Targeting the gut microbiota to treat alcoholic liver diseases: evidence and promises

The human intestine is colonized by a variety of microbes that influence the metabolic responses, the immune system and the nervous system. Dietary patterns are important factors that shape the composition of the gut microbiota. Many animal models of alcohol exposure have highlighted the key role of the alcohol-induced gut microbiota alterations, leaky gut and translocation of microbial products in the development of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). However, in humans, there is no clear picture defining an “alcoholic microbiome”, and the link between intestinal dysbiosis and ALD development is far from being understood. Although we do not comprehend all the mechanistic insights, clinical studies aiming at modulating the gut microbiota of alcoholic patients have shown some beneficial effects. Here we review the potential therapeutic effects of probiotics in ALD and give some clinical perspectives on the role of prebiotics and the use of fecal microbiota transplantation.

Keywords: gut microbiota, alcoholic liver disease, probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, metabolomics.