Microbiota in Alcohol-Associated Organ Damage.

Abstract

Alcohol-associated organ damage is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with the liver being the primarily affected organ. Emerging evidence highlights the gut microbiota as a key driver in alcohol-associated liver disease. Changes in the microbiota composition, microbial translocation, and a dysregulated immune response culminate in inflammation and tissue injury. Persistent liver injury eventually promotes disease progression from steatohepatitis to fibrosis and cirrhosis. In this review, an overview of microbiota alterations observed in patients with chronic alcohol consumption is provided and the mechanisms by which microbiota contributes to alcohol-associated damage across various organ systems are explored. Emphasis is placed on changes in the gut microbiota and its role in alcohol-associated liver disease, the disease condition with the most robust evidence linking microbiota-related changes to organ injury. Additionally, key areas where further research is needed to address unresolved questions are highlighted. Finally, emerging therapeutic strategies targeting the microbiota to treat alcohol use disorders and prevent alcohol-associated liver diseases are discussed.