The Gut-Liver Axis as Therapeutic Target in Cholestatic Liver Disease

Description

This session covers the recent discoveries from studies in experimental cholestasis models and results of clinical trials targeting the gut-liver axis. Several investigations in patients with inflammatory cholestatic disease, i.e., PSC or biliary atresia, revealed associations with distinct microbial communities, metabolic pathways and disease phenotypes. Studies in experimental models could demonstrate causality and elucidate disease mechanisms related to the gut-liver axis in cholestatic conditions. Treatments targeting the gut-liver axis, including antimicrobials, dietary interventions or pharmacological disruption of intestinal bile acid reclamation, are emerging therapies for cholestatic liver diseases.