Gut Microbiota and Liver Dysfunction in Sepsis: The Role of Inflammatory Mediators and Therapeutic Approaches
Aqsa Shahid, Stephen T. Chambers, Amy Scott-Thomas, Madhav Bhatia
Abstract
Sepsis is a life-threatening complication caused by an uncontrolled immune response to infection that can lead to multi-organ dysfunction, including liver injury. Recent research has shown the critical role of gut microbiota in sepsis pathogenesis, with the gut–liver axis playing a crucial role in disease progression. Mechanisms such as the disruption of the gut barrier and liver injury pathways mediated by cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules, hydrogen sulfide (H2S). and substance P (SP) have been the focus of recent studies. Some potential biomarkers and gut microbiota-targeted therapies have shown promise as emerging tools for predicting and managing sepsis. This review describes the role of the gut–liver axis in sepsis and the potential of microbiota-targeted therapies and biomarker-driven interventions to improve sepsis outcomes.