1
|
Yu J, Chen X, Yang X, Zhang B. Understanding gut dysbiosis for hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis and treatment. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024:S1043-2760(24)00163-2. [PMID: 38969601 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2024.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
The gut microbiome can play a crucial role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression through the enterohepatic circulation, primarily acting via metabolic reprogramming and alterations in the hepatic immune microenvironment triggered by microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs), metabolites, and fungi. In addition, the gut microbiome shows potential as a biomarker for early HCC diagnosis and for assessing the efficacy of immunotherapy in unresectable HCC. This review examines how gut microbiota dysbiosis, with varied functional profiles, contributes to HCCs of different etiologies. We discuss therapeutic strategies to modulate the gut microbiome including diets, antibiotics, probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and nano-delivery systems, and underscore their potential as an adjunctive treatment modality for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Yu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xiangliang Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry and Materia Medica, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Bixiang Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang X, Zhu B, Hua Y, Sun R, Tan X, Chang X, Tang D, Gu J. Astragalus mongholicus Bunge and Curcuma aromatica Salisb. modulate gut microbiome and bile acid metabolism to inhibit colon cancer progression. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1395634. [PMID: 38952445 PMCID: PMC11215047 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1395634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Alterations in the gut microbiome and bile acid metabolism are known to play a role in the development and progression of colon cancer. Medicinal plants like Astragalus mongholicus Bunge and Curcuma aromatica Salisb. (AC) have shown preferable therapeutic effect on cancer therapy, especially digestive tract tumors like colon cancer. However, the precise mechanisms of AC inhibiting colon cancer, particularly in relation to the gut microbiome and bile acid dynamics, are not fully understood. Methods Our research aimed to investigate the anti-tumor properties of AC in mice with CT26 colon cancer and further investigate its underlying mechanism via intestinal microbiota. The size and pathological changes of solid tumors in colon cancer are used to evaluate the inhibitory effect of AC on colon cancer. Metagenomics and 16s rRNA gene sequencing were employed to clarify the dysbiosis in the gut microbiome of colon cancer and its impact on colon cancer. The levels of bile acids (BAs) in the feces of mice from each group were measured using UPLC-Qtrap-MS/MS. Results AC effectively suppressed the growth of colon cancer and reduced histological damage. Notably, AC treatment led to changes in the gut microbiome composition, with a decrease in pathogenic species like Citrobacter and Candidatus_Arthromitus, and an increase in beneficial microbial populations including Adlercreutzia, Lachnospiraceae_UCG-001, and Parvibacter. Additionally, AC altered bile acid profiles, resulting in a significant decrease in pro-carcinogenic bile acids such as deoxycholic acid (DCA) and lithocholic acid (LCA), while increasing the concentration of the cancer-inhibitory bile acid, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). Tracking and analyzing the data, AC may mainly upregulate FabG and baiA genes by increasing the relative abundance of Adlercreutzia and Parvibacter bacteria, which promoting the metabolism of pro-carcinogenic LCA. Discussion These findings provide strong evidence supporting the role of AC in regulating gut microbiome-mediated bile acid metabolism, which is crucial in impeding the progression of colon cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xu Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Boyang Zhu
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Yongzhi Hua
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruolan Sun
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiying Tan
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangwei Chang
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Decai Tang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Junfei Gu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hao Z, Liu X, He H, Wei Z, Shu X, Wang J, Sun B, Zhou H, Wang J, Niu Y, Hu Z, Hu S, Liu Y, Fu Z. CYP2E1 deficit mediates cholic acid-induced malignant growth in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Mol Med 2024; 30:79. [PMID: 38844847 PMCID: PMC11157842 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-024-00844-5] [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: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased level of serum cholic acid (CA) is often accompanied with decreased CYP2E1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. However, the roles of CA and CYP2E1 in hepatocarcinogenesis have not been elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the roles and the underlying mechanisms of CYP2E1 and CA in HCC cell growth. METHODS The proteomic analysis of liver tumors from DEN-induced male SD rats with CA administration was used to reveal the changes of protein expression in the CA treated group. The growth of CA-treated HCC cells was examined by colony formation assays. Autophagic flux was assessed with immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. Western