinal Flora Affect Liver Disease? A Review of the Literature.

Each individual is endowed with a unique gut microbiota (GM) footprint, which mediates numerous host-related physiological functions such as nutrient metabolism, maintenance of structural integrity of the gut mucosal barrier, immunomodulation, and protection against microbial pathogens. The rapid scientific interest in GM has recognized its central role in the pathophysiology of many intestinal and extra-intestinal conditions. Given the close relationship between the gastro-intestinal tract and the liver, many pathological processes have been investigated in the light of a microbial-centered hypothesis of hepatic damage. In this review, we want to introduce to neophytes the vast world of gut microbes - including prevalent bacterial distribution in healthy individuals, how the microbiota is commonly analyzed, and the current knowledge on the role of GM in liver diseases pathophysiology. Besides, we highlight the potentials and downsides of GM-based therapy.