Gut-liver-axis: Barrier function of liver sinusoidal endothelial cell

The role of hepatic sinusoidal microenvironment in NASH: pathogenesis, animal models, and therapeutic prospects

The incidence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is increasing annually, posing a significant threat to human health. NASH is typified by hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and hepatocellular injury, frequently culminating in fibrosis and cirrhosis. Yet, the precise pathogenesis of NASH remains to be fully elucidated. The hepatic sinusoid, which serves as the fundamental structural and functional unit of the liver, is intricately composed of endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, and hepatic stellate cells. Consequently, the homeostasis of the hepatic sinusoidal microenvironment may exert a pivotal influence on the progression and prognosis of NASH. However, the limitations of current NASH animal models have significantly impeded advancements in understanding the disease's pathogenesis and the development of effective therapeutic interventions. In light of these challenges, this review endeavors to delve deeper into the critical role of hepatic sinusoidal microenvironment homeostasis in the pathogenesis of NASH, critically analyze the commonly employed animal models, and comprehensively summarize the most recent and promising developments in drug research and development. It is anticipated that these efforts will collectively expedite the advancement of the field of NASH research and therapeutic innovation.

Endothelial RUNX3 controls LSEC dysfunction and angiocrine LRG1 signaling to prevent liver fibrosis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Liver fibrosis represents a global health burden, given the paucity of approved antifibrotic therapies. Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) play a major gatekeeping role in hepatic homeostasis and liver disease pathophysiology. In early tumorigenesis, runt-related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) functions as a sentinel; however, its function in liver fibrosis in LSECs remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of RUNX3 as an important regulator of the gatekeeping functions of LSECs and explore novel angiocrine regulators of liver fibrosis.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

Mice with endothelial Runx3 deficiency develop gradual and spontaneous liver fibrosis secondary to LSEC dysfunction, thereby more prone to liver injury. Mechanistic studies in human immortalized LSECs and mouse primary LSECs revealed that IL-6/JAK/STAT3 pathway activation was associated with LSEC dysfunction in the absence of RUNX3. Single-cell RNA sequencing and quantitative RT-PCR revealed that leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein 1 ( LRG1 ) was highly expressed in RUNX3-deficient and dysfunctional LSECs. In in vitro and coculture experiments, RUNX3-depleted LSECs secreted LRG1, which activated HSCs throughTGFBR1-SMAD2/3 signaling in a paracrine manner. Furthermore, circulating LRG1 levels were elevated in mouse models of liver fibrosis and in patients with fatty liver and cirrhosis.

CONCLUSIONS

RUNX3 deficiency in the endothelium induces LSEC dysfunction, LRG1 secretion, and liver fibrosis progression. Therefore, endothelial RUNX3 is a crucial gatekeeping factor in LSECs, and profibrotic angiocrine LRG1 may be a novel target for combating liver fibrosis.

Exploring the effects of gut microbiota on cholangiocarcinoma progression by patient-derived organoids

BACKGROUND

Recent research indicates a role of gut microbiota in development and progression of life-threatening diseases such as cancer. Carcinomas of the biliary ducts, the so-called cholangiocarcinomas, are known for their aggressive tumor biology, implying poor prognosis of affected patients. An impact of the gut microbiota on cholangiocarcinoma development and progression is plausible due to the enterohepatic circulation and is therefore the subject of scientific debate, however evidence is still lacking. This review aimed to discuss the suitability of complex cell culture models to investigate the role of gut microbiota in cholangiocarcinoma progression.

MAIN BODY

Clinical research in this area is challenging due to poor comparability of patients and feasibility reasons, which is why translational models are needed to understand the basis of tumor progression in cholangiocarcinoma. A promising approach to investigate the influence of gut microbiota could be an organoid model. Organoids are 3D cell models cultivated in a modifiable and controlled condition, which can be grown from tumor tissue. 3D cell models are able to imitate physiological and pathological processes in the human body and thus contribute to a better understanding of health and disease.

