Butyrate modulates gut microbiota and anti-inflammatory response in attenuating cisplatin-induced kidney injury

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in inflammatory bowel disease: prevalence, risk factors, pathophysiological pathways and clinical consequences

INTRODUCTION

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common liver comorbidity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

AREAS COVERED

This paper outlines common pathophysiological aspects related to MASLD and IBD; describes the epidemiological clues associated with both diseases; analyzes risk factors contributing to MASLD appearance and progression in IBD patients; reviews data on clinical consequences for this population; and provides advice on the management of patients with both conditions.

EXPERT OPINION

IBD itself, especially Crohn's disease, is a risk factor for MASLD and its progression to liver cirrhosis, independent of other cardiometabolic risk factors. Intestine-dependent mechanisms which contribute to MASLD in IBD and interplay with classic metabolic factors include sarcopenia, disease phenotype, duration, and activity. Changes in microbiota also contribute to deregulating the gut-liver axis in these conditions. By contrast, IBD therapies do not seem to play a relevant role in the risk of developing MASLD; and the potential of biologics and novel small molecules on liver changes requires further investigation. MASLD increases comorbidities, impairs clinical outcomes, and increases mortality in IBD patients; therefore, early detection of MASLD is a priority in IBD populations. Individualized and integrative management of both MASLD and IBD is required to improve results.

Flavonoids Derived from Opuntia ficus-indica Fruit Alleviate Renal Injury in Diabetic Nephropathy Mice by Altering Gut Microbiota and Promoting the Production of SCFAs

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) represents a severe microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus with limited therapeutic options, many of which are accompanied by considerable adverse effects. Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) fruit, rich in vitamins, dietary fiber, and fatty acids, contains numerous bioactive compounds, including phytosterols, polysaccharides, and flavonoids that demonstrate significant potential in diabetes management. The flavonoid fraction derived from OFI fruit (OFI-F) has exhibited pronounced anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and gut microbiota modulatory properties. However, the efficacy of OFI-F in ameliorating DN and its underlying mechanisms remain inadequately elucidated. This investigation examined the therapeutic potential of OFI-F in DN and explored its mechanistic pathways. Our findings demonstrate that OFI-F administration significantly attenuated renal injury and intestinal barrier dysfunction in the DN murine model. OFI-F intervention resulted in multiple beneficial outcomes in DN mice, including the mitigation of weight loss, reduction in hyperglycemia, decrease in renal coefficient index, and the attenuation of renal injury. An analysis of gut microbiota composition revealed that OFI-F administration favorably modulated the intestinal microbial community by enhancing the abundance of beneficial bacteria while concomitantly reducing populations of potentially pathogenic bacteria. Additionally, OFI-F treatment promoted the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which contributed substantially to renoprotection and inflammatory resolution. Antibiotic intervention studies further confirmed the indispensable role of gut microbiota in mediating the renoprotective effects of OFI-F. In conclusion, this study provides compelling evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of OFI-F in DN management through the concurrent modulation of gut microbiota and renal function, offering a promising nutraceutical approach for alleviating renal injury in DN.

The Effect of Microbiome-Derived Metabolites in Inflammation-Related Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Chronic inflammation plays a crucial role in cancer development, yet the mechanisms linking the microbiome to inflammation-related carcinogenesis remain unclear. Emerging evidence suggests that microbiome-derived metabolites influence inflammatory pathways, presenting both challenges and opportunities for therapy. However, a deeper understanding of how these metabolites regulate inflammation and contribute to cancer prevention is still needed. This review explores recent advances in microbiome-derived metabolites and their roles in inflammation-related carcinogenesis. It highlights key molecular mechanisms, emerging therapies, and unresolved challenges. Synthesizing current research, including clinical trials and experimental models, bridges the gap between microbiome science and cancer therapy. Microbial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), polyamines, indoles, and bile acids play vital roles in regulating inflammation and suppressing cancer. Many metabolites exhibit potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, demonstrating therapeutic potential. Case studies show promising results, but challenges such as metabolite stability, bioavailability, and individual variability remain. Understanding microbiome-metabolite interactions offers novel strategies for cancer prevention and treatment. This review identifies knowledge gaps and proposes future research directions to harness microbiome-derived metabolites for innovative cancer therapies. Addressing these issues may pave the way for microbiome-targeted cancer interventions.

Beneficial Effects of Butyrate on Kidney Disease

The gut microbiota influences and contributes to kidney health and disease. Butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid molecule generated via the fermentation of gut bacterial catabolism of nondigestible dietary fiber, has been shown to exert numerous beneficial effects on kidney disorders. The objective of this review was to discuss the latest findings on the protective effects of butyrate on a variety of animal models of kidney injury. We conducted a PubMed search using the title word "butyrate" and keyword "kidney" to generate our literature review sources. The animal models covered in this review include ischemia-reperfusion renal injury, cisplatin- and folic acid-induced kidney injury, septic kidney injury, diabetic kidney disease (DKD), high-fat diet (HFD)-induced glomerulopathy, adenine-induced chronic kidney disease (CKD), high-salt-induced renal injury, and T-2 toxin-induced kidney injury in birds. The protective mechanisms of butyrate that are most shared among these animal model studies include antioxidative stress, anti-fibrosis, anti-inflammation, and anti-cell death. This review ends with suggestions for future studies on potential approaches that may modulate gut microbiota butyrate production for the well-being of kidneys with the kidney disorders covered in this review.