Lactobacillus rhamnosus CCFM1107 treatment ameliorates alcohol-induced liver injury in a mouse model of chronic alcohol feeding

The Link Between Dysbiosis, Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Asthma-The Role of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Antioxidants

Background: Asthma (a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways) is characterized by a variable course, response to treatment, and prognosis. Its incidence has increased significantly in recent decades. Unfortunately, modern lifestyle and environmental factors contribute to the further increase in the incidence of this disease. Progressive industrialization and urbanization, widespread use of antibiotic therapy, excessive sterility and inappropriate, highly processed diets are some of the many risk factors that are relevant today. Over the years, a lot of evidence has been gathered showing the influence of microorganisms of the gut or airways on human health. Studies published in recent years indicate that dysbiosis (microbial imbalance) and oxidative stress (pro-oxidant-antioxidant imbalance) are important elements of the pathogenesis of this inflammatory disease. Scientists have attempted to counteract the effects of this process by using probiotics, prebiotics, and antioxidants. The use of probiotic microorganisms positively modulates the immune system by maintaining homeostasis between individual fractions of immune system cells. Moreover, recently conducted experiments have shown that probiotics have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and protective properties in oxidative stress (OS). The aim of this study is to present the current state of knowledge on the role of dysbiosis and OS in the pathogenesis of asthma. Conclusions: This review highlights the importance of using probiotics, prebiotics, and antioxidants as potential strategies to support the treatment and prevention of this disease.

Xiaobugan decoction prevents CCl4-induced acute liver injury by modulating gut microbiota and hepatic metabolism

BACKGROUND

The liver plays a crucial role in detoxification and metabolism. When its capacity to metabolize foreign substances is exceeded, it can lead to acute liver injury (ALI). Therefore, preventing liver disease and maintaining daily liver health are of utmost importance. Xiaobugan Decoction (XBGD), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, is recorded in 'Fuxingjue', is used in folk practice to promote liver health and regulate respiration. However, the hepatoprotective mechanisms of XBGD remained unclear.

PURPOSE

We investigated the prophylactic and hepatoprotective effects of XBGD and explored its related molecular mechanisms using a mouse model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced ALI.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

XBGD composition was determined using analytical methods, and the main compounds were identified using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Q-Exactive focus mass spectrum (UHPLC-QE-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A CCl4-induced L02 cell injury model was employed to explore the protective effects of XBGD on liver cells, and a CCl4-induced ALI mouse model was used to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of XBGD.

RESULTS

Cellular experiments demonstrated that XBGD had a protective function against L02 cell damage by increasing cell viability, restoring alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and improving mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). In the mouse ALI model, XBGD prevented ALI by reducing ALT, AST, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels and inhibiting oxidative stress. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), immumohistochemical staining and western blotting results revealed that XBGD exerted hepatoprotective effects by reducing inflammatory responses and inhibiting cell apoptosis. Furthermore, 1H-NMR metabolomics indicated that XBGD regulates hepatic and intestinal metabolism, whereas 16S rDNA sequencing demonstrated the regulatory effects of XBGD on the gut microbiota. Correlation analysis highlighted the close relationship among gut microbiota, metabolites, and ALI indicators.

CONCLUSIONS

XBGD is a promising TCM for the prevention of CCl4-induced ALI via regulation of microbiota and metabolism. This study provides a new perspective on the development of hepatoprotective measures and the prevention of liver disease in daily life.

Therapeutic Potential of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum FB091 in Alleviating Alcohol-Induced Liver Disease through Gut-Liver Axis

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) poses a significant global health burden, often requiring liver transplantation and resulting in fatalities. Current treatments, like corticosteroids, effectively reduce inflammation but carry significant immunosuppressive risks. This study evaluates Lactiplantibacillus plantarum FB091, a newly isolated probiotic strain, as a safer alternative for ALD treatment. Using an in vivo mouse model, we assessed the effects of L. plantarum FB091 on alcohol-induced liver damage and gut microbiota composition. Alcohol and probiotics administration did not significantly impact water/feed intake or body weight. Histopathological analysis showed that L. plantarum FB091 reduced hepatocellular ballooning and inflammatory cell infiltration in liver tissues and mitigated structural damage in colon tissues, demonstrating protective effects against alcohol-induced damage. Biomarker analysis indicated that L. plantarum FB091 decreased aspartate aminotransferase levels, suggesting reduced liver damage, and increased alcohol dehydrogenase activity, indicating enhanced alcohol metabolism. Additionally, cytokine assays revealed a reduction in pro-inflammatory TNF-α and an increase in anti-inflammatory IL-10 levels in colon tissues of the L. plantarum FB091 group, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect. Gut microbiota analysis showed changes in the L. plantarum FB091 group, including a reduction in Cyanobacteria and an increase in beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia and Lactobacillus. These changes correlated with the recovery and protection of liver and colon health. Overall, L. plantarum FB091 shows potential as a therapeutic probiotic for managing ALD through its protective effects on liver and colon tissues, enhancement of alcohol metabolism, and beneficial modulation of gut microbiota. Further clinical studies are warranted to confirm these findings in humans.

Clinical efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of alcoholic liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a liver damage disease caused by long-term heavy drinking. Currently, there is no targeted pharmaceutical intervention available for the treatment of this disease. To address this, this paper evaluates the efficacy and safety of probiotic preparation in treating ALD through conducting a meta-analysis, and provides a valuable insight for clinical decision-making.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted across databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, and CBM from the inception dates to October 15, 2023, to identify clinical randomized controlled trials on probiotic preparations in the treatment of ALD. After the literature underwent screening, data extraction, and quality assessment, RevMan 5.3 and Stata 14.2 were employed for data analysis and processing.

Results

A total of 9 randomized controlled trials fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The results of the meta-analysis showed that probiotic preparation could significantly improve the liver function of patients with alcoholic liver disease compared with the control group. Probiotic intervention led to a significant reduction in the levels of alanine aminotransferase (MD=-13.36,95%CI:-15.80,-10.91;P<0.00001),aspartate aminotransferase (MD=-16.99,95%CI:-20.38,-13.59;P<0.00001),γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (MD=-18.79,95% CI:-28.23,-9.34; P<0.0001). Concurrently, the level of serum albumin (MD=0.19,95% CI:0.02,0.36;P=0.03) was increased. Furthermore, probiotic intervention could also modulate the composition of intestinal flora in patients with alcoholic liver disease, leading to an augmentation in Bifidobacteria and a reduction in Escherichia coli. However, in patients with alcoholic liver disease, probiotic intervention showed no significant effects on total bilirubin (MD=-0.01,95% CI:-0.17,0.15;P=0.91), tumor necrosis factor-α (MD=0.03,95% CI:-0.86,0.92;P=0.94) and interleukin-6 (MD=-5.3,95% CI:-16.04,5.45;P=0.33).