CONCLUSION

The use of complex cell cultures such as organoids and organoid co-cultures might be powerful and valuable tools to study not only the growth behavior and growth of cholangiocarcinoma cells, but also the interaction with the tumor microenvironment and with components of the gut microbiota.

Unlocking gut-liver-brain axis communication metabolites: energy metabolism, immunity and barriers

The interaction between the gut-microbiota-derived metabolites and brain has long been recognized in both health and disease. The liver, as the primary metabolic organ for nutrients in animals or humans, plays an indispensable role in signal transduction. Therefore, in recent years, Researcher have proposed the Gut-Liver-Brain Axis (GLBA) as a supplement to the Gut-Brain Axis. The GLBA plays a crucial role in numerous physiological and pathological mechanisms through a complex interplay of signaling pathways. However, gaps remain in our knowledge regarding the developmental and functional influences of the GLBA communication pathway. The gut microbial metabolites serve as communication agents between these three distant organs, functioning prominently within the GLBA. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the GLBA, focusing on signaling molecules role in animal and human health and disease. In this review paper elucidate its mechanisms of communication, explore its implications for immune, and energy metabolism in animal and human, and highlight future research directions. Understanding the intricate communication pathways of the GLBA holds promise for creating innovative treatment approaches for a wide range of immune and metabolic conditions.

Gut Microbiota and Liver Regeneration: A Synthesis of Evidence on Structural Changes and Physiological Mechanisms

Liver regeneration (LR) is a unique biological process with the ability to restore up to 70% of the organ. This allows for the preservation of liver resections for various liver tumors and for living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). However, in some cases, LR is insufficient and interventions that can improve LR are urgently needed. Gut microbiota (GM) is one of the factors influencing LR, as the liver and intestine are intimately connected through the gut-liver axis. Thus, healthy GM facilitates normal LR, whereas dysbiosis leads to impaired LR due to imbalance of bile acids, inflammatory cytokines, microbial metabolites, signaling pathways, etc. Therefore, GM can be considered as a new possible therapeutic target to improve LR. In this review, we critically observe the current knowledge about the influence of gut microbiota (GM) on liver regeneration (LR) and the possibility to improve this process, which may reduce complication and mortality rates after liver surgery. Although much research has been done on this topic, more clinical trials and systemic reviews are urgently needed to move this type of intervention from the experimental phase to the clinical field.

Insights gained into the injury mechanism of drug and herb induced liver injury in the hepatic microenvironment

Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI) and herb Induced Liver Injury (HILI) continues to pose a substantial challenge in both clinical practice and drug development, representing a grave threat to patient well-being. This comprehensive review introduces a novel perspective on DILI and HILI by thoroughly exploring the intricate microenvironment of the liver. The dynamic interplay among hepatocytes, sinusoidal endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, hepatic stellate cells, cholangiocytes, and the intricate vascular network assumes a central role in drug metabolism and detoxification. Significantly, this microenvironment is emerging as a critical determinant of susceptibility to DILI and HILI. The review delves into the multifaceted interactions within the liver microenvironment, providing valuable insights into the complex mechanisms that underlie DILI and HILI. Furthermore, we discuss potential strategies for mitigating drug-induced liver injury by targeting these influential factors, emphasizing their clinical relevance. By highlighting recent advances and future prospects, our aim is to shed light on the promising avenue of leveraging the liver microenvironment for the prevention and mitigation of DILI and HILI. This deeper understanding is crucial for advancing clinical practices and ensuring patient safety in the realm of DILI and HILI.

Adverse cardiac events of hypercholesterolemia are enhanced by sitagliptin in sprague dawley rats

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) affects millions worldwide and is the leading cause of death among non-communicable diseases. Western diets typically comprise of meat and dairy products, both of which are rich in cholesterol (Cho) and methionine (Met), two well-known compounds with atherogenic capabilities. Despite their individual effects, literature on a dietary combination of the two in the context of CVD are limited. Therefore, studies on the combined effects of Cho and Met were carried out using male Sprague Dawley rats. An additional interest was to investigate the cardioprotective potential of sitagliptin, an anti-type 2 diabetic drug. We hypothesized that feeding a dietary combination of Cho and Met would result in adverse cardiac effects and would be attenuated upon administration of sitagliptin.

