Non-selective β-blockers reduce bacterial translocation by restoring gut barrier function during experimental cirrhosis

The authors investigate whether β-adrenergic signaling contributes to gut barrier dysfunction and bacterial translocation in experimental cirrhosis, and if non-selective β-blockers like propranolol can mitigate these effects. Their findings demonstrate that propranolol restores gut barrier integrity and reduces bacterial translocation by stabilizing endothelial VE-cadherin, independent of microbiota changes. This suggests that targeting β-adrenergic hyperactivity may be a viable therapeutic approach in managing gut-liver axis disruptions in cirrhosis.