Gut Bacteria Leakage Exacerbates Liver Damage in Chronic Alcohol Use: A New Mechanism

A new study uncovers a previously unknown mechanism by which chronic alcohol consumption worsens liver damage. Research reveals that chronic alcohol use impairs the production of the cellular signaling protein mAChR4 in the small intestine. This protein is crucial for the formation of goblet cell-associated antigen passages (GAPs), which help the immune system identify and respond to gut bacteria escaping into other parts of the body. Lower mAChR4 levels weaken GAP formation, allowing gut bacteria to leak into the liver, exacerbating alcohol-related liver damage. Fortunately, restoring mAChR4 function can repair the immune response and lessen liver damage. Published in Nature, this research offers a potential new therapeutic target for alcoholic liver disease and may also offer insights into treating alcohol use disorder.