Conclusion

The meta-analysis indicates that probiotics can improve liver function in alcoholic liver disease, reduce inflammatory responses, regulate intestinal flora, which have potential value in the treatment of alcoholic liver disease.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023472527.

Lactobacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium longum Alleviate Liver Injury and Fibrosis in Mice by Regulating NF-κB and AMPK Signaling

In a preliminary study, live biotherapeutic products (LBPs) Lactobacillus plantarum LC27 and Bifidobacterium longum LC67 inhibited the secretion of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) in LPS-stimulated HepG2 cells, while Escherichia coli K1 (Ec) increased ALT and ALT secretion. Therefore, we examined the effects of LC27 and LC67 on LPS-induced liver injury and fibrosis in mice and the correlation between their biomarkers in cell and animal experiments. Orally administered LC27 or LC67 significantly decreased blood ALT, AST, γ-glutamyl transferase (γGTP), TNF-α, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TCh), total bile acid, and LPS levels, liver TNF-α, toll-like receptor-4 gene (Tlr4), α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA), and collagen-1 expression and αSMA+GFAP+ and NF-κB+F4/80+ cell populations, and colonic Tlr4, TNF-α, and IL-6 expression and NF-κB-positive cell population in LPS-treated mice. Furthermore, they increased AMPKa phosphorylation in the liver and colon. However, Ec increased the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 in blood, liver, and colon. The suppression of LPS-stimulated ALT and AST secretion in HepG2 cells by LBPs was positively correlated with their ameliorating effects on LPS-induced blood γGTP, ALT, and AST levels and liver αSMA and collagen-1 expression in mice. Based on these findings, LC27 and LC67 may improve liver injury and fibrosis by regulating NF-κB and AMPK signaling pathway and a protocol that can assay the inhibitory activity of LBPs on LPS-induced ALT and AST secretion in HepG2 may be useful for guessing their antihepatitic effects in the in vivo experiments.

Bifidobacterium lactis TY-S01 protects against alcoholic liver injury in mice by regulating intestinal barrier function and gut microbiota

Alcohol-induced liver injury poses a significant threat to human health. Probiotics have been proven to prevent and treat alcohol-induced liver injury. In this study, the preventive effect of Bifidobacterium lactis TY-S01 on alcohol-induced liver injury in mice was investigated. TY-S01 pretreatment effectively protected mice against alcohol-induced liver injury by preserving the levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol in serum and maintaining the levels of the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 and interleukin-1β in liver tissue. Additionally, TY-S01 could maintain the endotoxin levels in serum, maintain the mRNA expression levels of zonula occluden-1, occludin, claudin-1 and claudin-3 in the gut, and prevent gut microbiota dysbiosis in mice with alcoholic liver injury. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that there was a clear correlation among serum indicators, inflammatory cytokines and gut microbiota. In conclusion, TY-S01 attenuates alcohol-induced liver injury by protecting the integrity of the intestinal barrier and maintaining the balance of the gut microbiota.

Bifidobacterium lactis TY-S01 protects against alcoholic liver injury in mice by regulating intestinal barrier function and gut microbiota

Alcohol-induced liver injury poses a significant threat to human health. Probiotics have been proven to prevent and treat alcohol-induced liver injury. In this study, the preventive effect of Bifidobacterium lactis TY-S01 on alcohol-induced liver injury in mice was investigated. TY-S01 pretreatment effectively protected mice against alcohol-induced liver injury by preserving the levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol in serum and maintaining the levels of the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 and interleukin-1β in liver tissue. Additionally, TY-S01 could maintain the endotoxin levels in serum, maintain the mRNA expression levels of zonula occluden-1, occludin, claudin-1 and claudin-3 in the gut, and prevent gut microbiota dysbiosis in mice with alcoholic liver injury. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that there was a clear correlation among serum indicators, inflammatory cytokines and gut microbiota. In conclusion, TY-S01 attenuates alcohol-induced liver injury by protecting the integrity of the intestinal barrier and maintaining the balance of the gut microbiota.

Harnessing the potential of probiotics in the treatment of alcoholic liver disorders

In the current scenario, prolonged consumption of alcohol across the globe is upsurging an appreciable number of patients with the risk of alcohol-associated liver diseases. According to the recent report, the gut-liver axis is crucial in the progression of alcohol-induced liver diseases, including steatosis, steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite several factors associated with alcoholic liver diseases, the complexity of the gut microflora and its great interaction with the liver have become a fascinating area for researchers due to the high exposure of the liver to free radicals, bacterial endotoxins, lipopolysaccharides, inflammatory markers, etc. Undoubtedly, alcohol-induced gut microbiota imbalance stimulates dysbiosis, disrupts the intestinal barrier function, and trigger immune as well as inflammatory responses which further aggravate hepatic injury. Since currently available drugs to mitigate liver disorders have significant side effects, hence, probiotics have been widely researched to alleviate alcohol-associated liver diseases and to improve liver health. A broad range of probiotic bacteria like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacteria, Escherichia coli, Sacchromyces, and Lactococcus are used to reduce or halt the progression of alcohol-associated liver diseases. Several underlying mechanisms, including alteration of the gut microbiome, modulation of intestinal barrier function and immune response, reduction in the level of endotoxins, and bacterial translocation, have been implicated through which probiotics can effectively suppress the occurrence of alcohol-induced liver disorders. This review addresses the therapeutic applications of probiotics in the treatment of alcohol-associated liver diseases. Novel insights into the mechanisms by which probiotics prevent alcohol-associated liver diseases have also been elaborated.

Recent Perspective of Lactobacillus in Reducing Oxidative Stress to Prevent Disease

During oxidative stress, an important factor in the development of many diseases, cellular oxidative and antioxidant activities are imbalanced due to various internal and external factors such as inflammation or diet. The administration of probiotic Lactobacillus strains has been shown to confer a range of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects in the host. This review focuses on the potential role of oxidative stress in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), cancer, and liver-related diseases in the context of preventive and therapeutic effects associated with Lactobacillus. This article reviews studies in cell lines and animal models as well as some clinical population reports that suggest that Lactobacillus could alleviate basic symptoms and related abnormal indicators of IBD, cancers, and liver damage, and covers evidence supporting a role for the Nrf2, NF-κB, and MAPK signaling pathways in the effects of Lactobacillus in alleviating inflammation, oxidative stress, aberrant cell proliferation, and apoptosis. This review also discusses the unmet needs and future directions in probiotic Lactobacillus research including more extensive mechanistic analyses and more clinical trials for Lactobacillus-based treatments.

