Role of gut microbiota in the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are chronic conditions with complex aetiologies, in which environmental factors and interactions between the gut and liver play a key role. Both conditions are characterised by disturbances in the gut microbiota, which can affect local and systemic inflammatory responses. In particular, increased intestinal permeability promotes the translocation of bacterial components into the portal circulation, contributing to the development of inflammation in the liver. There is growing evidence that modulation of the gut microbiota and improved intestinal barrier function may be of therapeutic importance. The purpose of this review is to discuss the pathogenetic mechanisms that link MASLD and IBD, with a particular emphasis on the influence of the microbiota and environmental factors on the development of these diseases.

Keywords: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease; Inflammatory bowel disease; Gut microbiota; Inflammation; Liver-gut axis; Oxidative stress

Core Tip: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may share a common denominator with the gut microbiota. Through various factors, such as environmental factors, intestinal dysbiosis can occur, disrupting the homeostasis of the intestinal barrier and the entry of, for example, bacterial metabolites that exacerbate inflammation in the body. In the review, we analysed the various pathogenetic mechanisms of MASLD in IBD with an emphasis on the role of the gut microbiota.