Host-microbiome interactions: Gut-Liver axis and its connection with other organs

An understanding of connections between gut microbiome and liver has provided important insights into the pathophysiology of liver diseases. Since gut microbial dysbiosis increases gut permeability, the metabolites biosynthesized by them can reach the liver through portal circulation and affect hepatic immunity and inflammation. The immune cells activated by these metabolites can also reach liver through lymphatic circulation. Liver influences immunity and metabolism in multiple organs in the body, including gut. It releases bile acids and other metabolites into biliary tract from where they enter the systemic circulation. In this review, the bidirectional communication between the gut and the liver and the molecular cross talk between the host and the microbiome has been discussed. This review also provides details into the intricate level of communication and the role of microbiome in Gut-Liver-Brain, Gut-Liver-Kidney, Gut-Liver-Lung, and Gut-Liver-Heart axes. These observations indicate a complex network of interactions between host organs influenced by gut microbiome.

Automated summary

An understanding of the interactions between gut microbiome and liver is important for understanding the pathophysiology of liver diseases. Gut microbial dysbiosis can increase gut permeability, allowing metabolites to reach the liver and affect hepatic immunity and inflammation. The liver, in turn, influences immunity and metabolism in multiple organs, including the gut, through the release of bile acids and other metabolites. This review discusses the bidirectional communication between the gut and the liver, as well as the molecular cross talk between the host and the microbiome, highlighting the role of the microbiome in various organ axes.