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Gut-Liver Axis

Meaning

The Gut-Liver Axis describes the bidirectional anatomical and functional relationship between the gastrointestinal tract and the liver, a critical pathway for nutrient metabolism, detoxification, and immune system modulation. The gut supplies the liver with absorbed nutrients, microbial metabolites, and potential toxins via the portal vein, while the liver processes these compounds and secretes bile back into the gut to aid digestion and lipid absorption. Dysregulation of this axis, often due to intestinal permeability or dysbiosis, can lead to systemic inflammation and impaired hormonal clearance, significantly impacting overall metabolic and endocrine health.