Oral bacteria migrate to the intestine in chronic liver disease
Researchers at the Technical University of Munich and King’s College London have shown that in patients with advanced chronic liver disease, bacteria can enter the intestine from the mouth and damage the intestinal barrier there. This worsens the course of the disease.
In a study published in the journal Nature Microbiology, saliva and stool samples from 86 patients were analyzed. In liver patients, the oral and intestinal microbiome are increasingly similar, and in some cases identical strains can be detected that normally only occur in the mouth. Even in the early stages of the disease, the oral microbiome changes.
The scientists identified oral bacteria that are accumulated in the intestine and have genes for collagen-degrading proteins. These enzymes damage the intestinal barrier, allowing bacteria and their products to reach other organs such as the liver. Animal experiments with mice with liver disease confirmed that the administration of such bacteria impairs the intestinal barrier and worsens liver fibrosis.
The findings open up new approaches for diagnosis and therapy. A specific bacterial gene could serve as a marker to distinguish sick from healthy people. Protecting or restoring the intestinal barrier, as well as targeted changes to the oral microbiome, could slow down the progression of the disease and prevent complications. Every year, more than two million people worldwide die from advanced chronic liver disease.
Original Paper:
Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR
Gender Notice. The personal designations used in this text always refer equally to female, male and diverse persons. Double/triple naming and gendered designations are used for better readability. ected.
Most read
H3N2: Facts instead of panic – The current flu situation 2025/2026 explained in an understandable way The 2025/2026 flu season is in full swing, and in many countries, including the US and Europe, the H...- Innovative substance against periodontitis specifically blocks harmful bacteria Fraunhofer researchers have developed a substance that inhibits harmful bacteria in periodontitis wi...
- NRAHF calls for funding for heart registries The National Register for Congenital Heart Defects takes stock of the petition "Every heart counts"...