METHODS

Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either a control (Con), high Met (1.5%), high Cho (2.0%), or high Met (1.5%) + high Cho (2.0%) diet for 35 days. They were orally gavaged with an aqueous preparation of sitagliptin (100 mg/kg/d) or vehicle (water) from day 10 through 35. On day 36, rats were euthanized, and tissues were collected for analysis.

RESULTS

Histopathological evaluation revealed a reduction in myocardial striations and increased collagen deposition in hypercholesterolemia (HChol), responses that became exacerbated upon sitagliptin administration. Cardiac pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic responses were adversely impacted in similar fashion. The addition of Met to Cho (MC) attenuated all adverse structural and biochemical responses, with or without sitagliptin.

CONCLUSIONS

Adverse cardiac outcomes in HChol were enhanced by the administration of sitagliptin, and such effects were alleviated by Met. Our findings could be significant for understanding or revisiting the risk-benefit evaluation of sitagliptin in type 2 diabetics, and especially those who are known to consume atherogenic diets.

Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction and Gut Microbiota in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Assessment, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Considerations

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a type of metabolic stress liver injury closely related to insulin resistance (IR) and genetic susceptibility without alcohol consumption, which encompasses a spectrum of liver disorders ranging from simple hepatic lipid accumulation, known as steatosis, to the more severe form of steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), posing significant health risks. As a multisystem disease, NAFLD is closely associated with systemic insulin resistance, central obesity, and metabolic disorders, which contribute to its pathogenesis and the development of extrahepatic complications, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and certain extrahepatic cancers. Recent evidence highlights the indispensable roles of intestinal barrier dysfunction and gut microbiota in the onset and progression of NAFLD/NASH. This review provides a comprehensive insight into the role of intestinal barrier dysfunction and gut microbiota in NAFLD, including intestinal barrier function and assessment, inflammatory factors, TLR4 signaling, and the gut-liver axis. Finally, we conclude with a discussion on the potential therapeutic strategies targeting gut permeability and gut microbiota in individuals with NAFLD/NASH, such as interventions with medications/probiotics, fecal transplantation (FMT), and modifications in lifestyle, including exercise and diet.

Gut microbes combined with metabolomics reveal the protective effects of Qijia Rougan decoction against CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis

Background: The occurrence and development of Hepatic fibrosis (HF) are closely related to the gut microbial composition and alterations in host metabolism. Qijia Rougan decoction (QJ) is a traditional Chinese medicine compound utilized clinically for the treatment of HF with remarkable clinical efficacy. However, its effect on the gut microbiota and metabolite alterations is unknown. Therefore, our objective was to examine the impact of QJ on the gut microbiota and metabolism in Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced HF. Methods: 40% CCl4 was used to induce HF, followed by QJ administration for 6 weeks. Serum biochemical analyses, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and non-targeted metabolomics techniques were employed in this study to investigate the interventional effects of QJ on a CCl4-induced HF model in rats. Results: This study demonstrated that QJ could effectively ameliorate CCl4-induced hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. Moreover, QJ upregulated the expression of intestinal tight junction proteins (TJPs) and notably altered the abundance of some gut microbes, for example, 10 genera closely associated with HF-related indicators and TJPs. In addition, metabolomics found 37 key metabolites responded to QJ treatment and strongly associated with HF-related indices and TJPs. Furthermore, a tight relation between 10 genera and 37 metabolites was found post correlation analysis. Among them, Turicibacter, Faecalibaculum, Prevotellaceae UCG 001, and unclassified Peptococcaceae may serve as the core gut microbes of QJ that inhibit HF. Conclusion: These results suggest that QJ ameliorates hepatic inflammation and fibrosis, which may be achieved by improving intestinal tight junctions and modulating gut microbiota composition as well as modulating host metabolism.

