Gut microbiota shifts in hepatitis B-related portal hypertension after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt: Mechanistic and clinical implications.

Abstract

In this article, we provide commentary on the recent article by Zhao et al. We focus on the shifts in the gut microbiota of patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated cirrhosis/portal hypertension (PH) following transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) and the implications for understanding the mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment. By comparing the gut microbiota composition and dynamic changes before and after TIPS in patients with and without hepatic encephalopathy, the authors found an increase in non-probiotic bacteria in those who developed hepatic encephalopathy post-TIPS, with Morganella species present only in the hepatic encephalopathy group. The gut microbiota changes post-TIPS among patients without the occurrence of hepatic encephalopathy suggest potential therapeutic benefits through prophylactic microbiome therapies. Furthermore, the specific gut microbiota alterations may hold promise to predict the risk of hepatic encephalopathy in individuals undergoing TIPS for HBV-related PH. Despite these promising findings, future studies are needed to address limitations, including a small sample size, a relatively short evaluation period for gut microbiota alterations, the absence of data on dynamic alterations in gut microbiota post-TIPS and their correlation with blood ammonia levels, and the lack of validation in animal models. In conclusion, Zhao et al's study has shed new light on the link of gut microbiota with post-TIPS hepatic encephalopathy, potentially through the intricate gut-liver axis, and has important clinical implications for improving the management of patients with HBV-related PH.