Cirrhosis, bile acids and gut microbiota: Unraveling a complex relationship

Jason M. Ridlon, Joao Marcelo Alves, Phillip B. Hylemon, Jasmohan S. Bajaj

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A picture is now starting to emerge regarding the liver-bile acid-microbiome axis. Increasing levels of the primary bile acid cholic acid (CA) causes a dramatic shift toward the Firmicutes, particularly Clostridium cluster XIVa and increasing production of the harmful secondary bile acid deoxycholic acid (DCA). During progression of cirrhosis, the microbiome, both through their metabolism, cell wall components (LPS) and translocation lead to inflammation. Inflammation suppresses synthesis of bile acids in the liver leading to a positive- feedback mechanism. Decrease in bile acids entering the intestines appears to favor overgrowth of pathogenic and pro-inflammatory members of the microbiome including Porphyromonadaceae and Enterobacteriaceae. Decreasing bile acid concentration in the colon in cirrhosis is also associated with decreases in Clostridium cluster XIVa, which includes bile acid 7α-dehydroxylating bacteria which produce DCA. Rifaximin treatment appears to act by suppressing DCA production, reducing endotoxemia and harmful metabolites without significantly altering microbiome structure. Taken together, the bile acid pool size and composition appear to be a major regulator of microbiome structure, which in turn appears to be an important regulator of bile acid pool size and composition. The balance between this equilibrium is critical for human health and disease.

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalGut Microbes
Volume4
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • 7α-dehydroxylation
  • Autochthonous
  • Bile acids
  • Cirrhosis
  • Clostridium cluster XIVa
  • Lachnospiraceae
  • MELD score
  • Rifaximin
  • Ruminoccoccaceae

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Cirrhosis, bile acids and gut microbiota: Unraveling a complex relationship'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this