Adverse Cardiac Events of Hypercholesterolemia Are Enhanced by Sitagliptin Administration in Sprague Dawley Rats

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) affects millions worldwide and is the leading cause of death among non-communicable diseases. Western diets typically comprise of meat and dairy products, both of which are rich in cholesterol (Cho) and methionine (Met), two well-known compounds with atherogenic capabilities. Despite their individual effects, literature on a dietary combination of the two in the context of CVD are limited. An additional interest was to investigate the cardioprotective potential of sitagliptin, an anti-type 2 diabetic drug. Thus, we hypothesized that atherogenic feeding would result in adverse cardiac effects and would attenuate upon sitagliptin administration.

Methods

Six-week-old adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either a control (Con), high Met (1.5%), high Cho (2.0%), or high Met (1.5%) + high Cho (2.0%) diet for 35 days. They were orally gavaged with vehicle (water) or sitagliptin (100 mg/kg/d) from day 10 through 35. On day 36, rats were euthanized, and tissues were collected for analysis.

Results

Histopathological evaluation revealed a reduction in myocardial striations and increased collagen deposition in hypercholesterolemia (HChol), responses that became exacerbated upon sitagliptin administration. Cardiac pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic responses were adversely impacted in similar fashion. The addition of Met to Cho (MC) attenuated all adverse structural and biochemical responses, with or without sitagliptin.

Conclusion

Adverse cardiac outcomes in HChol were enhanced with sitagliptin administration and such effects were alleviated by Met. Our findings could be significant for understanding the risk-benefit of sitagliptin in type 2 diabetics who are known to consume atherogenic diets.

Escherichia coli NF73-1 disrupts the gut-vascular barrier and aggravates high-fat diet-induced fatty liver disease via inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Gut-vascular barrier (GVB) dysfunction has been shown to be a prerequisite for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) development. However, the causes of GVB disruption and the underlying mechanisms are still elusive. Here, we explored whether and how Escherichia coli (E. coli) NF73-1, a pathogenic E. coli strain isolated from nonalcoholic steatohepatitis patients, contributes to NAFLD by modulating the GVB.

METHODS

C57BL/6J mice were fed with high-fat diet (HFD) or normal diet in the presence or absence of E. coli NF73-1 for the indicated time periods. Intestinal barrier function and infiltration of immune cells were evaluated in these mice. Endothelial cells were exposed to E. coli NF73-1 for barrier integrity analysis.

RESULTS

HFD-induced GVB disruption preceded the damage of intestinal epithelial barrier (IEB) as well as intestinal and hepatic inflammatory changes and can be reversed by vascular endothelial growth factor A blockade. Antibiotic treatment prevented mice from HFD-induced liver steatosis by restoration of the GVB. Notably, E. coli NF73-1 caused a more conspicuous damage of GVB than that of the IEB and contributed to NAFLD development. Mechanistically, E. coli NF73-1 dismantled the GVB by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. Activation of Wnt/β-catenin improved the GVB and impeded the translocation of E. coli NF73-1 into the liver in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

E. coli NF73-1 disrupts GVB and aggravates NAFLD via inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. Targeting E. coli NF73-1 or selectively enhancing the GVB may act as potential avenues for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.

Endotoxin Inflammatory Action on Cells by Dysregulated-Immunological-Barrier-Linked ROS-Apoptosis Mechanisms in Gut-Liver Axis

