Gut mycobiome alterations and implications for liver diseases

by Suling Zeng, Bernd Schnabl

Chronic liver disease and its complications are a significant global health burden. Changes in fungal communities (mycobiome), an integral component of the gut microbiome, are associated with and contribute to the development of liver disease. Fungal dysbiosis can induce intestinal barrier dysfunction and allow fungal products to translocate to the liver causing progression of disease. This review explores recent progress in understanding the compositional and functional diversity of gut mycobiome signatures across different liver diseases. It delves into causative connections between gut fungi and liver diseases. We emphasize the significance of fungal translocation, with a particular focus on fungal-derived metabolites and immune cells induced by fungi, as key contributors to liver disease. Furthermore, we review the potential impact of the intrahepatic mycobiome on the progression of liver diseases.