Community-based metagenomic cohort
A total of 1,516 adults were included. Participants were consecutively enrolled. Clinical variables-including liver enzyme activities, metabolic biomarkers, and indices of liver injury-were obtained during the same visit to enable integrated analysis of microbial features and host physiological parameters. Fecal samples were collected using sterile collection kits and immediately stored at -80 °C. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing was performed using protocols identical to those applied in the clinical cirrhosis cohorts.