1
|
Zhang KK, Yang JZ, Cheng CH, Wan JY, Chen YC, Zhou HQ, Zheng DK, Lan ZX, You QH, Wang Q, Sun J. Short-chain fatty acids mitigate Methamphetamine-induced hepatic injuries in a Sigma-1 receptor-dependent manner. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 280:116538. [PMID: 38833980 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (Meth) is a potent psychostimulant with well-established hepatotoxicity. Gut microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) have been reported to yield beneficial effects on the liver. In this study, we aim to further reveal the mechanisms of Meth-induced hepatic injuries and investigate the potential protective effects of SCFAs. Herein, mice were intraperitoneally injected with 15 mg/kg Meth to induce hepatic injuries. The composition of fecal microbiota and SCFAs was profiled using 16 S rRNA sequencing and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis, respectively. Subsequently, SCFAs supplementation was performed to evaluate the protective effects against hepatic injuries. Additionally, Sigma-1 receptor knockout (S1R-/-) mice and fluvoxamine (Flu), an agonist of S1R, were introduced to investigate the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of SCFAs. Our results showed that Meth activated S1R and induced hepatic autophagy, inflammation, and oxidative stress by stimulating the MAPK/ERK pathway. Meanwhile, Meth disrupted SCFAs product-related microbiota, leading to a reduction in fecal SCFAs (especially Acetic acid and Propanoic acid). Accompanied by the optimization of gut microbiota, SCFAs supplementation normalized S1R expression and ameliorated Meth-induced hepatic injuries by repressing the MAPK/ERK pathway. Effectively, S1R knockout repressed Meth-induced activation of the MAPK/ERK pathway and further ameliorated hepatic injuries. Finally, the overexpression of S1R stimulated the MAPK/ERK pathway and yielded comparable adverse phenotypes to Meth administration. These findings suggest that Meth-induced hepatic injuries relied on the activation of S1R, which could be alleviated by SCFAs supplementation. Our study confirms the crucial role of S1R in Meth-induced hepatic injuries for the first time and provides a potential preemptive therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Kai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research; Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Viral Hepatitis; Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Jian-Zheng Yang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Chang-Hao Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research; Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Viral Hepatitis; Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Jia-Yuan Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research; Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Viral Hepatitis; Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Yu-Chuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research; Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Viral Hepatitis; Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - He-Qi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research; Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Viral Hepatitis; Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - De-Kai Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research; Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Viral Hepatitis; Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Zhi-Xian Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research; Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Viral Hepatitis; Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Qiu-Hong You
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research; Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Viral Hepatitis; Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China.
| | - Jian Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research; Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Viral Hepatitis; Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Koda Y, Nagasaki Y. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis treated by poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(cysteine) block copolymer-based self-assembling antioxidant nanoparticles. J Control Release 2024; 370:367-378. [PMID: 38692439 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.04.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), now known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), involves oxidative stress caused by the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Small-molecule antioxidants have not been approved for antioxidant chemotherapy because of severe adverse effects that collapse redox homeostasis, even in healthy tissues. To overcome these disadvantages, we have been developing poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(cysteine) (PEG-block-PCys)-based self-assembling polymer nanoparticles (NanoCyses), releasing Cys after in vivo degradation by endogenous enzymes, to obtain antioxidant effects without adverse effects. However, a comprehensive investigation of the effects of polymer design on therapeutic outcomes has not yet been conducted to develop our NanoCys system for antioxidant chemotherapy. In this study, we synthesized different poly(L-cysteine) (PCys) chains whose sulfanyl groups were protected by tert-butyl thiol (StBu) and butyryl (Bu) groups to change the reactivity of the side chains, affording NanoCys(SS) and NanoCys(Bu), respectively. To elucidate the importance of the polymer design, these NanoCyses were orally administered to MASH model mice as a model of oxidative stress-related diseases. Consequently, the acyl-protective NanoCys(Bu) significantly suppressed hepatic lipid accumulation and oxidative stress compared to NanoCys(SS). Furthermore, we substantiated that shorter PCys were much better than longer PCys for therapeutic outcomes and the effects related to the liberation properties of Cys from these nanoparticles. Owing to its antioxidant functions, NanoCyses also significantly attenuated hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in the MASH mouse model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Koda
- Department of Materials Science, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan
| | - Yukio Nagasaki