Our study highlighted the immune changes by pro-inflammatory biomarkers in the gut-liver-axis-linked ROS-cell death mechanisms in chronic and acute inflammations when gut cells are exposed to endotoxins in patients with hepatic cirrhosis or steatosis. In duodenal tissue samples, gut immune barrier dysfunction was analyzed by pro-inflammatory biomarker expressions, oxidative stress, and cell death by flow cytometry methods. A significant innate and adaptative immune system reaction was observed as result of persistent endotoxin action in gut cells in chronic inflammation tissue samples recovered from hepatic cirrhosis with the A-B child stage. Instead, in patients with C child stage of HC, the endotoxin tolerance was installed in cells, characterized by T lymphocyte silent activation and increased Th1 cytokines expression. Interesting mechanisms of ROS-cell death were observed in chronic and acute inflammation samples when gut cells were exposed to endotoxins and immune changes in the gut-liver axis. Late apoptosis represents the chronic response to injury induction by the gut immune barrier dysfunction, oxidative stress, and liver-dysregulated barrier. Meanwhile, necrosis represents an acute and severe reply to endotoxin action on gut cells when the immune system reacts to pro-inflammatory Th1 and Th2 cytokines releasing, offering protection against PAMPs/DAMPs by monocytes and T lymphocyte activation. Flow cytometric analysis of pro-inflammatory biomarkers linked to oxidative stress-cell death mechanisms shown in our study recommends laboratory techniques in diagnostic fields.

The changes of gut microbiota and metabolites in different drug-induced liver injuries

The increasing incidence of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) has become a major concern. Gut microbiota, as another organ of the human body, has been studied in various tumors, cardiovascular metabolic diseases, inflammatory bowel disease and human immunity. The studies mentioned above have confirmed its important impact on the occurrence and development of DILI. The gut-liver axis explains the close relationship between the gut and the liver, and it may be a pathway by which gut microbes contribute to DILI. In addition, the interaction between drugs and gut microbes affects both separately, which in turn may have positive or negative effects on the body, including DILI. There are both common and specific changes in liver injury caused by different drugs. The alteration of metabolites in DILI is also a new direction of therapeutic exploration. The application of microbiomics, metabolomics and other multi-omics to DILI has also explored new ideas for DILI. In this review, we conclude the alterations of gut microbes and metabolites under different DILI, and the significance of applying gut microbiome-metabolomics to DILI, so as to explore the metabolic characteristics of DILI and possible novel metabolic biomarkers.

Prebiotics and Probiotics: Therapeutic Tools for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Alterations in the gut-liver axis and changes in the gut microbiome are among the risk factors for the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). These patients show increased bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine and impaired intestinal permeability. Therefore, therapeutic options such as probiotics or prebiotics have been investigated to modulate intestinal microbiota composition to improve NAFLD. Most in vivo and in vitro probiotic studies have focused on reducing hepatic fat accumulation. The beneficial effects of probiotics on NAFLD have been demonstrated in animal models, and the most widely used microorganisms are those of the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera. In animal models, probiotics help restore the intestinal microbiota and improve the integrity of the intestinal barrier. This narrative review summarizes published evidence and the likely benefits of probiotics and prebiotics as a therapeutic option for patients with NAFLD.

Characterizing the key genes of COVID-19 that regulate tumor immune microenvironment and prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a highly heterogeneous malignant tumor associated with a poor prognosis, is a common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with a limited survival benefit for patients despite ongoing therapeutic breakthroughs. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a severe infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a global pandemic and a serious threat to human health. The increased susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and a poor prognosis in patients with cancer necessitate the exploration of the potential link between the two. No studies have investigated the relationship of COVID-19 genes with the prognosis and tumor development in patients with HCC. We screened prognosis-related COVID-19 genes in HCC, performed molecular typing, developed a stable and reliable COVID-19 genes signature for predicting survival, characterized the immune microenvironment in HCC patients, and explored new molecular therapeutic targets. Datasets of HCC patients, including RNA sequencing data and clinical information, were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC), and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Prognosis-related COVID-19 genes were identified by univariate Cox analysis. Molecular typing of HCC was performed using the consensus non-negative matrix factorization method (cNMF), followed by the analysis of survival, tumor microenvironment, and pathway enrichment for each subtype. Prognostic signatures were constructed using LASSO-Cox regression models, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to validate the predictive performance of the signature. The same approach was used for the test and external validation sets. Seven software packages were applied to determine the abundance of immune infiltration in HCC patients and investigate its relationship with the risk scores. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to explore the potential mechanisms by which the COVID-19 genes affect hepatocarcinogenesis and prognosis. Three types of machine learning methods were combined to identify the most critical genes in the signature and localize their expression at the single cell level. We identified 53 prognosis-related COVID-19 genes and classified HCC into two molecular subtypes (C1, C2) by using the NMF method. The prognosis of C2 was significantly better than that of C1, and the two subtypes differed remarkably in terms of the tumor immune microenvironment and biological functions. The 17 COVID-19 genes were screened using the LASSO regression method to develop a 17 COVID-19 genes signature, which demonstrated a good predictive performance for 1-, 2- and 3-year OS of patients with HCC. The risk score as an independent prognostic factor for HCC has better predictive accuracy than traditional clinical variables. Patients in the TCGA cohort were categorized by risk score into the high- and low-risk groups, with the high-risk group mainly enriched in the immune modulation-related pathways and the low-risk group mainly enriched in the metabolism-related pathways, suggesting that the COVID-19 genes may affect disease progression and prognosis by regulating the tumor immune microenvironment and metabolism in HCC. NOL10 was identified as the most critical gene in the signature and hypothesized to be a potential therapeutic target for HCC. Objectively, the COVID-19 genes signature developed in this study, as an independent prognostic factor in HCC patients, is closely associated with the prognosis and tumor immune microenvironment of HCC patients and indicates that they may regulate the development of HCC in multiple ways, providing us with new perspectives for understanding the molecular mechanisms of HCC and finding effective therapeutic targets.