Lactobacillus plantarum-Derived Postbiotics Ameliorate Acute Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury by Protecting Cells from Oxidative Damage, Improving Lipid Metabolism, and Regulating Intestinal Microbiota

Here, the aim was to evaluate the protective effect of Lactobacillus plantarum-derived postbiotics, i.e., LP-cs, on acute alcoholic liver injury (ALI). After preincubation with LP-cs, HL7702 human hepatocytes were treated with alcohol, and then the cell survival rate was measured. C57BL/6 male mice were presupplemented with or without LP-cs and LP-cs-loaded calcium alginate hydrogel (LP-cs-Gel) for 3 weeks and given 50% alcohol gavage to establish the mouse model of ALI, LP-cs presupplementation, and LP-cs-Gel presupplementation. The histomorphology of the liver and intestines; the levels of serum AST, ALT, lipid, and SOD activity; liver transcriptomics; and the metagenome of intestinal microbiota were detected in all mouse models. In vitro, LP-cs significantly increased the survival rate of alcohol-treated cells. In vivo, presupplementation with LP-cs and LP-cs-Gel restored the levels of serum AST, ALT, and SOD activity, as well as TC and TG, after acute alcohol intake. In the LP-cs-presupplemented mice, the genes involved in fatty acid metabolic processes were upregulated and the genes involved in steroid biosynthesis were downregulated significantly as compared with the ALI mice. LP-cs significantly increased the abundance of intestinal microbiota, especially Akkermansia muciniphila. In conclusion, LP-cs ameliorates ALI by protecting hepatocytes against oxidative damage, thereby, improving lipid metabolism and regulating the intestinal microbiota. The effect of LP-cs-Gel is similar to that of LP-cs.

Pectin in Metabolic Liver Disease

Alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota (dysbiosis) are observed in nutritional liver diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and have been shown to be associated with the severity of both. Editing the composition of the microbiota by fecal microbiota transfer or by application of probiotics or prebiotics/fiber in rodent models and human proof-of-concept trials of NAFLD and ALD have demonstrated its possible contribution to reducing the progression of liver damage. In this review, we address the role of a soluble fiber, pectin, in reducing the development of liver injury in NAFLD and ALD through its impact on gut bacteria.

Microbial treatment of alcoholic liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and aims

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is characterized by impaired liver function due to chronic alcohol consumption, even fatal in severe cases. We performed a meta-analysis to determine whether microbial agents have therapeutic potential for ALD and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Methods and results

Forty-one studies were eligible for this meta-analysis after searching the PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases. The combined analysis showed that microbial therapy significantly decreased hepatic enzymatic parameters, including alanine transaminase [standardized mean difference (SMD): -2.70, 95% confidence interval (CI): -3.33 to -2.07], aspartate aminotransferase (SMD: -3.37, 95% CI: -4.25 to -2.49), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (SMD: -2.07, 95% CI: -3.01 to -1.12), and alkaline phosphatase (SMD: -2.12, 95% CI: -3.32 to -0.92). Microbial agents endotoxin to enter the portal circulation and increasing reduced total cholesterol (SMD = -2.75, 95%CI -4.03 to -1.46) and triglycerides (SMD = -2.64, 95% CI: -3.22 to -2.06). Microbial agents increased amounts of the beneficial flora Lactobacillus (SMD: 4.40, 95% CI: 0.97-7.84) and Bifidobacteria (SMD: 3.84, 95% CI: 0.22-7.45), Bacteroidetes (SMD: 2.51, 95% CI: 0.29-4.72) and decreased harmful Proteobacteria (SMD: -4.18, 95% CI: -6.60 to -1.77), protecting the integrity of the intestinal epithelium and relieving endotoxin (SMD: -2.70, 95% CI: -3.52 to -2.17) into the portal vein, thereby reducing the production of inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-α (SMD: -3.35, 95% CI: -4.31 to -2.38), interleukin-6 (SMD: -4.28, 95% CI: -6.13 to -2.43), and interleukin-1β (SMD: -4.28, 95% CI: -6.37 to -2.19). Oxidative stress was also relieved, as evidenced by decreased malondialdehyde levels (SMD: -4.70, 95% CI: -6.21 to -3.20). Superoxide dismutase (SMD: 2.65, 95% CI: 2.16-3.15) and glutathione levels (SMD: 3.80, 95% CI: 0.95-6.66) were elevated.

Conclusion

Microbial agents can reverse dysbiosis in ALD, thus significantly interfering with lipid metabolism, relieving inflammatory response and inhibiting oxidative stress to improve liver function.

Prospects of Probiotic Adjuvant Drugs in Clinical Treatment

In modern society, where new diseases and viruses are constantly emerging, drugs are still the most important means of resistance. However, adverse effects and diminished efficacy remain the leading cause of treatment failure and a major determinant of impaired health-related quality of life for patients. Clinical studies have shown that the disturbance of the gut microbial structure plays a crucial role in the toxic and side effects of drugs. It is well known that probiotics have the ability to maintain the balance of intestinal microecology, which implies their potential as an adjunct to prevent and alleviate the adverse reactions of drugs and to make medicines play a better role. In addition, in the past decade, probiotics have been found to have excellent prevention and alleviation effects in drug toxicity side effects, such as liver injury. In this review, we summarize the development history of probiotics, discuss the impact on drug side effects of probiotics, and propose the underlying mechanisms. Probiotics will be a new star in the world of complementary medicine.

Protective effect of flavonoids extract of Hippophae rhamnoides L. on alcoholic fatty liver disease through regulating intestinal flora and inhibiting TAK1/p38MAPK/p65NF-κB pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The therapeutic properties of Hippophae rhamnoides L. were already known in ancient Greece as well as in Tibetan and Mongolian medicine. Modern studies have indicated that Hippophae rhamnoides L. fermentation liquid protected against alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD). However, the underlying mechanism of Hippophae rhamnoides L. flavonoids extract (HLF) treating AFLD remains elusive.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of HLF in mice with AFLD and the interaction between AFLD and gut microbiota.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Chemical constituents of HLF were analyzed by Liquid Chromatography-Ion Trap-ESI-Mass Spectrometry. The Hepatoprotective effect of HLF was evaluated in mice with AFLD induced by alcohol (six groups, n = 10) daily at doses of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 g/kg for 30 consecutive days. At the end of experiment, mice were sacrificed and the liver, serum and feces were harvested for analysis. The liver histological changes were observed by H&E staining and oil red O staining. Moreover, the alterations of fecal microflora were detected by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The inflammatory related genes were determined by qRT-PCR and western blotting respectively.

