Role of pregnane X-receptor in regulating bacterial translocation in chronic liver diseases

Core Tip

Core tip: Translocation of bacteria at pathological levels is a major driving factor in the progression of chronic liver diseases (CLD). However, it remains to be known whether it is the CLD condition that triggers leaky gut, or if translocation of bacteria plays an etiological role in the pathogenesis of CLD. Dysregulation of homeostasis in the gut-liver axis is considered as a crucial element that underlies the pathogenesis of BT. The nuclear receptor, pregnane X receptor (PXR) is widely expressed in gut and liver axis and is implicated in maintenance of equilibrium in the gut-liver axis. This review will summarize the various studies that have highlighted the importance of PXR as the mechanistic linker molecule in the gut-liver axis and its role in regulating bacterial translocation in the pathogenesis of cirrhosis.