Intestinal permeability and its significance in psychiatric disorders - a narrative review and future perspectives

The topic of increased intestinal permeability and its impact on the human body is. increasingly being addressed by researchers. It is associated with disruption of the. intestinal barrier, leading to the "leaky gut" syndrome. This can be assessed by. classical methods, determining the concentration of orally administered tracer. molecules in urine or by using biomarkers such as LPS, LBP or zonulin in blood. plasma. The presence of bacterial endotoxins in the body causes inflammation. In this. article, we review research on increased intestinal permeability in psychiatric illness. mood disorders, schizophrenia, alcohol dependence, anxiety disorders,. neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders. The results of the studies used. to assess intestinal permeability in different disease entities are presented. Possible. mechanisms for these interactions are the effects of chronic, low-grade inflammation. on the human brain, causing interruption of the brain blood barrier and dysfunction of. astrocytes and microglia. This affects brain function by reducing the number of. dopaminergic neurons, disrupting tryptophan metabolism and altering the amount of. GABA and glutamate. The links and mechanisms found may, in the future, allow earlier. detection of diseases and their targeted treatment.

Inflammasome and pyroptosis in autoimmune liver diseases

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC) are the four main forms of autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs), which are all defined by an aberrant immune system attack on the liver. Most previous studies have shown that apoptosis and necrosis are the two major modes of hepatocyte death in AILDs. Recent studies have reported that inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis is critical for the inflammatory response and severity of liver injury in AILDs. This review summarizes our present understanding of inflammasome activation and function, as well as the connections among inflammasomes, pyroptosis, and AILDs, thus highlighting the shared features across the four disease models and gaps in our knowledge. In addition, we summarize the correlation among NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the liver-gut axis, liver injury, and intestinal barrier disruption in PBC and PSC. We summarize the differences in microbial and metabolic characteristics between PSC and IgG4-SC, and highlight the uniqueness of IgG4-SC. We explore the different roles of NLRP3 in acute and chronic cholestatic liver injury, as well as the complex and controversial crosstalk between various types of cell death in AILDs. We also discuss the most up-to-date developments in inflammasome- and pyroptosis-targeted medicines for autoimmune liver disorders.