RESULTS

The results showed that the oral administration of HLF remarkably alleviated hepatic lipid accumulation by decreasing the levels of ALT, AST, TG and TC. The levels of TNF-α, TGF-β, and IL-6 were also reduced after treatment with HLF. Meanwhile, the protein and mRNA expression of NF-kB p65, MAPK p38 and TAK-1 in the liver of mice with AFLD were all reduced by HLF compared with model group. Furthermore, the 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis demonstrated that HLF treatment can help restore the imbalance of intestinal microbial ecosystem and reverse the changes in Fimicutes/Bacterodietes, Clostridiales, Lachnospiraceae, S24-7, and Prevotella in mice with AFLD.

CONCLUSION

HLF can effectively ameliorate liver injury in mice with AFLD, and regulate the composition of gut microbiota. Its regulatory mechanism may be related to TAK1/p38MAPK/p65NF-κB pathway. This study may provide novel insights into the mechanism of HLF on AFLD and a basis for promising clinical usage.

Costunolide protects against alcohol-induced liver injury by regulating gut microbiota, oxidative stress and attenuating inflammation in vivo and in vitro

Costunolide (cos) derived from the roots of Dolomiaea souliei (Franch.), which belongs to the Dolomiaea genus in the family Compositae, exert the anti-inebriation effect mainly by inhibiting the absorption of alcohol in the gastrointestinal tract. However, the protective effect of cos against alcohol-induced liver injury (ALI) remains obscure. The present study was aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of cos (silymarin was used as positive control) against ALI and its potential mechanisms. MTT was used to examine the effect of cos on the cell viability of L-02 cells. Plasma was separated from blood that used to test the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-12, and LPS while serum separated from blood which used to detect the level of ALT and AST. Liver tissues were obtained for histopathological examination and western blot analysis. Fresh mice feces samples were collected for the detection of bacterial composition. Cos exhibited protective effect against alcoholic-induced liver injury by regulating gut microbiota capacities (higher relative abundance of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria while lower in Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria), adjusting oxidative stress (reduced the activities of MDA and ROS while promoted SOD, GSH and GSH-PX in L-02 cells) and attenuating inflammation (decreased the levels of ALT, AST, LPS, IL-6, IL-12 and TNF-α) via LPS-TLR4-NF-κB p65 signaling pathway, which might be an active therapeutic agent for treatment of ALI.

Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum ZS62 on Alcohol-Induced Subacute Hepatic Damage

Lactobacillus plantarum ZS62 is a newly isolated strain from naturally fermented yogurt that might offer some beneficial effects in the setting of alcohol-induced subacute liver injury. The liver-protective effect of L. plantarum ZS62 was investigated by gavage feeding of mice with this Lactobacillus strain (1 × 10⁹ CFU/kg _BW) before alcohol administration daily for 7 days. We then compared hepatic morphology, liver function indexes, liver lipid levels, inflammation, oxidative stress levels, and mRNA expression of oxidative metabolism- and inflammation-related genes in mice that had been pretreated with Lactobacillus plantarum versus control mice that had not been pretreated. Our results showed that L. plantarum ZS62 attenuated alcohol-induced weight loss; prevented morphological changes in hepatocytes; reduced markers of liver damage including aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), hyaluronidase (HAase), precollagen III (PC III), and inflammatory cytokines; and enhanced the antioxidative status. L. plantarum ZS62 also significantly downregulated inflammation-related genes and upregulated lipid- and oxidative-metabolism genes. Thus, Lactobacillus plantarum pretreatment appears to confer hepatic protection by reducing inflammation and enhancing antioxidative capacity. The protective effect of L. plantarum ZS62 was even better than that of a commonly used commercial lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus). The L. plantarum ZS62 might be a potentially beneficial prophylactic treatment for people who frequently drink alcoholic beverages.

Role of cell-free network communication in alcohol-associated disorders and liver metastasis

The aberrant use of alcohol is a major factor in cancer progression and metastasis. Contributing mechanisms include the systemic effects of alcohol and the exchange of bioactive molecules between cancerous and non-cancerous cells along the brain-gut-liver axis. Such interplay leads to changes in molecular, cellular, and biological functions resulting in cancer progression. Recent investigations have examined the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in cancer mechanisms in addition to their contribution as diagnostic biomarkers. Also, EVs are emerging as novel cell-free mediators in pathophysiological scenarios including alcohol-mediated gut microbiome dysbiosis and the release of nanosized EVs into the circulatory system. Interestingly, EVs in cancer patients are enriched with oncogenes, miRNA, lipids, and glycoproteins whose delivery into the hepatic microenvironment may be enhanced by the detrimental effects of alcohol. Proof-of-concept studies indicate that alcohol-associated liver disease is impacted by the effects of exosomes, including altered immune responses, reprogramming of stromal cells, and remodeling of the extracellular matrix. Moreover, the culmination of alcohol-related changes in the liver likely contributes to enhanced hepatic metastases and poor outcomes for cancer patients. This review summarizes the numerous aspects of exosome communications between organs with emphasis on the relationship of EVs in alcohol-associated diseases and cancer metastasis. The potential impact of EV cargo and release along a multi-organ axis is highly relevant to the promotion of tumorigenic mechanisms and metastatic disease. It is hypothesized that EVs target recipient tissues to initiate the formation of prometastatic niches and cancer progression. The study of alcohol-associated mechanisms in metastatic cancers is expected to reveal a better understanding of factors involved in the growth of secondary malignancies as well as novel approaches for therapeutic interventions.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum HFY09 on Ethanol-Induced Liver Injury in Mice

Lactobacillus plantarum is a bacterial strain that is used as a probiotic with health-promoting effects. Our study investigated the hepatoprotective effect of Lactobacillus plantarum HFY09 (LP-HFY09) in mice with ethanol-induced liver injury. The protection afforded by LP-HFY09 was evaluated by observing the morphology of hepatic tissue and measuring liver lipid indexes and function indexes, levels of anti-oxidative enzymes, and anti-inebriation enzymes, as well as oxidative metabolism-related gene expression. Gavage administration of LP-HFY09 [1 × 10⁹ CFU/kg body weight (bw)] limited the loss of bw, alcohol damage to the liver, and maintained the normal hepatic tissue morphology. Lactobacillus plantarum HFY09 intervention in ethanol-induced mice led to decreases in serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), aspartic transaminase, alanine transaminase, hyaluronidase (HAase), and precollagen III (PC III), and increases in liver alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). Lactobacillus plantarum HFY09 assisted with alleviating inflammation by elevating the level of interleukin 10 (IL-10) and decreasing the levels of pro-inflammatory factors [IL-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF)-α]. Lactobacillus plantarum HFY09 significantly elevated hepatic levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH), and decreased liver malondialdehyde (MDA) from 3.45 to 1.64 nmol/mg protein. Lactobacillus plantarum HFY09 exhibited an overall strong regulatory effect on liver protection when compared to that of commercial Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus. The hepatoprotective effect of LP-HFY09 was reflected by the upregulated expression of peroxisome proliferator activated-receptors α, SOD1, SOD2, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), and catalase (CAT), and the downregulated expression of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX1), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK). Administration of LP-HFY09 at a concentration of 1.0 × 10⁹ CFU/kg bw could be a potential intervention, for people who frequently consume alcohol.

