Research progress in the role of gut microbiota in ethanol metabolism.
10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2025.240537
- Author:
Yuchun YANG
1
,
2
,
3
;
Xiaojie ZHANG
4
;
Ti CHEN
1
,
3
,
5
Author Information
1. Department of Clinical Laboratory, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha
2. purri126@
3. com.
4. Institute of Mental Health, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China.
5. chenti2000@
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
alcoholic liver disease;
ethanol;
gut microbiota;
metabolism;
short-chain fatty acids
- MeSH:
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology*;
Ethanol/metabolism*;
Humans;
Fatty Acids, Volatile/metabolism*;
Liver Diseases, Alcoholic/metabolism*;
Animals;
Alcohol Drinking/metabolism*
- From:
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences)
2025;50(3):501-510
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
In recent years, gut microbiota has been increasingly recognized as a key player in ethanol metabolism and the development of related diseases. On one hand, ethanol intake directly affects the gut, leading to significant alterations in microbial diversity and composition. On the other hand, gut microbiota influences ethanol-induced damage to various organs, especially the liver, through multiple metabolic byproducts (such as short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, propionate, and acetate), modulation of immune responses, alteration of intestinal barrier function, and regulation of ethanol-metabolizing enzymes. Given the close association between gut microbiota and ethanol metabolism, the gut microbiome presents a promising therapeutic target for alcohol-related liver diseases. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding how gut microbiota affects ethanol metabolism, aiming to elucidate its role in the onset and progression of ethanol-related diseases and to provide a theoretical basis and novel targets for microbiota-based interventions.