Pathological Changes in Hepatic Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells in Schistosoma japonicum-Infected Mice

Schistosomiasis japonica is a zoonotic parasitic disease causing liver fibrosis. Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) exhibit fenestrations, which promote hepatocyte regeneration and reverses the process of liver fibrosis. To investigate the pathological changes of LSECs in schistosomiasis, we established a Schistosomiasis model. The population, phenotype, and secretory function of LSECs were detected by flow cytometry at 20, 28, and 42 days post infection. The changes in LSEC fenestration and basement membrane were observed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of molecules associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibrosis of LSECs and the liver. The flow cytometry results showed that the total LSEC proportions, differentiated LSEC proportions, and nitric oxide (NO) secretion of LSECs were decreased, and the proportion of dedifferentiated LSECs increased significantly post infection. The electron microscopy results showed that the number of fenestrate was decreased and there was complete basement membrane formation in LSECs following infection. The qPCR and Western blot results showed that EMT, and fibrosis-related indicators of LSECs and the liver changed significantly during the early stages of infection and were aggravated in the middle and late stages. The pathological changes in LSECs may promote EMT and liver fibrosis induced by Schistosoma japonicum infection.

Role of intestinal flora in primary sclerosing cholangitis and its potential therapeutic value

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic cholestasis, a persistent inflammation of the bile ducts that leads to sclerotic occlusion and cholestasis. Gut microbes, consisting of microorganisms colonized in the human gut, play an important role in nutrient intake, metabolic homeostasis, immune regulation, and immune regulation; however, their presence might aid PSC development. Studies have found that gut-liver axis interactions also play an important role in the pathogenesis of PSC. Patients with PSC have considerably reduced intestinal flora diversity and increased abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria. Dysbiosis of the intestinal flora leads to increased intestinal permeability, homing of intestinal lymphocytes, entry of bacteria and their associated metabolites, such as bile acids, into the liver, stimulation of hepatic immune activation, and promotion of PSC. Currently, PSC effective treatment is lacking. However, a number of studies have recently investigated the targeted modulation of gut microbes for the treatment of various liver diseases (alcoholic liver disease, metabolic fatty liver, cirrhosis, and autoimmune liver disease). In addition, antibiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and probiotics have been reported as successful PSC therapies as well as for the treatment of gut dysbiosis, suggesting their effectiveness for PSC treatment. Therefore, this review briefly summarizes the role of intestinal flora in PSC with the aim of providing new insights into PSC treatment.

Signature of gene expression profile of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Background: There has been emerging evidence that liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) play an important role in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This study aims to figure out the signature of the gene expression profile of LSECs in NASH and to explore potential biomarkers related to damaged LSECs in NASH.

Methods and materials: Animal experiments were performed to demonstrate the significant structural damage of LSECs in the NASH model. To further understand the functional changes of these damaged LSECs in NASH, we used the public GEO database that contained microarray data for the gene expression of LSECs in NASH and normal mouse liver. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed, and further Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis was performed to understand the functional changes. The hub genes were then identified and validated via external GEO databases.

Results: There was significant structural damage to LSECs in the NASH model, accompanied by remarkable functional changes of LSECs with 174 DEGs (156 upregulated and 18 downregulated genes). The functions of these DEGs were mainly enriched in the inflammatory reactions and immune responses. Nine specifically expressed hub genes were identified. Among them, CCL4 and ITGAX showed the most significant correlation with NASH, with AUROC of 0.77 and 0.86, respectively. The protein–protein interaction network, mRNA–miRNA interaction network, and ceRNA network were further predicted.

Conclusion: LSECs show significant structural damage and functional changes in NASH. The LSEC-related DEGs, such as CCL4 and ITGAX, might be promising biomarkers as well as potential treatment targets for NASH.

