The Liver Meeting 2022-Portal Hypertension SIG Program: Microbiota, Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) is not yet recommended as a treatment for cirrhosis and portal hypertension, according to Dr. Patricia Bloom from the University of Michigan. While FMT has shown promising results in improving cognitive outcomes and reducing alcohol cravings in certain liver diseases, more research is needed to establish its safety and efficacy. The panel of speakers discussed the role of the gut microbiome in liver diseases and highlighted the presence of an imbalance of gut bacteria in patients with liver disease. One specific bacteria, Enterococcus faecalis, was mentioned as a producer of a toxin associated with liver injury. The panel discussed potential targeted therapies, including the use of bacteriophages, soluble forms of complement receptors, and antimicrobial antibodies. However, they agreed that more research is needed to understand the gut microbiome's role in liver disease and develop effective targeted therapies. The panel acknowledged the challenges associated with these therapies, such as the need for antibiotic pretreatment and the risk of antibiotic resistance. Despite these challenges, the panel expressed optimism about the potential for targeted therapies to improve the gut microbiome and treat liver diseases. Ongoing research and clinical trials are necessary to further explore these possibilities.

Asset Caption

Come learn and engage in discussion about the clinical implications of the Liver-Gut Axis. This SIG program will explore the mechanistic underpinnings and clinical relevance of the connections between the microbiome, cirrhosis and portal hypertension.

Keywords

Fecal microbiota transplant

Cirrhosis

Portal hypertension

Liver diseases

Gut microbiome

Imbalance of gut bacteria

Enterococcus faecalis

Toxin

Targeted therapies

Bacteriophages

Antimicrobial antibodies

Research

Clinical trials