blot analysis was used to examine the expression of CYP2E1, mTOR, AKT, p62, and LC3II/I. A xenograft tumor model in nude mice was used to examine the role of CYP2E1 in CA-induced hepatocellular carcinogenesis. The samples from HCC patients were used to evaluate the clinical value of CYP2E1 expression. RESULTS CA treatment significantly increased the growth of HCC cells and promoted xenograft tumors accompanied by a decrease of CYP2E1 expression. Further studies revealed that both in vitro and in vivo, upregulated CYP2E1 expression inhibited the growth of HCC cells, blocked autophagic flux, decreased AKT phosphorylation, and increased mTOR phosphorylation. CYP2E1 was involved in CA-activated autophagy through the AKT/mTOR signaling. Finally, decreased CYP2E1 expression was observed in the tumor tissues of HCC patients and its expression level in tumors was negatively correlated with the serum level of total bile acids (TBA) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT). CONCLUSIONS CYP2E1 downregulation contributes to CA-induced HCC development presumably through autophagy regulation. Thus, CYP2E1 may serve as a potential target for HCC drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Hao
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
- Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Xuemin Liu
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
- Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Huanhuan He
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
- Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Zhixuan Wei
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Xiji Shu
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cognitive and Affective Disorders, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
- Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Jianzhi Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cognitive and Affective Disorders, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
- Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Binlian Sun
- Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cognitive and Affective Disorders, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
- Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Hongyan Zhou
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cognitive and Affective Disorders, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
- Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Jiucheng Wang
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Ying Niu
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Zhiyong Hu
- Department of Pathology, Renmin Hospital of Huangpi District of Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430399, China
| | - Shaobo Hu
- Liver transplant center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Yuchen Liu
- Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cognitive and Affective Disorders, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China.
- Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China.
- Liver transplant center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Zhengqi Fu
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China.
- Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zheng D, Ge K, Qu C, Sun T, Wang J, Jia W, Zhao A. Comparative profiling of serum, urine, and feces bile acids in humans, rats, and mice. Commun Biol 2024; 7:641. [PMID: 38802554 PMCID: PMC11130135 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06321-3] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Bile acids (BAs) play important pathophysiological roles in both humans and mammalian animals. Laboratory rats and mice are widely used animal models for assessing pharmacological effects and their underlying molecular mechanisms. However, substantial physiological differences exist in BA composition between humans and murine rodents. Here, we comprehensively compare BA profiles, including primary and secondary BAs, along with their amino acid conjugates, and sulfated metabolites in serum, urine, and feces between humans and two murine rodents. We further analyze the capabilities in gut microbial transform BAs among three species and compare sex-dependent variations within each species. As a result, BAs undergo amidation predominately with glycine in humans and taurine in mice but are primarily unamidated in rats. BA sulfation is a unique characteristic in humans, whereas rats and mice primarily perform multiple hydroxylations during BA synthesis and metabolism. For gut microbial transformed BA capabilities, humans are comparable to those of rats, stronger than those of mice in deconjugation and 7α-dehydroxylation, while humans are weak than those of rats or mice in oxidation and epimerization. Such differences enhance our understanding of the divergent experimental outcomes observed in humans and murine rodents, necessitating caution when translating findings from these rodent species to humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Zheng
- Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Kun Ge
- Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Chun Qu
- Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Jieyi Wang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Wei Jia
- Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Aihua Zhao
- Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Schöler D, Schnabl B. The role of the microbiome in liver disease. Curr Opin Gastroenterol 2024; 40:134-142. [PMID: 38362864 PMCID: PMC10990783 DOI: 10.1097/mog.0000000000001013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The intestinal microbiome and the gut-liver axis play a major role in health and disease. The human gut harbors trillions of microbes and a disruption of the gut homeostasis can contribute to liver disease. In this review, the progress in the field within the last 3 years is summarized, focusing on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), autoimmune liver disease (AILD), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). RECENT FINDINGS Changes in the fecal virome and fungal mycobiome have been described in patients with various liver diseases. Several microbial derived metabolites including endogenous ethanol produced by bacteria, have been mechanistically linked to liver disease such as MASLD. Virulence factors encoded by gut bacteria contribute to ALD, AILD and HCC. Novel therapeutic approaches focused on the microbiome including phages, pre- and postbiotics have been successfully used in preclinical models. Fecal microbiota transplantation has been effective in attenuating liver disease. Probiotics are safe in patients with alcohol-associated hepatitis and improve liver disease and alcohol addiction. SUMMARY The gut-liver axis plays a key role in the pathophysiology of liver diseases. Understanding the microbiota in liver disease can help to develop precise microbiota centered therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Schöler
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego
| | - Bernd Schnabl
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego
- Department of Medicine, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen Y, Wang Y, Lei J, Chen B, Zhang X, Chang L, Hu Z, Wang Y, Lu Y. Taurohyocholic acid acts as a potential predictor of the efficacy of tyrosine kinase inhibitors combined with programmed cell death-1 inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1364924. [PMID: 38464731 PMCID: PMC10920247 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1364924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and aims: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) combined with programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) have significantly improved survival in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC), but effective biomarkers to predict treatment efficacy are lacking. Peripheral blood bile acids (BAs) are associated with tumor response to therapy, but their roles in HCC remain unclear. Methods: This retrospective study included HCC patients who received first-line TKIs combined with PD-1 inhibitors treatment (combination therapy) in our clinical center from November 2020 to June 2022. The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in plasma BA profiles before and after treatment in both the responding group (Res group) and the non-responding group (Non-Res group). We aimed to explore the potential role of BAs in predicting the response to combination therapy in HCC patients. Results: Fifty-six patients with HCC who underwent combination therapy were included in this study, with 28 designated as responders (Res group) and 28 as non-responders (Non-Res group). There were differences in plasma BA concentrations between the two groups before systemic therapy. Plasma taurohyocholic acid (THCA) levels in the Res group were significantly lower than those in the Non-Res group. Patients with low levels of THCA exhibited superior median progression-free survival (7.6 vs. 4.9 months, p = 0.027) and median overall survival (23.7 vs. 11.6 months, p = 0.006) compared to those of patients with high levels of THCA. Conclusion: Peripheral blood BA metabolism is significantly correlated with combination therapy response and survival in patients with HCC. Our findings emphasize the potential of plasma BAs as biomarkers for predicting combination therapy outcomes and offering novel therapeutic targets for modulating responses to systemic cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yutao Wang
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Peking University 302 Clinical Medical School, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Lei
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bowen Chen
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinfeng Zhang
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- The PLA 307 Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Liangzheng Chang
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhangli Hu
- Longhua Innovation Institute for Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Longhua Innovation Institute for Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yinying Lu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Longhua Innovation Institute for Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Golonka RM, Yeoh BS, Saha P, Tian Y, Chiang JYL, Patterson AD, Gewirtz AT, Joe B, Vijay-Kumar M. Sex Dimorphic Effects of Bile Acid Metabolism in Liver Cancer in Mice. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 17:719-735. [PMID: 38262588 PMCID: PMC10966305 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2024.