Bacterial translocation is associated with downregulation of Paneth cell antimicrobial peptides in ascitic cirrhotic but not in pre-hepatic portal hypertensive rats

Aims: Many complications in portal hypertension limiting prognosis are triggered by bacterial translocation (BT) which is defined as the migration of bacteria from the intestinal lumen to mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) and/or other extraintestinal sites. Most translocating bacteria belong to the common intestinal flora which suggests a breakdown of mucosal barrier function. We hypothesized that BT in portal hypertension could be explained by diminished expression of antimicrobial peptides. Methods: Two animal models of portal hypertension with increased BT namely CCl4-induced cirrhosis with ascites and 2-day porta…