Evaluation of Intestinal Permeability in Cirrhotic Patients Before and After Treatment With Non-selective Beta Blocker (Propranolol)

Inclusion Criteria: * \> 18 years * Diagnosis of cirrhosis of any etiology or severity as established by the treating physician (biopsy, biochemical, imaging) * High risk gastroesophageal varices, that is those with medium/large varices or any size varices with red wale signs * Scheduled appointment for endoscopic ligation as previously ordered by the treating physician * Signed informed consent * Ability to keep return appointments Exclusion Criteria: * Beta blocker treatment within 1 month prior to study period * Antibiotic treatment during or within 1 month prior to study period * Prebiotic or probiotic treatment during or within 1 month before study period * Current immunosuppressive treatment * Patients with active infectious process * Patients with portal thrombosis * Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma * Patients with intestinal surgical shunts * Patients with chronic diarrhea or documented celiac disease * Patients with chronic renal failure (KDOQI: ≤ 3) * Patients with allergy or absolute contraindication for the use of nonselective beta blockers (asthma, significant heart block, systolic BP \<90 mm Hg, basal HR \<55, refractory ascites)