Sub-lethal concentration of metamifop exposure impair gut health of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Previous studies have demonstrated that sublethal metamifop exposures induce hepatic lipid metabolism disorder in zebrafish. Whether metamifop will cause adverse effects in zebrafish gut is unknown. In the present study, effects of metamifop on gut heath of zebrafish were investigated after sublethal concentration (0.025, 0.10 and 0.40 mg/L) exposure. Histopathology analysis showed that metamifop induced inflammation and reduction of goblet cells in the gut, indicating that gut health may be impaired. Metamifop exposure could reduce activities of digestive enzymes (lipase and alkaline phosphatase), indicating the capacity of lipid absorption were impaired. Meanwhile, the content of fatty acid-binding protein 2 (FABP2) and mRNA levels of related genes (apoa-1a, apoe-b, fatp4, lpl and fabp2) were reduced in zebrafish gut after exposure to metamifop, suggesting the lipid transportation were decreased. The transcripts of genes associated with inflammation (il-17c, tnf-α and nf-kb) were significantly increased in 0.40 mg/L metamifop treatment group, which were 1.90-, 1.53- and 2.77-fold of the control group, respectively, confirming that metamifop induced inflammatory response in zebrafish gut. Moreover, reduction of mRNA levels of cldn-15 and elevation of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) content were observed in metamifop-treated groups, which suggested that metamifop exposure increased the intestinal permeability. Furthermore, metamifop exposure decreased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (Psychrobacter and Aeromonas) and elevated the abundance of pathogenic bacteria (Rhodobacter and Ralstonia) in zebrafish intestine. These results indicated that metamifop exposure at sublethal concentrations would impair zebrafish gut health, via reduction of lipids absorption, inflammatory response, elevation of permeability and microbiota disorder.

Gut non-bacterial microbiota contributing to alcohol-associated liver disease

Intestinal microbiota, dominated by bacteria, plays an important role in the occurrence and the development of alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), which is one of the most common liver diseases around the world. With sufficient studies focusing on the gut bacterial community, chronic alcohol consumption is now known as a key factor that alters the composition of gut bacterial community, increases intestinal permeability, causes intestinal dysfunction, induces bacterial translocation, and exacerbates the process of ALD via gut-liver axis. However, gut non-bacterial communities including fungi, viruses, and archaea, which may also participate in the disease, has received little attention relative to the gut bacterial community. This paper will systematically collect the latest literatures reporting non-bacterial communities in mammalian health and disease, and review their mechanisms in promoting the development of ALD including CLEC7A pathway, Candidalysin (a peptide toxin secreted by Candida albicans), metabolites, and other chemical substances secreted or regulated by gut commensal mycobiome, virome, and archaeome, hoping to bring novel insights on our current knowledge of ALD.

Gut-Liver Axis: Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells Function as the Hepatic Barrier in Colitis-Induced Liver Injury

Background

Based on the gut–liver axis theory, a leaky gut can aggravate liver injury. However, clinical studies suggest that although gut mucosa damage is commonly observed in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), it seldom leads to severe liver injury. We hypothesize that there is a hepatic barrier in the gut–liver axis, which protects the liver against gut-derived invasive factors.

Methods

Colitis was induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in eight different liver injury models in Sprague–Dawley rats. Liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC) injury was evaluated by a scanning and transmission electron microscope. Neutrophils were depleted by injection of anti-rat polymorphonuclear serum. Two pneumonia models were also induced to investigate the mechanism of neutrophil recruitment and activation. LSECs isolated from rat liver were used to investigate the effect on neutrophil recruitment and activation.

Results

Among eight liver injury models, DSS colitis had no effect on liver injury in three models with normal LSECs. In the other five models with LSEC rupture, liver injury was significantly exacerbated by colitis, and increased hepatic neutrophil accumulation was observed. When neutrophils were depleted, colitis-induced liver injury was significantly attenuated. In pneumonia, liver injury, and colitis models, the level of CXCL1 correlated with the recruitment of neutrophils in different tissues, while DSS colitis and LSEC injury synergistically contributed to increased CXCL1 expression in the liver. In colitis-induced liver injury, neutrophils were activated in the liver. Injured LSECs showed both structural and functional changes, with significantly increased expression of CXCL1 and TNF-α under the stimulation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The combination of gut-derived LPS and LSEC-derived TNF-α led to the activation of neutrophils, characterized by enhanced production of reactive oxygen species, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps.

Conclusion

LSECs constitute a vitally important barrier in the gut–liver axis, defending the liver against colitis-induced injury. When LSECs are damaged, they can turn into a pro-inflammatory pattern under the stimulation of LPS. LSEC injury and colitis-derived LPS synergistically contribute to the recruitment and activation of hepatic neutrophils. Neutrophils play a pivotal role as a downstream effector in colitis-induced liver injury.