One of the main research interests of the gastroenterology and hepatology group is the gut-liver axis. We investigate the fundamental principles of host-microbe interactions in the gut and the way how they can affect liver diseases and the development of portal hypertension. The gut and the liver communicate in a bidirectional way and influence each other in physiological and/or pathological conditions. This communication occurs through the portal circulation, that carries gut-derived products to the liver – and, through the biliary system – that transports the bile from the liver to the intestine. In chronic liver disease, disturbances in the gut-liver axis may lead to bacterial translocation from the intestinal lumen to lymph nodes and to extra-intestinal organs. This may over activate the immune system, promoting the progression of liver disease. The main aim of our research is to understand how the disruption of the gut mucosal and vascular barrier occurs and how this may affect the course of liver diseases and the progression of portal hypertension.
We are moreover interested in discovering the mechanisms that are responsible for the development of fatty liver disease. Since no efficient treatment is currently available, we aim to understand the role of Paneth cells, a particular family of intestinal immune cells, in the regulation of lipid metabolism and lymphatic circulation. Intestinal and mesenteric lymphatic networks are the largest and major routes for dietary fat uptake and transport, re-circulation of interstitial fluids and immune cells along the gut-liver axis.
We use experimental models of acute or chronic liver disease and portal hypertension, intestinal organoids and cell cultures together with cutting edge molecular biology technologies.
