Akkermansia muciniphila protects from experimental alcoholic liver disease

Introduction & Aims: Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) represents the hepatic manifestation of alcohol overconsumption and includes a clinical spectrum ranging from alcoholic fatty liver, alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH), progressive liver fibrosis to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The translocation of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs, i.e. LPS, microbial DNA) from the gut to the liver is considered an important pathomechanism in the development of ASH. Once in the liver, PAMPs will activate numerous pathways that promote hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis. An intact gut barrier is mai…