The Gut Microbiota in Hepatic Encephalopathy: From Recognition to Treatment

The role of the gut microbiota in the pathogenesis and treatment of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) has garnered increasing attention due to significant advancements in understanding the gut microbiota over recent years. A growing body of evidence from laboratory and clinical studies highlights a substantial relationship between gut microbiota and HE. Identifying the role of gut microbiota in maintaining normal cognitive function, including its influence on the gut barrier and immune cells, is essential to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the development of HE. This understanding offers novel perspectives for its prevention and treatment. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the research progress concerning the gut microbiota, HE, and their interrelationship, along with current treatment methods for HE. Furthermore, it outlines the limitations and challenges associated with microbiota-based therapeutic research.