Evaluation of the gut barrier to intestinal bacteria in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Body epithelial surfaces, such as the airways, the skin, the mouth, and the lower gastrointestinal tract provide residence to a number of microbes that by far exceed the number of cells of human beings. These microbial populations not only contribute to the process of development of their host and maintain tissue homeostasis, but also play a critical role in governing important physiological processes like for instance the absorption of vitamins and nutrients from the intestinal lumen [1]. Under normal conditions, the barrier function of the intestinal mucosa prevents bacteria from translocating through the gut epithelium into the portal and systemic circulation.