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a male-dominant disease, but targeted sex hormone therapies have not been successful. Bile acids are a potential liver carcinogen and are biomolecules with hormone-like effects. A few studies highlight their potential sex dimorphism in physiology and disease. We hypothesized that bile acids could be a potential molecular signature that explains sex disparity in HCC. METHODS & RESULTS We used the farnesoid X receptor knockout (FxrKO) mouse model to study bile acid-dependent HCC. Temporal tracking of circulating bile acids determined more than 80% of FxrKO females developed spontaneous cholemia (ie, serum total bile acids ≥40 μmol/L) as early as 8 weeks old. Opposingly, FxrKO males were highly resistant to cholemia, with ∼23% incidence even when 26 weeks old. However, FxrKO males demonstrated higher levels of deoxycholate than females. Compared with males, FxrKO females had more severe cholestatic liver injury and further aberrancies in bile acid metabolism. Yet, FxrKO females expressed more detoxification transcripts and had greater renal excretion of bile acids. Intervention with CYP7A1 (rate limiting enzyme for bile acid biosynthesis) deficiency or taurine supplementation either completely or partially normalized bile acid levels and liver injury in FxrKO females. Despite higher cholemia prevalence in FxrKO females, their tumor burden was less compared with FxrKO males. An exception to this sex-dimorphic pattern was found in a subset of male and female FxrKO mice born with congenital cholemia due to portosystemic shunt, where both sexes had comparable robust HCC. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights bile acids as sex-dimorphic metabolites in HCC except in the case of portosystemic shunt.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Golonka
- UT Microbiome Consortium, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Beng San Yeoh
- UT Microbiome Consortium, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Piu Saha
- UT Microbiome Consortium, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Yuan Tian
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - John Y L Chiang
- Department of Integrative Medical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, Ohio
| | - Andrew D Patterson
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Andrew T Gewirtz
- Center for Inflammation, Immunity & Infection, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Bina Joe
- UT Microbiome Consortium, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Matam Vijay-Kumar
- UT Microbiome Consortium, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Marzhoseyni Z, Shaghaghi Z, Alvandi M, Shirvani M. Investigating the Influence of Gut Microbiota-related Metabolites in Gastrointestinal Cancer. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2024; 24:612-628. [PMID: 38213140 DOI: 10.2174/0115680096274860231111210214] [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: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is a major health concern due to its prevalence, impact on well-being, high mortality rate, economic burden, and potential for prevention and early detection. GI cancer research has made remarkable strides in understanding biology, risk factors, and treatment options. An emerging area of research is the gut microbiome's role in GI cancer development and treatment response. The gut microbiome, vital for digestion, metabolism, and immune function, is increasingly linked to GI cancers. Dysbiosis and alterations in gut microbe composition may contribute to cancer development. Scientists study how specific bacteria or microbial metabolites influence cancer progression and treatment response. Modulating the gut microbiota shows promise in enhancing treatment efficacy and preventing GI cancers. Gut microbiota dysbiosis can impact GI cancer through inflammation, metabolite production, genotoxicity, and immune modulation. Microbes produce metabolites like short-chain fatty acids, bile acids, and secondary metabolites. These affect host cells, influencing processes like cell proliferation, apoptosis, DNA damage, and immune regulation, all implicated in cancer development. This review explores the latest research on gut microbiota metabolites and their molecular mechanisms in GI cancers. The hope is that this attempt will help in conducting other relevant research to unravel the precise mechanism involved, identify microbial signatures associated with GI cancer, and develop targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zeynab Marzhoseyni
- Department of Paramedicine, Amol School of Paramedical Sciences, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Iran, Sari, Iran
| | - Zahra Shaghaghi
- Cancer Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Maryam Alvandi
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Maria Shirvani
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Song Y, Lau HCH, Zhang X, Yu J. Bile acids, gut microbiota, and therapeutic insights in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Biol Med 2023; 21:j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0394. [PMID: 38148326 PMCID: PMC10884537 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0394] [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: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent and aggressive liver malignancy. The interplay between bile acids (BAs) and the gut microbiota has emerged as a critical factor in HCC development and progression. Under normal conditions, BA metabolism is tightly regulated through a bidirectional interplay between gut microorganisms and BAs. The gut microbiota plays a critical role in BA metabolism, and BAs are endogenous signaling molecules that help maintain liver and intestinal homeostasis. Of note, dysbiotic changes in the gut microbiota during pathogenesis and cancer development can disrupt BA homeostasis, thereby leading to liver inflammation and fibrosis, and ultimately contributing to HCC development. Therefore, understanding the intricate interplay between BAs and the gut microbiota is crucial for elucidating the mechanisms underlying hepatocarcinogenesis. In this review, we comprehensively explore the roles and functions of BA metabolism, with a focus on the interactions between BAs and gut microorganisms in HCC. Additionally, therapeutic strategies targeting BA metabolism and the gut microbiota are discussed, including the use of BA agonists/antagonists, probiotic/prebiotic and dietary interventions, fecal microbiota transplantation, and engineered bacteria. In summary, understanding the complex BA-microbiota crosstalk can provide valuable insights into HCC development and facilitate the development of innovative therapeutic approaches for liver malignancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Song
