Current evidence on the use of probiotics in liver diseases

The human gastrointestinal tract contains bacterial species that, among other functions, maintain a microbial barrier against potential pathogens and help regulate the immune response in the human body. The composition of gut microbiota and its variations hold an important role in the development of liver diseases. Under pathological conditions, bacterial components are released into the liver–gut axis and cause proinflammatory and autoimmune responses in the liver; these responses can initiate direct damage to liver cells. Probiotics have been shown to have favorable effects when used to treat several liver diseases by reducing the production of bacterial toxins and by modulating autoimmune responses, intestinal permeability, and the inflammatory response. This review discusses current data concerning the role of gut microbiota and its relationship with the immune system and the progression of liver diseases, as well as the use of different strains of bacteria for treatments of such diseases.