Research Progress in Understanding the Role of the Intestinal Barrier in Liver Diseases via the Gut-Liver Axis: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

The gut-liver axis has emerged as a fundamental concept in elucidating liver diseases. Central to this axis is the intestinal barrier, which exerts a significant influence on the progression of various liver conditions, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, viral liver diseases, autoimmune liver diseases, and cirrhosis. This review synthesizes domestic and international literature to explore the intricate association between the intestinal barrier and liver diseases. Mechanistic insights into how the intestinal barrier modulates liver pathology are elucidated, emphasizing its role in mediating the systemic effects of intestinal contents on liver health. Additionally, this paper sheds light on the potential clinical and scientific implications of targeting the intestinal barrier in liver disease management. The review highlights the imperative for continued research efforts to unravel the intricate connections between the intestinal barrier and liver diseases to unveil novel therapeutic strategies to alleviate the burden of these conditions.