Regulation of Alcohol and Acetaldehyde Metabolism by a Mixture of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium Species in Human

Excessive alcohol consumption is one of the most significant causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Alcohol is oxidized to toxic and carcinogenic acetaldehyde by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and further oxidized to a non-toxic acetate by aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). There are two major ALDH isoforms, cytosolic and mitochondrial, encoded by ALDH1 and ALDH2 genes, respectively. The ALDH2 polymorphism is associated with flushing response to alcohol use. Emerging evidence shows that Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species encode alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) mediate alcohol and acetaldehyde metabolism, respectively. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial was designed to study the effects of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium probiotic mixture in humans and assessed their effects on alcohol and acetaldehyde metabolism. Here, twenty-seven wild types (ALDH2*1/*1) and the same number of heterozygotes (ALDH2*2/*1) were recruited for the study. The enrolled participants were randomly divided into either the probiotic (Duolac ProAP4) or the placebo group. Each group received a probiotic or placebo capsule for 15 days with subsequent crossover. Primary outcomes were measurement of alcohol and acetaldehyde in the blood after the alcohol intake. Blood levels of alcohol and acetaldehyde were significantly downregulated by probiotic supplementation in subjects with ALDH2*2/*1 genotype, but not in those with ALDH2*1/*1 genotype. However, there were no marked improvements in hangover score parameters between test and placebo groups. No clinically significant changes were observed in safety parameters. These results suggest that Duolac ProAP4 has a potential to downregulate the alcohol and acetaldehyde concentrations, and their effects depend on the presence or absence of polymorphism on the ALDH2 gene.

Bifidobacterium adolescentis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus alleviate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease induced by a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet through modulation of different gut microbiota-dependent pathways

The incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has increased year on year, and the increasing appreciation of the importance of gut microbiota provides novel therapeutic avenues for the treatment of NAFLD. To explore the similarities and differences between lactic acid bacteria (LAB) known to alleviate NAFLD, we selected three strains of Bifidobacterium adolescentis and three strains of Lactobacillus rhamnosus to administer to C57BL/6J mice on a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet (HFHCD) for 23 weeks. Subsequently, the effects of the LAB were evaluated through various measures. The six LAB strains were found to have varying degrees of efficacy in the prevention of NAFLD. We found that there were interspecific and intraspecific differences in the beneficial effects, mainly with respect to energy metabolism, lipid metabolism and short-chain fatty acid concentration. Three strains of B. adolescentis and one strain of L. rhamnosus were found to relieve NAFLD by increasing the concentration of short-chain fatty acids in the intestine of NAFLD mice. The other two strains of L. rhamnosus, LGG and L10-1, relieved NAFLD through different ways, LGG modulated energy metabolism and lipid metabolism, and L10-1 reduced liver inflammation. Examination of gut microbiota indicated that the six LAB strains could block the HFHCD-induced elevation of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes and alter the dominant species within the gut. These results suggest that B. adolescentis and L. rhamnosus can inhibit the development of NAFLD by regulating gut microbiota, and their use is thus a promising therapeutic strategy.

Vital members in the gut microbiotas altered by two probiotic Bifidobacterium strains against liver damage in rats

Background

Probiotics are effective to rectify the imbalanced gut microbiota in the diseased cohorts. Two Bifidobacterium strains (LI09 and LI10) were found to alleviate D-galactosamine-induced liver damage (LD) in rats in our previous work. A series of bioinformatic and statistical analyses were performed to determine the vital bacteria in the gut microbiotas altered by the LI09 or LI10 in rats.

Results

Two groups of representative phylotypes could distinguish the gut microbiotas of LI09 or LI10 groups from the other groups. Among them, OTU170_Porphyromonadaceae acted as a gatekeeper in LI09 group, while OTU12_Bacteroides was determined with multiple correlations in the gut network of LI10 group. Multiple reduced OTUs associated with LC and increased OTUs associated with health were determined in LI09 or LI10 groups, among which, increased OTU51_Barnesiella and reduced OTU99_Barnesiella could be associated with the protective effects of both the two probiotics. The gut microbiotas in LI09, LI10 and positive control groups were clustered into three clusters, i.e., Cluster_1_Microbiota, Cluster_2_Microbiota and Cluster_3_Microbiota, by Partition Around Medoids clustering analysis. Cluster_2_Microbiota was determined at least dysbiotic status due to its greatest LD dysbiosis ratio, lowest levels of liver function variables and plasma cytokines compared with the two other clustered microbiotas, suggesting the treated rats in Cluster_2 were at better health status.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that OTU170_Porphyromonadaceae and OTU12_Bacteroides are vital in the gut microbiotas altered by LI09 and LI10. Characteristics of the LD cohorts treated by LI09 or LI10 at different gut microbial colonization states could help monitor the cohorts’ health status.

Probiotic and glutamine treatments attenuate alcoholic liver disease in a rat model

The pathogenesis underlying alcoholic liver disease (ALD), which is often a result of alcohol abuse, currently remains unclear. Previous studies have reported that enteric dysbiosis serves an important role in the pathogenesis of ALD. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of glutamine and probiotics on a rat model of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups including control (C), alcohol (M), alcohol + Golden Bifido (T), alcohol + glutamine (G), alcohol + Medilac-S® (N) and alcohol + Golden Bifido + glutamine (L). Histology, body weight (BW), triglycerides (TG), serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), diamine oxidase (DAO), occludin, endotoxin and D-lactate levels were assessed whilst changes in the gut flora were evaluated and compared. Results determined that all probiotic and glutamine treatments elevated the abnormally decreased BW and occludin levels whilst the abnormal elevated serum AST, ALT, TG, IL-6, TNF-α, DAO, endotoxin and D-lactate levels were significantly reduced following chronic ethanol consumption. Histopathological observation of the liver demonstrated that probiotic and glutamine treatments attenuated liver damage induced by alcohol. Moreover, sequencing determined that there was a reduction in Firmicutes as well as an increase in Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria and Porphyromonadaceae abundance in the ALD group compared with the healthy controls. However, these changes were prevented by glutamine and probiotic therapy. In conclusion, the present results suggested that probiotics and glutamine ameliorated ALD by suppressing inflammation and regulating the gut microbiota. Therefore, probiotic and glutamine treatments can potentially serve as therapies for the prevention and treatment of ALD.