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongshan Hospital Xiamen University, Xiamen 361004, China
| | - Harry CH Lau
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhou P, Chang WY, Gong DA, Xia J, Chen W, Huang LY, Liu R, Liu Y, Chen C, Wang K, Tang N, Huang AL. High dietary fructose promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by enhancing O-GlcNAcylation via microbiota-derived acetate. Cell Metab 2023; 35:1961-1975.e6. [PMID: 37797623 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2023.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Emerging studies have addressed the tumor-promoting role of fructose in different cancers. The effects and pathological mechanisms of high dietary fructose on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. Here, we examined the effects of fructose supplementation on HCC progression in wild-type C57BL/6 mice using a spontaneous and chemically induced HCC mouse model. We show that elevated uridine diphospho-N-acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc) and O-GlcNAcylation levels induced by high dietary fructose contribute to HCC progression. Non-targeted metabolomics and stable isotope tracing revealed that under fructose treatment, microbiota-derived acetate upregulates glutamine and UDP-GlcNAc levels and enhances protein O-GlcNAcylation in HCC. Global profiling of O-GlcNAcylation revealed that hyper-O-GlcNAcylation of eukaryotic elongation factor 1A1 promotes cell proliferation and tumor growth. Targeting glutamate-ammonia ligase or O-linked N-acetylglucosamine transferase (OGT) remarkably impeded HCC progression in mice with high fructose intake. We propose that high dietary fructose promotes HCC progression through microbial acetate-induced hyper-O-GlcNAcylation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Wen-Yi Chang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - De-Ao Gong
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jie Xia
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Shanghai Applied Protein Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai 201109, China
| | - Lu-Yi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Chang Chen
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
| | - Ni Tang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
| | - Ai-Long Huang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Leonhardt J, Dorresteijn MJ, Neugebauer S, Mihaylov D, Kunze J, Rubio I, Hohberger FS, Leonhardt S, Kiehntopf M, Stahl K, Bode C, David S, Wagener FADTG, Pickkers P, Bauer M. Immunosuppressive effects of circulating bile acids in human endotoxemia and septic shock: patients with liver failure are at risk. Crit Care 2023; 27:372. [PMID: 37759239 PMCID: PMC10523742 DOI: 10.1186/s13054-023-04620-5] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sepsis-induced immunosuppression is a frequent cause of opportunistic infections and death in critically ill patients. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms is needed to develop targeted therapies. Circulating bile acids with immunosuppressive effects were recently identified in critically ill patients. These bile acids activate the monocyte G-protein coupled receptor TGR5, thereby inducing profound innate immune dysfunction. Whether these mechanisms contribute to immunosuppression and disease severity in sepsis is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine if immunosuppressive bile acids are present in endotoxemia and septic shock and, if so, which patients are particularly at risk. METHODS To induce experimental endotoxemia in humans, ten healthy volunteers received 2 ng/kg E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Circulating bile acids were profiled before and after LPS administration. Furthermore, 48 patients with early (shock onset within < 24 h) and severe septic shock (norepinephrine dose > 0.4 μg/kg/min) and 48 healthy age- and sex-matched controls were analyzed for circulating bile acids. To screen for immunosuppressive effects of circulating bile acids, the capability to induce TGR5 activation was computed for each individual bile acid profile by a recently published formula. RESULTS Although experimental endotoxemia as well as septic shock led to significant increases in total bile acids compared to controls, this increase was mild in most cases. By contrast, there was a marked and significant increase in circulating bile acids in septic shock patients with severe liver failure compared to healthy controls (61.8 µmol/L vs. 2.8 µmol/L, p = 0.0016). Circulating bile acids in these patients were capable to induce immunosuppression, as indicated by a significant increase in TGR5 activation by circulating bile acids (20.4% in severe liver failure vs. 2.8% in healthy controls, p = 0.0139). CONCLUSIONS Circulating bile acids capable of inducing immunosuppression are present in septic shock patients with severe liver failure. Future studies should examine whether modulation of bile acid metabolism can improve the clinical course and outcome of sepsis in these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Leonhardt
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Member of the Leibniz Center for Photonics in Infection Research (LPI), Jena, Germany.
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital-Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany.
