Alcoholic liver disease: focus on prodromal gut health

Abstract

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is implicated in gut disturbances, both functionally and structurally. It has been noticed that the gut-liver interaction is an important feature in the prevention of systemic inflammation as well as liver health. The optimal functioning of the gut-liver axis depends on gut health. Therefore, gut problems may be important for estimating liver inflammation, while our knowledge of ALD could also provide an insight into gut health. Gut problems accompanied by ALD include gut motility and absorption problems, mucosal damage and the dysbiosis of gut microbiota and gastrointestinal carcinogenesis. Moreover, there is emerging evidence that besides direct inflammatory injury caused by alcohol, gut problems related to ALD play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and immunological disorders. In this regard, we should consider ALD in relation to both gut health and chronic systemic low-grade inflammation. Accordingly, integrative therapeutic strategies are warranted for treating and preventing ALD and systemic inflammation as well as alcohol-related gut problems.