The Role of Gut-Derived Microbial Antigens on Liver Fibrosis Initiation and Progression

Intestinal dysbiosis has recently become known as an important driver of gastrointestinal and liver disease. It remains poorly understood, however, how gastrointestinal microbes bypass the intestinal mucosa and enter systemic circulation to enact an inflammatory immune response. In the context of chronic liver disease (CLD), insults that drive hepatic inflammation and fibrogenesis (alcohol, fat) can drastically increase intestinal permeability, hence flooding the liver with gut-derived microbiota. Consequently, this may result in exacerbated liver inflammation and fibrosis through activation of liver-resident Kupffer and stellate cells by bacterial, viral, and fungal antigens transported to the liver via the portal vein. This review summarizes the current understanding of microbial translocation in CLD, the cell-specific hepatic response to intestinal antigens, and how this drives the development and progression of hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. Further, we reviewed current and future therapies targeting intestinal permeability and the associated, potentially harmful anti-microbial immune response with respect to their potential in terms of limiting the development and progression of liver fibrosis and end-stage cirrhosis.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Ameliorates Liver Injury and Hypoxic Hepatitis in Rat Model of CLP-Induced Sepsis

BACKGROUND

Probiotic use to prevent gastrointestinal infections in critical care has shown great promise in recent clinical trials. Although well-documented benefits of probiotic use in intestinal disorders, the potential for probiotic treatment to ameliorate liver injury and hypoxic hepatitis following sepsis has not been well explored.

METHODS

In order to evaluate, if Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) treatment in septic rats will protect against liver injury, this study used 20-22-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats which were subjected to cecal ligation and puncture to establish sepsis model and examine mRNA and protein levels of IL-1β, NLRP3, IL-6, TNF-a, VEGF, MCP1, NF-kB and HIF-1α in the liver via real-time PCR, Elisa and Western blot.

RESULTS

This study showed that LGG treatment significantly ameliorated liver injury following experimental infection and sepsis. Liver mRNA and protein levels of IL-1β, NLRP3, IL-6, TNF-a, VEGF, MCP1, NF-kB and HIF-1α were significantly reduced in rats receiving LGG.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, our study demonstrated that LGG treatment can reduce liver injury following experimental infection and sepsis and is associated with improved hypoxic hepatitis. Probiotic therapy may be a promising intervention to ameliorate clinical liver injury and hypoxic hepatitis following systemic infection and sepsis.

Protective effect of lactobacillus plantarum on alcoholic liver injury and regulating of keap-Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway in zebrafish larvae

This research investigated the protective effect of lactobacillus plantarum against alcohol-induced liver injury and the regulatory mechanism of Keap-Nrf2-ARE signal pathway in zebrafish. Firstly, a zebrafish alcoholic liver injury model was established using1.0mM of ethanol concentration, then two forms of lactobacillus plantarum treatment were designed to perform repair, including a lactobacillus plantarum thallus suspension (LPS) and a lactobacillus plantarum thallus breaking solution (LPBS). After 24h of alcohol injury, lactobacillus plantarum concentrations of 0, 1.0×105, 1.0×106, 1.0×107 and 1.5×107 cfu/mL were added to protect zebrafish larvae. Then with the treatment of lactobacillus plantarum after 48h, activities of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in zebrafish tissue homogenate were respectively determined. Keap-Nrf2-ARE signal pathway related gene expression conditions were also analyzed, including nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2(Nrf2), Kelch like ECH associated protein 1(Keap1), catalase(CAT), hemooxygenase1(HO1) and Glutathione S-Transferase Kappa 1(gstk1). Results showed that: in comparison with the control group, the LPBS with dosage of 1.0×107 cfu/mL remarkably improved the activities of SOD, CAT, HO1and gstk1 in zebrafish larvae liver (P<0.05), resulting in significant increase of the protein expression level of Nrf2 (225.78%) and suppression of Keap1 gene expression (73.67%)(P<0.01). As confirmed by the results, lactobacillus plantarum activated the Keap-Nrf2-ARE signal pathway from the level of transcription, the up-regulation of the expression quantity of Nrf2 protected the organism from oxidative stress and maximally reduced liver injury.

Lactic Acid Bacteria With Antioxidant Activities Alleviating Oxidized Oil Induced Hepatic Injury in Mice

In order to screening new Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains to alleviating liver injury induced by oxidized oil, we isolated and screened LAB from Chinese fermented foods. Lactobacillus plantarum AR113, Pediococcus pentosaceus AR243, and Lactobacillus plantarum AR501 showed higher scavenging activity of α, α-Diphenyl-β-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical and hydrogen radical, stronger inhibition of lipid peroxidation, and better protective effect on yeast cells in vitro. In vivo, oral administration of L. plantarum AR501 improved the antioxidant status of injury mice induced by oxidized oil including decreasing lipid peroxidation, recovering activities of antioxidant enzymes. Meanwhile, the gene expression of Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) of L. plantarum AR501 group was markedly elevated, and several antioxidant genes such as glutathione S-transferase (GSTO1), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), Glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL), and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase-l (NQO1) were subsequently up regulated in mice liver. Therefore, L. plantarum AR501 could be considered as potential candidates for production of functional foods that can alleviate the oxidative damage induced by oxidized oil.

Lactobacillus plantarum LC27 and Bifidobacterium longum LC67 mitigate alcoholic steatosis in mice by inhibiting LPS-mediated NF-κB activation through restoration of the disturbed gut microbiota

Long-term exposure to ethanol simultaneously causes gastrointestinal inflammation, liver injury, and steatosis. In the present study, we investigated the effects of Bifidobacterium longum LC67, Lactobacillus plantarum LC27, and their mixture (LM) against ethanol-induced steatosis in mice. Exposure to ethanol caused liver damage: it increased ALT, AST, TG, TC, and lipopolysaccharide levels in the blood and induced NF-κB activation in the liver. Oral administration of LC27, LC67, or LM in mice reduced ethanol-induced ALT, AST, TG, and TC levels in the blood and liver. These also suppressed ethanol-induced NF-κB activation and α-smooth muscle actin expression in the liver and increased ethanol-suppressed AMPK activation. Treatment with LC27, LC67, or LM increased ethanol-suppressed alcohol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase activities in the liver, as well as tight junction protein expression in the liver and colon. Moreover, treatment with LC27, LC67, or LM restored the ethanol-disturbed gut microbiota composition, such as the increased population of Proteobacteria, and inhibited fecal and blood lipopolysaccharide levels. These inhibited NF-κB activation and increased tight junction protein expression in ethanol- or lipopolysaccharide-stimulated Caco-2 cells. These findings suggest that LC27, LC67, and LM can alleviate alcoholic steatosis by inhibiting LPS-mediated NF-κB activation through restoration of the disturbed gut microbiota.