| | - Mirrin J Dorresteijn
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Alrijne Hospital, Leiderdorp, the Netherlands
| | - Sophie Neugebauer
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics and Integrated Biobank Jena, Jena University Hospital, Member of the Leibniz Center for Photonics in Infection Research (LPI), Jena, Germany
| | - Diana Mihaylov
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics and Integrated Biobank Jena, Jena University Hospital, Member of the Leibniz Center for Photonics in Infection Research (LPI), Jena, Germany
| | - Julia Kunze
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics and Integrated Biobank Jena, Jena University Hospital, Member of the Leibniz Center for Photonics in Infection Research (LPI), Jena, Germany
| | - Ignacio Rubio
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Member of the Leibniz Center for Photonics in Infection Research (LPI), Jena, Germany
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital-Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Frank-Stephan Hohberger
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Plastic Surgery, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Silke Leonhardt
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Kiehntopf
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital-Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics and Integrated Biobank Jena, Jena University Hospital, Member of the Leibniz Center for Photonics in Infection Research (LPI), Jena, Germany
| | - Klaus Stahl
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christian Bode
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sascha David
- Institute of Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Nephrology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Frank A D T G Wagener
- Department of Dentistry-Orthodontics and Craniofacial Biology, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Pickkers
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Michael Bauer
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Member of the Leibniz Center for Photonics in Infection Research (LPI), Jena, Germany
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital-Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Su X, Gao Y, Yang R. Gut microbiota derived bile acid metabolites maintain the homeostasis of gut and systemic immunity. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1127743. [PMID: 37256134 PMCID: PMC10225537 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1127743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Bile acids (BAs) as cholesterol-derived molecules play an essential role in some physiological processes such as nutrient absorption, glucose homeostasis and regulation of energy expenditure. They are synthesized in the liver as primary BAs such as cholic acid (CA), chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) and conjugated forms. A variety of secondary BAs such as deoxycholic acid (DCA) and lithocholic acid (LCA) and their derivatives is synthesized in the intestine through the involvement of various microorganisms. In addition to essential physiological functions, BAs and their metabolites are also involved in the differentiation and functions of innate and adaptive immune cells such as macrophages (Macs), dendritic cells (DCs), myeloid derived suppressive cells (MDSCs), regulatory T cells (Treg), Breg cells, T helper (Th)17 cells, CD4 Th1 and Th2 cells, CD8 cells, B cells and NKT cells. Dysregulation of the BAs and their metabolites also affects development of some diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases. We here summarize recent advances in how BAs and their metabolites maintain gut and systemic homeostasis, including the metabolism of the BAs and their derivatives, the role of BAs and their metabolites in the differentiation and function of immune cells, and the effects of BAs and their metabolites on immune-associated disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Su
- Translational Medicine Institute, Affiliated Tianjin Union Medical Center of Nankai University, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Immunology, Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yunhuan Gao
- Translational Medicine Institute, Affiliated Tianjin Union Medical Center of Nankai University, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Immunology, Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Rongcun Yang
- Translational Medicine Institute, Affiliated Tianjin Union Medical Center of Nankai University, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Immunology, Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Huang X, Yang Y, Li X, Zhu X, Lin D, Ma Y, Zhou M, Cui X, Zhang B, Dang D, Lü Y, Yue C. The gut microbiota: A new perspective for tertiary prevention of hepatobiliary and gallbladder diseases. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1089909. [PMID: 36814514 PMCID: PMC9940272 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1089909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem that has coevolved with the human body for hundreds of millions of years. In the past 30 years, with the progress of gene sequencing and omics technology, the research related to gut microbiota has developed rapidly especially in the field of digestive system diseases and systemic metabolic diseases. Mechanical, biological, immune, and other factors make the intestinal flora form a close bidirectional connection with the liver and gallbladder, which can be called the "gut-liver-biliary axis." Liver and gallbladder, as internal organs of the peritoneum, suffer from insidious onset, which are not easy to detect. The diagnosis is often made through laboratory chemical tests and imaging methods, and intervention measures are usually taken only when organic lesions have occurred. At this time, some people may have entered the irreversible stage of disease development. We reviewed the literature describing the role of intestinal flora in the pathogenesis and biotherapy of hepatobiliary diseases in the past 3-5 years, including the dynamic changes of intestinal flora at different stages of the disease, as well as the signaling pathways involved in intestinal flora and its metabolites, etc. After summarizing the above contents, we hope to highlight the potential of intestinal flora as a new clinical target for early prevention, early diagnosis, timely treatment and prognosis of hepatobiliary diseases. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Huang
- Yan’an Key Laboratory of Microbial Drug Innovation and Transformation, School of Basic Medicine, Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Yan’an Key Laboratory of Microbial Drug Innovation and Transformation, School of Basic Medicine, Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xueli Li
