Oral Pathogenic Bacteria and the Oral–Gut–Liver Axis: A New Understanding of Chronic Liver Diseases

Abstract

Liver diseases have long been a prevalent cause of morbidity and mortality, and their development and progression involve multiple vital organs throughout the body. Recent studies on the oral–gut–liver axis have revealed that the oral microbiota is associated with the pathophysiology of chronic liver diseases. Since interventions aimed at regulating oral biological disorders may delay the progress of liver disease, it is crucial to better comprehend this process. Oral bacteria with potential pathogenicity have been extensively studied and are closely related to several types of chronic liver diseases. Therefore, this review will systemically describe the emerging role of oral pathogenic bacteria in common liver diseases, including alcoholic liver disease (ALD), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cirrhosis, autoimmune liver diseases (AILD), and liver cancer, and bring in new perspectives for future research.