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Journal of Gastroenterology
Published in: Journal of Gastroenterology 3/2019

Open Access 01-03-2019 | Review

Antimicrobial proteins: intestinal guards to protect against liver disease

Authors: Tim Hendrikx, Bernd Schnabl

Published in: Journal of Gastroenterology | Issue 3/2019

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Abstract

Alterations of gut microbes play a role in the pathogenesis and progression of many disorders including liver and gastrointestinal diseases. Both qualitative and quantitative changes in gut microbiota have been associated with liver disease. Intestinal dysbiosis can disrupt the integrity of the intestinal barrier leading to pathological bacterial translocation and the initiation of an inflammatory response in the liver. In order to sustain symbiosis and protect from pathological bacterial translocation, antimicrobial proteins (AMPs) such as a-defensins and C-type lectins are expressed in the gastrointestinal tract. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of AMPs in different chronic liver disease such as alcoholic steatohepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and cirrhosis. In addition, potential approaches to modulate the function of AMPs and prevent bacterial translocation are discussed.
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Metadata
Title
Antimicrobial proteins: intestinal guards to protect against liver disease
Authors
Tim Hendrikx
Bernd Schnabl
Publication date
01-03-2019
Publisher
Springer Japan
Published in
Journal of Gastroenterology / Issue 3/2019
Print ISSN: 0944-1174
Electronic ISSN: 1435-5922
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00535-018-1521-8

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