- Yan’an Key Laboratory of Microbial Drug Innovation and Transformation, School of Basic Medicine, Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China,Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chemical Reaction Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoya Zhu
- Yan’an Key Laboratory of Microbial Drug Innovation and Transformation, School of Basic Medicine, Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dan Lin
- Yan’an Key Laboratory of Microbial Drug Innovation and Transformation, School of Basic Medicine, Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yueran Ma
- Yan’an Key Laboratory of Microbial Drug Innovation and Transformation, School of Basic Medicine, Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Min Zhou
- Yan’an Key Laboratory of Microbial Drug Innovation and Transformation, School of Basic Medicine, Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiangyi Cui
- Yan’an Key Laboratory of Microbial Drug Innovation and Transformation, School of Basic Medicine, Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Bingyu Zhang
- Yan’an Key Laboratory of Microbial Drug Innovation and Transformation, School of Basic Medicine, Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dongmei Dang
- Yan’an Key Laboratory of Microbial Drug Innovation and Transformation, School of Basic Medicine, Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China,*Correspondence: Changwu Yue, ; Yuhong Lü, ; Dongmei Dang,
| | - Yuhong Lü
- Yan’an Key Laboratory of Microbial Drug Innovation and Transformation, School of Basic Medicine, Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China,*Correspondence: Changwu Yue, ; Yuhong Lü, ; Dongmei Dang,
| | - Changwu Yue
- Yan’an Key Laboratory of Microbial Drug Innovation and Transformation, School of Basic Medicine, Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China,*Correspondence: Changwu Yue, ; Yuhong Lü, ; Dongmei Dang,
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Xia JK, Tang N, Wu XY, Ren HZ. Deregulated bile acids may drive hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis by inducing an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1033145. [PMID: 36338764 PMCID: PMC9634065 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1033145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bile acids (BAs) are physiological detergents that can not only promote the digestion and absorption of lipids, but also may be a potential carcinogen. The accumulation of BAs in the body can lead to cholestatic liver cirrhosis and even liver cancer. Recently, studies demonstrated that BAs are highly accumulated in metastatic lymph nodes, but not in normal healthy lymph nodes or primary tumors. Lymph node metastasis is second only to hematogenous metastasis in liver cancer metastasis, and the survival and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with lymph node metastasis are significantly worse than those without lymph node metastasis. Meanwhile, component of BAs was found to significantly enhance the invasive potential of HCC cells. However, it is still poorly understood how deregulated BAs fuel the metastasis process of liver cancer. The tumor microenvironment is a complex cellular ecosystem that evolves with and supports tumor cells during their malignant transformation and metastasis progression. Aberrant BAs metabolism were found to modulate tumor immune microenvironment by preventing natural killer T (NKT) cells recruitment and increasing M2-like tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) polarization, thus facilitate tumor immune escape and HCC development. Based on these available evidence, we hypothesize that a combination of genetic and epigenetic factors in cancerous liver tissue inhibits the uptake and stimulates the synthesis of BAs by the liver, and excess BAs further promote liver carcinogenesis and HCC metastasis by inducing immunosuppressive microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin-kun Xia
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China,Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ning Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Xing-yu Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China,*Correspondence: Hao-zhen Ren, ; Xing-yu Wu,
| | - Hao-zhen Ren
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China,Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China,*Correspondence: Hao-zhen Ren, ; Xing-yu Wu,
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Liu Y, Liu T, Zhao X, Gao Y. New insights into the bile acid-based regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic perspectives in alcohol-related liver disease. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:486. [PMID: 35978227 PMCID: PMC11073206 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04509-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Cholestasis is a key causative factor in alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) and variable degrees of cholestasis occur in all stages of ALD. However, the pathogenetic mechanisms and biomarkers associated with cholestasis are not well characterized. Cholestatic disease is marked by the disruption of bile acids (BA) transport and homeostasis. Consequently, in both human and experimental ALD, the disease shows a direct correlation with an imbalance in BA equilibrium, which in turn may also affect the severity of the disease. Modulation of BA metabolism or signaling pathways is increasingly considered as a potential therapeutic strategy for ALD in humans. In this paper, we highlight the key advances made in the past two decades in characterizing the molecular regulatory mechanisms of BA synthesis, enterohepatic circulation, and BA homeostasis. We summarize recent insights into the nature of the linkage between BA dysregulation and ALD, including the abnormal expression of genes involved in BA metabolism, abnormal changes in receptors that regulate BA metabolism, and disturbance in the gut flora engaged in BA metabolism caused by alcohol consumption. Additionally, we provide novel perspectives on the changes in BAs in various stages of ALD. Finally, we propose potential pharmacological therapies for ALD targeting BA metabolism and signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yali Liu
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Xu Zhao
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Yanhang Gao
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China.
- Center of Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| |
Collapse
|