- Department of Materials Science, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan; Master's School of Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tennoudai 1-1-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan; Center for Research in Radiation, Isotope and Earth System Sciences (CRiES), University of Tsukuba, Tennoudai 1-1-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan; Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; High-value Biomaterials Research and Commercialization Center (HBRCC), National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 10608, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cicchinelli S, Gemma S, Pignataro G, Piccioni A, Ojetti V, Gasbarrini A, Franceschi F, Candelli M. Intestinal Fibrogenesis in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Exploring the Potential Role of Gut Microbiota Metabolites as Modulators. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:490. [PMID: 38675450 PMCID: PMC11053610 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis, sustained by the transformation of intestinal epithelial cells into fibroblasts (epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, EMT), has been extensively studied in recent decades, with the molecular basis well-documented in various diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). However, the factors influencing these pathways remain unclear. In recent years, the role of the gut microbiota in health and disease has garnered significant attention. Evidence suggests that an imbalanced or dysregulated microbiota, along with environmental and genetic factors, may contribute to the development of IBDs. Notably, microbes produce various metabolites that interact with host receptors and associated signaling pathways, influencing physiological and pathological changes. This review aims to present recent evidence highlighting the emerging role of the most studied metabolites as potential modulators of molecular pathways implicated in intestinal fibrosis and EMT in IBDs. These studies provide a deeper understanding of intestinal inflammation and fibrosis, elucidating the molecular basis of the microbiota role in IBDs, paving the way for future treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Cicchinelli
- Department of Emergency, S.S. Filippo e Nicola Hospital, 67051 Avezzano, Italy;
| | - Stefania Gemma
- Department of Emergency, Anesthesiological and Reanimation Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Pignataro
- Department of Emergency, Anesthesiological and Reanimation Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Piccioni
- Department of Emergency, Anesthesiological and Reanimation Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica Ojetti
- Department of Emergency, Anesthesiological and Reanimation Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Franceschi
- Department of Emergency, Anesthesiological and Reanimation Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello Candelli
- Department of Emergency, Anesthesiological and Reanimation Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Williams LM, Cao S. Harnessing and delivering microbial metabolites as therapeutics via advanced pharmaceutical approaches. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 256:108605. [PMID: 38367866 PMCID: PMC10985132 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Microbial metabolites have emerged as key players in the interplay between diet, the gut microbiome, and host health. Two major classes, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and tryptophan (Trp) metabolites, are recognized to regulate inflammatory, immune, and metabolic responses within the host. Given that many human diseases are associated with dysbiosis of the gut microbiome and consequent reductions in microbial metabolite production, the administration of these metabolites represents a direct, multi-targeted treatment. While a multitude of preclinical studies showcase the therapeutic potential of both SCFAs and Trp metabolites, they often rely on high doses and frequent dosing regimens to achieve systemic effects, thereby constraining their clinical applicability. To address these limitations, a variety of pharmaceutical formulations approaches that enable targeted, delayed, and/or sustained microbial metabolite delivery have been developed. These approaches, including enteric encapsulations, esterification to dietary fiber, prodrugs, and nanoformulations, pave the way for the next generation of microbial metabolite-based therapeutics. In this review, we first provide an overview of the roles of microbial metabolites in maintaining host homeostasis and outline how compromised metabolite production contributes to the pathogenesis of inflammatory, metabolic, autoimmune, allergic, infectious, and cancerous diseases. Additionally, we explore the therapeutic potential of metabolites in these disease contexts. Then, we provide a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the pharmaceutical strategies that have been employed to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of microbial metabolites, with a focus on SCFAs and Trp metabolites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey M Williams
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Shijie Cao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhu X, Zhou Z, Pan X. Research reviews and prospects of gut microbiota in liver cirrhosis: a bibliometric analysis (2001-2023). Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1342356. [PMID: 38550860 PMCID: PMC10972893 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1342356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The gut-liver axis has emerged as a focal point in chronic liver disorders, prompting more research into the role of the gut microbiota in liver cirrhosis. In individuals with liver cirrhosis, changes in the structure and function of the gut microbiota are closely tied to clinical prognosis. However, there is a scarcity of bibliometric evaluations conducted in this particular field. METHODS This study is aiming to conduct a complete analysis of the knowledge structure and centers pertaining to gut microbiota in liver cirrhosis using bibliometric methods. Publications on gut microbiota and liver cirrhosis from 2001 to 2023 are sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection. For the bibliometric analysis, we employ VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and the R package "bibliometrix". RESULTS Our study encompasses a comprehensive collection of 3109 articles originating from 96 countries, with notable contributions from leading nations such as the United States and China. The quantity of publications concerning the gut microbiota of liver cirrhosis rises annually. The University of California San Diego, Virginia Commonwealth University, Zhejiang University are the primary research institutions. World Journal of Gastroenterology publishes the most papers in this field, while hepatology is the most frequently co-cited journal. These publications come from a total of 15,965 authors, and the most prolific authors are Bajaj Jasmohan S., Schnabl Bernd and Gillevet Patrick M., while the most co-cited authors are Bajaj Jasmohan S., Younossi Zobair M., and Reiner Wiest. In addition, "dysbiosis", "gut microbiota", "intestinal barrier", "fecal microbiota transplantation", and "complement-system" are the primary keywords of research trends in recent years. DISCUSSION This study offering a comprehensive insight into the research dynamics surrounding gut microbiota in patients with liver cirrhosis. It delineates the current research frontiers and hotspots, serving as a valuable guide for scholars.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou Ninth People’s Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ziyuan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaxia Pan
