Background: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is one of the most important complications of patients with liver cirrhosis entailing high morbidity and mortality. Making an accurate early diagnosis of this infection is key in the outcome of these patients. The current definition of SBP is based on studies performed more than 40 years ago using a manual technique to count the number of polymorphs in ascitic fluid (AF).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground And Aim: The gut barrier protects the liver through tight junctions, which are disrupted in liver disease either from dysbiosis, inflammation, or the effects of ingested compounds such as alcohol. Strengthening of the gut barrier may ameliorate liver injury of varying etiologies. Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) have been shown to improve gut barrier function.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAlcohol is inextricably linked with the digestive system. It is absorbed through the gut and metabolised by hepatocytes within the liver. Excessive alcohol use results in alterations to the gut microbiome and gut epithelial integrity.
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