Hepatic Hazard Assessment of Silver Nanoparticle Exposure in Healthy and Chronically Alcohol Fed Mice

Silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) are currently among one of the most widely used nanomaterials. This in turn, implies an increased risk of human and environmental exposure. Alcohol abuse is a global issue with millions of people in the general population affected by the associated adverse effects. The excessive consumption of alcohol is a prominent cause of chronic liver disease which manifest in multiple disorders. In this study, the adverse health effects of Ag NP exposure were investigated in models of alcoholic hepatic disease in vitro and in vivo. The data showed that Ag NP induced hepatic health effects were aggravated in the alcohol pretreated mice in comparison to controls with regards to an organ specific inflammatory response, changes in blood biochemistry, acute phase response and hepatic pathology. In addition, alcoholic disease influenced the organ's ability for recovery post-NP challenge. Additionally, it is demonstrated that the in vivo data correlated well with in vitro findings where ethanol pretreatment of hepatocytes resulted in significantly increased inflammatory response post-Ag NP exposure. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study of its kind to investigate nano-sized material-induced hepatic pathology in models representative of susceptible individuals (those with pre-existing alcohol liver disease) within the population. This is an area of research in the field of nanotoxicology, and in particular with regard to NP risk assessment that is almost entirely overlooked.

Simultaneous Amelioratation of Colitis and Liver Injury in Mice by Bifidobacterium longum LC67 and Lactobacillus plantarum LC27

Disturbances in the gut microbiota composition are associated with chronic inflammatory diseases of the intestine and the liver. In a preliminary study, Lactobacillus plantarum LC27 and Bifidobacterium longum LC67 could inhibit Escherichia coli growth and lipopolysaccharide-induced NF-κB activation linked to gut inflammation. Here, we investigated their effects on 2,4,6-trinitrobenzesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis and liver damage in mice. First, oral administration of LC27 or LC67 (1 × 10⁹ CFU/mouse) inhibited TNBS-induced colon shortening [F(5,30) = 100.66, P < 0.05] and myeloperoxidase activity [F(5,30) = 56.48, P < 0.05]. These probiotics restored TNBS-induced disturbance of gut microbiota, leading to the suppression of Proteobacteria to Bacteroidetes ratio and fecal and blood lipopolysaccharide levels. Second, LC27 and LC67 inhibited TNBS-induced NF-κB activation, reversed TNBS-suppressed tight junction protein expression, and restored Th17/Treg balance. Also, treatment with LC27 or LC67 significantly decreased TNBS-induced alanine transaminase [ALT, F(5,30) = 3.50, P < 0.05] and aspartate transaminase [AST, F(5,30) = 12.81, P < 0.05] levels in the blood, as well as t-butylhydroperoxide-induced ALT and AST levels. Finally, the mixture of LC27 and LC67 (0.5 × 10⁹ CFU/mouse, respectively) synergistically attenuated TNBS- or t-butylhydroperoxide-induced colitis and liver damage. The capability of LC27 and LC67 to reverse TNBS-mediated microbiota shift and damage signals suggests that these probiotics may synergistically attenuate colitis and liver injury by alleviating gut microbiota imbalance.

Intestinal dysbiosis and permeability: the yin and yang in alcohol dependence and alcoholic liver disease

Alcohol dependence and alcoholic liver disease represent a major public health problem with substantial morbidity and mortality. By yet incompletely understood mechanisms, chronic alcohol abuse is associated with increased intestinal permeability and alterations of the gut microbiota composition, allowing bacterial components, bacteria, and metabolites to reach the portal and the systemic circulation. These gut-derived bacterial products are recognized by immune cells circulating in the blood or residing in remote organs such as the liver leading to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines which are considered important mediators of the liver-gut-brain communication. Although circulating cytokines are likely not the sole factors involved, they can induce liver inflammation/damage and reach the central nervous system where they favor neuroinflammation which is associated with change in mood, cognition, and drinking behavior. In this review, the authors focus on the current evidence describing the changes that occur in the intestinal microbiota with chronic alcohol consumption in conjunction with intestinal barrier breakdown and inflammatory changes sustaining the concept of a gut-liver-brain axis in the pathophysiology of alcohol dependence and alcoholic liver disease.

Comparative study of probiotic effects of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria strains on cholesterol levels, liver morphology and the gut microbiota in obese mice

BACKGROUND

Microbiome-modulating interventions are promising for treatment and prevention of metabolic syndrome. The number of probiotic strains demonstrated ability to decrease cholesterol level in vivo, however, it was poorly confirmed in a clinical setting. The aim was to study the effects of L. acidophilus IMV B-7279, L. casei IMV B-7280, B. animalіs VKL and B. animalіs VKB separately and in various compositions on the level of serum cholesterol, gut microbiota contents and liver morphology on a high-calorie-induced obesity model in BALB/c mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used for the study female BALB/c mice 6-8 weeks old (18-24 g). Experimental animals were fed by a fat-enriched diet (FED), and 8 experimental groups were formed (12 mice in each group) to test strains of probiotic bacteria L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus IMV B-7281, L. casei IMV B-7280, B. animalіs VKL and B. animalіs VKB and compositions. We used ultrasound for in vivo assessment of the liver and visceral (mesenteric) fat size. In the blood serum of the obese mice, the level of cholesterol was estimated. The liver morphology and gut microbiota of obese mice were studied.

RESULTS

We revealed that after treatment with all of the studied probiotic bacteria and compositions of B. animalis VKL/B. animalis VKB/L. casei IMV B-7280, the weight of obese mice decreased, and cholesterol and its fraction levels in serum were reduced. The size of the liver slightly decreased after treatment with L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus IMV B-7281, B. аnimalis VKB or probiotic compositions; we observed reduction of the mesenteric fat size after injection of all these probiotic bacteria (separately) and probiotic compositions. We defined the strain-dependent effects on serum lipid profiles, liver morphology and the gut microbiota. The B. animalis VKL/B. animalis VKB/L. casei IMV B-7280 composition effectively recovered the liver morphological structure of obese mice. The number of Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp. and coliform bacteria increased, the number of staphylococci and streptococci reduced, and the number of microscopic fungi significantly decreased in the gut of obese mice after treatment with L. casei IMV B-7280, L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus IMV B-7281, B. animalis (separately) or their compositions.

CONCLUSION

L. casei IMV B-7280 (separately) and a composition of B. animalis VKL/B. animalis VKB/L. casei IMV B-7280 are effective at decreasing the weight of obese mice, decreasing cholesterol level, restoring the liver morphology and beneficially modulating the gut microbiome in high-calorie-induced obesity.