- Cancer Center, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Xu J, Xia Q, Wu T, Shao Y, Wang Y, Jin N, Tian P, Wu L, Lu X. Prophylactic treatment with Bacteroides uniformis and Bifidobacterium bifidum counteracts hepatic NK cell immune tolerance in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis induced by high fat diet. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2302065. [PMID: 38196273 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2302065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatic immunity is one of the driving forces for the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and targeting gut microbiota is believed to affect the hepatic immune constitution. Here, we aimed to investigate the hepatic immunological state in NASH, with a specific emphasis on natural killer (NK) cells. In addition, we aimed to identify the contributing species that target hepatic immunity to provide new directions and support the feasibility of immunotherapy for NASH. A possible NASH population was determined by combination of long-term severe fatty liver, metabolic disorders and increased serum CK18 to detect serum immune factors and gut microbiota. NASH was induced in mice fed a high-fat diet to verify the prophylactic effect of the functional species on the immunopathology and development of NASH. Hepatic immunologic state was examined, and the effector functions of NK cells were detected. Hepatic transcriptome, proteomic, and fecal metagenome were performed. We observed a statistical increase in serum IL-10 (p < 0.001) and non-statistical decrease in interferon-γ and IL-6 in NASH population, hinting at the possibility of immune tolerance. Fecal Bacteroides uniformis and Bifidobacterium bifidum were abundant in healthy population but depleted in NASH patients. In NASH mice, hepatic CD8+T cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells were increased (p < 0.01), and NK cells were inhibited, which were identified with decreased granzyme B (p < 0.05). Bacteroides uniformis and Bifidobacterium bifidum improved hepatic pathological and metabolic cues, increased hepatic NK cells and reduced macrophages (p < 0.05). Bacteroides uniformis also restored hepatic NK cell function, which was identified as increased CD107a (p < 0.05). Transcriptional and translational profiling revealed that the functional species might restore the function of hepatic NK cells through multiple pathways, such as reduction of inhibitory molecules in NK cells. Bacteroides uniformis and Bifidobacterium bifidum are novel prophylactics for NASH that restore the impaired function of hepatic NK cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingyuan Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qiaoyun Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Wu
- Department of Citizen Health, Community Health Service Center of Jinxi Town, Kunshan, China
| | - Yong Shao
- Department of Citizen Health, Community Health Service Center of Jinxi Town, Kunshan, China
| | - Yatao Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Nuyun Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Peiying Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Longyun Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaolan Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chen C, Beloqui A, Xu Y. Oral nanomedicine biointeractions in the gastrointestinal tract in health and disease. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 203:115117. [PMID: 37898337 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Oral administration is the preferred route of administration based on the convenience for and compliance of the patient. Oral nanomedicines have been developed to overcome the limitations of free drugs and overcome gastrointestinal (GI) barriers, which are heterogeneous across healthy and diseased populations. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview and comparison of the oral nanomedicine biointeractions in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) in health and disease (GI and extra-GI diseases) and highlight emerging strategies that exploit these differences for oral nanomedicine-based treatment. We introduce the key GI barriers related to oral delivery and summarize their pathological changes in various diseases. We discuss nanomedicine biointeractions in the GIT in health by describing the general biointeractions based on the type of oral nanomedicine and advanced biointeractions facilitated by advanced strategies applied in this field. We then discuss nanomedicine biointeractions in different diseases and explore how pathological characteristics have been harnessed to advance the development of oral nanomedicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Chen
- UCLouvain, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ana Beloqui
- UCLouvain, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; WEL Research Institute, avenue Pasteur, 6, 1300 Wavre, Belgium.
| | - Yining Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Metabolic Diseases and Pharmacotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Administration, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ohtani N, Kamiya T, Kawada N. Recent updates on the role of the gut-liver axis in the pathogenesis of NAFLD/NASH, HCC, and beyond. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0241. [PMID: 37639702 PMCID: PMC10462074 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut and the liver are anatomically and physiologically connected, and this connection is called the "gut-liver axis," which exerts various influences on liver physiology and pathology. The gut microbiota has been recognized to trigger innate immunity and modulate the liver immune microenvironment. Gut microbiota influences the physiological processes in the host, such as metabolism, by acting on various signaling receptors and transcription factors through their metabolites and related molecules. The gut microbiota has also been increasingly recognized to modulate the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this review, we discuss recent updates on gut microbiota-associated mechanisms in the pathogenesis of chronic liver diseases such as NAFLD and NASH, as well as liver cancer, in light of the gut-liver axis. We particularly focus on gut microbial metabolites and components that are associated with these liver diseases. We also discuss the role of gut microbiota in modulating the response to immunotherapy in liver diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Ohtani
- Department of Pathophysiology, Osaka Metropolitan University, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomonori Kamiya
- Department of Pathophysiology, Osaka Metropolitan University, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Norifumi Kawada
- Department of Hepatology, Osaka Metropolitan University, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|