The Microbiome in Cirrhosis and its Complications.

Link to article at PubMed

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The Microbiome in Cirrhosis and its Complications.

Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2018 Aug 09;:

Authors: Acharya C, Bajaj JS

Abstract
The microbiome in cirrhosis is affected by multiple processes occurring at the level of the gut and systemically. This dysbiosis, or unfavorable microbiota profile, is present at several body sites and is associated with higher systemic inflammation, bacterial infections and poor outcomes. This increased morbidity in cirrhosis stems from an immune paralysis state that is partly related to the constant stimulation of the immune system by this dysbiosis. Dysbiosis as a dynamic event worsens with decompensation such as with hepatic encephalopathy, infections or acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). These microbial patterns could be applied as diagnostic and prognostic measures in cirrhosis in the outpatient and inpatient setting. Current therapies for cirrhosis have differing impacts on gut microbial composition and functionality. Dietary modifications and the oral cavity have emerged as newer targetable factors to modulate the microbiome, which could affect inflammation and, potentially improve outcomes. Additionally, fecal microbial transplant is being increasingly studied to provide compositional and functional modulation of the microbiome. Ultimately, a combination of targeted therapies may be needed to provide an optimal gut milieu to improve outcomes in cirrhosis.

PMID: 30099098 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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