About this Research Topic
Alterations of the gut microbiota might impair host-related physiological functions, including balance of immune system, maintenance of nutrition, xenobiotics metabolism, development and proliferation of intestinal cells, and protection against aggressor microorganisms.
A large body of studies have suggested that gut microbiota plays a central role in the pathophysiology of extra-intestinal conditions such as liver cirrhosis, metabolic syndrome, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In the light of the close bidirectional interface between the intestine and the liver, the gut-liver axis has become one of the most critical physiological connections between the gut microbiota and extra-intestinal organs and in need of further exploring. The liver communicates with the intestine by releasing bile acids into the biliary tract and systemic circulation. In turn, the host and gut microbiota metabolize endogenous and exogenous (dietary and environmental) substrates, whose products are brought to the liver through venous tributaries of the portal vein.
Many pathological processes have been investigated given the close relationship between the gastrointestinal tract and the liver. For instance, emerging scientific literature has shown the effect of gut microbiota in the development of hepatic steatosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Metagenomic analyses have shown that metabolic diseases, such as obesity, metabolic syndromes, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and cirrhosis, can be associated with changes in the composition of the gut microbiota through the gut-liver axis. Hence, it is of particular importance to identify and characterize the microbiota that accounts for the development of these gut-liver axis related diseases and to elucidate the pathological mechanisms involved in the progression of these diseases.
This Research Topic aims to provide a forum for novel knowledge on the role of the gut microbiota in gut-liver axis related diseases, as well as the potentials and downsides of gut microbiota-based therapies for these diseases. Specifically, we welcome submissions of Original Research and Review articles focusing on but not limited to the following aspects:
- Effect of the gut microbiota and their metabolism in gut-liver axis associated obesity and gut microbiota-based therapies
- Effect of the gut microbiota and their metabolism in gut-liver axis associated metabolic syndromes and gut microbiota-based therapy
- Effect of the gut microbiota and their metabolism on gut-liver axis associated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and gut microbiota-based therapies
- Effect of the gut microbiota and their metabolism on gut-liver axis associated cirrhosis and gut microbiota-based therapies
A large body of studies have suggested that gut microbiota plays a central role in the pathophysiology of extra-intestinal conditions such as liver cirrhosis, metabolic syndrome, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In the light of the close bidirectional interface between the intestine and the liver, the gut-liver axis has become one of the most critical physiological connections between the gut microbiota and extra-intestinal organs and in need of further exploring. The liver communicates with the intestine by releasing bile acids into the biliary tract and systemic circulation. In turn, the host and gut microbiota metabolize endogenous and exogenous (dietary and environmental) substrates, whose products are brought to the liver through venous tributaries of the portal vein.
Many pathological processes have been investigated given the close relationship between the gastrointestinal tract and the liver. For instance, emerging scientific literature has shown the effect of gut microbiota in the development of hepatic steatosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Metagenomic analyses have shown that metabolic diseases, such as obesity, metabolic syndromes, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and cirrhosis, can be associated with changes in the composition of the gut microbiota through the gut-liver axis. Hence, it is of particular importance to identify and characterize the microbiota that accounts for the development of these gut-liver axis related diseases and to elucidate the pathological mechanisms involved in the progression of these diseases.
This Research Topic aims to provide a forum for novel knowledge on the role of the gut microbiota in gut-liver axis related diseases, as well as the potentials and downsides of gut microbiota-based therapies for these diseases. Specifically, we welcome submissions of Original Research and Review articles focusing on but not limited to the following aspects:
- Effect of the gut microbiota and their metabolism in gut-liver axis associated obesity and gut microbiota-based therapies
- Effect of the gut microbiota and their metabolism in gut-liver axis associated metabolic syndromes and gut microbiota-based therapy
- Effect of the gut microbiota and their metabolism on gut-liver axis associated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and gut microbiota-based therapies
- Effect of the gut microbiota and their metabolism on gut-liver axis associated cirrhosis and gut microbiota-based therapies
Keywords: Gut-Liver Axis, Gut Microbiota, NAFLD, Obesity, Metabolic/Insulin Resistance Syndrome
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