Organ-Organ Crosstalk and Alcoholic Liver Disease

Alcohol consumption is a common custom worldwide, and the toxic effects of alcohol on several target organs are well-understood. Given the poor prognosis of treating clinically-relevant alcoholic liver disease (ALD) (i.e., alcoholic hepatitis (AH) and cirrhosis), additional research is required to develop more effective therapies. While the stages of ALD have been well-characterized, targeted therapies to prevent or reverse this process in humans are still needed. Better understanding of risk factors and mechanisms underlying disease progression can lead to the development of rational therapies to prevent or reverse ALD in the clinic. A potential area of targeted therapy for ALD may be organ–organ communication in the early stages of the disease. In contrast to AH and end-stage liver diseases, the involvement of multiple organs in the development of ALD is less understood. The impact of these changes on pathology to the liver and other organs may not only influence disease progression during the development of the disease, but also outcomes of end stages diseases. The purpose of this review is to summarize the established and proposed communication between the liver and other organ systems that may contribute to the development and progression of liver disease, as well as to other organs. Potential mechanisms of this organ–organ communication are also discussed.

Anti-stress effect of the Lactobacillus pentosus strain S-PT84 in mice

We investigated if the orally administered Lactobacillus pentosus strain S-PT84 (S-PT84) might show anti-stress activity and ameliorate stress-induced immune suppression in mice. Stress of mice induced an increase in serum corticosterone and a decrease in splenic natural killer activity and in the number of splenocytes versus control mice. However, these changes were not observed in stressed mice that had been administered S-PT84. Furthermore, interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-10 production, which was downregulated in lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophages from stressed mice, was maintained at control levels in the macrophages of stressed mice that had been fed S-PT84. Interferon-γ production, which was downregulated in concanavalin A-activated splenocytes from stressed mice, tended to be maintained at control levels in stressed mice that had been fed S-PT84, although IL-4 production by these cells was not influenced by S-PT84 administration. Additionally, reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were decreased in serum and peritoneal macrophages from stressed mice versus controls, but these GSH levels were significantly higher in stressed animals that had been administered S-PT84 compared with those that had not. These results suggest that S-PT84 exerts anti-stress activity through immune modulation and/or antioxidative activity.

Targeting inflammation for the treatment of alcoholic liver disease

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease with a wide spectrum of manifestations including simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver injury in ALD is caused by chronic inflammation, which has been actively investigated as a therapeutic target for the treatment of ALD for over the last four decades. In this review, we summarize a wide variety of inflammatory mediators that have been shown to contribute to the pathogenesis of ALD, and discuss the therapeutic potential of these mediators for the treatment of ALD.

Influence of Synbiotics on Selected Oxidative Stress Parameters

The aim of the present study was to assess synbiotic (Lactobacillus casei + inulin) influence on oxidative stress parameters such as concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), glutathione, and free sulfhydryl groups content. Experiments were carried out on healthy volunteers (n = 32). The subjects were divided into women group (n = 16) and men group (n = 16) and randomly assigned to synbiotic and control groups. Blood samples were collected before synbiotic supplementation and after 7 wks, at the end of the study. The administration of synbiotic resulted in a significant decrease in MDA (p < 0.01), H₂O₂ (p < 0.01), and GSSG concentrations (p < 0.05) as compared with the control groups and significant increase in the concentrations of GSHt (p < 0.001), GSH (p < 0.01), and -SH group content (p < 0.05) versus control. Synbiotics containing L. casei plus inulin may have positive influence on selected oxidative stress markers.

Critical Roles of Kupffer Cells in the Pathogenesis of Alcoholic Liver Disease: From Basic Science to Clinical Trials

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) encompasses a spectrum of liver injury ranging from steatosis to steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and finally cirrhosis. Accumulating evidences have demonstrated that Kupffer cells (KCs) play critical roles in the pathogenesis of both chronic and acute ALD. It has become clear that alcohol exposure can result in increased hepatic translocation of gut-sourced endotoxin/lipopolysaccharide, which is a strong M1 polarization inducer of KCs. The activated KCs then produce a large amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS), pro-inflammatory cytokines, and chemokines, which finally lead to liver injury. The critical roles of KCs and related inflammatory cascade in the pathogenesis of ALD make it a promising target in pharmaceutical drug developments for ALD treatment. Several drugs (such as rifaximin, pentoxifylline, and infliximab) have been evaluated or are under evaluation for ALD treatment in randomized clinical trials. Furthermore, screening pharmacological regulators for KCs toward M2 polarization may provide additional therapeutic agents. The combination of these potentially therapeutic drugs with hepatoprotective agents (such as zinc, melatonin, and silymarin) may bring encouraging results.

Idiosyncratic Drug-Induced Liver Injury: Is Drug-Cytokine Interaction the Linchpin?

Idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury continues to be a human health problem in part because drugs that cause these reactions are not identified in current preclinical testing and because progress in prevention is hampered by incomplete knowledge of mechanisms that underlie these adverse responses. Several hypotheses involving adaptive immune responses, inflammatory stress, inability to adapt to stress, and multiple, concurrent factors have been proposed. Yet much remains unknown about how drugs interact with the liver to effect death of hepatocytes. Evidence supporting hypotheses implicating adaptive or innate immune responses in afflicted patients has begun to emerge and is bolstered by results obtained in experimental animal models and in vitro systems. A commonality in adaptive and innate immunity is the production of cytokines, including interferon-γ (IFNγ). IFNγ initiates cell signaling pathways that culminate in cell death or inhibition of proliferative repair. Tumor necrosis factor-α, another cytokine prominent in immune responses, can also promote cell death. Furthermore, tumor necrosis factor-α interacts with IFNγ, leading to enhanced cellular responses to each cytokine. In this short review, we propose that the interaction of drugs with these cytokines contributes to idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury, and mechanisms by which this could occur are discussed.

Heat-Killed Lactobacillus salivarius and Lactobacillus johnsonii Reduce Liver Injury Induced by Alcohol In Vitro and In Vivo

The aim of the present study was to determine whether Lactobacillus salivarius (LS) and Lactobacillus johnsonii (LJ) prevent alcoholic liver damage in HepG2 cells and rat models of acute alcohol exposure. In this study, heat-killed LS and LJ were screened from 50 Lactobacillus strains induced by 100 mM alcohol in HepG2 cells. The severity of alcoholic liver injury was determined by measuring the levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT), lipid peroxidation, triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol. Our results indicated that heat-killed LS and LJ reduced AST, ALT, γ-GT and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and outperformed other bacterial strains in cell line studies. We further evaluated these findings by administering these strains to rats. Only LS was able to reduce serum AST levels, which it did by 26.2%. In addition LS significantly inhibited serum TG levels by 39.2%. However, both strains were unable to inhibit ALT levels. In summary, we demonstrated that heat-killed LS and LJ possess hepatoprotective properties induced by alcohol both in vitro and in vivo.