1
|
Fujii T, Kuzuya T, Kondo N, Funasaka K, Ohno E, Hirooka Y, Tochio T. Altered intestinal Streptococcus anginosus and 5α-reductase gene levels in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and elevated Bacteroides stercoris in atezolizumab/bevacizumab non-responders. J Med Microbiol 2024; 73. [PMID: 39240069 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001878] [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] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide.Gap statement. Monitoring of HCC and predicting its immunotherapy responses are challenging.Aim. This study explored the potential of the gut microbiome for HCC monitoring and predicting HCC immunotherapy responses.Methods. DNA samples were collected from the faeces of 22 patients with HCC treated with atezolizumab/bevacizumab (Atz/Bev) and 85 healthy controls. The gut microbiome was analysed using 16S rRNA next-generation sequencing and quantitative PCR (qPCR).Results. The microbiomes of patients with HCC demonstrated significant enrichment of Lactobacillus, particularly Lactobacillus fermentum, and Streptococcus, notably Streptococcus anginosus. Comparative analysis between Atz/Bev responders (R) and non-responders (NR) revealed a higher abundance of Bacteroides stercoris in the NR group and Bacteroides coprocola in the R group. Using qPCR analysis, we observed elevated levels of S. anginosus and reduced levels of 5α-reductase genes, essential for the synthesis of isoallolithocholic acid, in HCC patients compared to controls. Additionally, the analysis confirmed a significantly lower abundance of B. stercoris in the Atz/Bev R group relative to the NR group.Conclusions. The gut microbiome analysis and specific gene quantification via qPCR could provide a rapid, less invasive, and cost-effective approach for assessing the increased risk of HCC, monitoring patient status, and predicting immunotherapy responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tadashi Fujii
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Medical Research on Prebiotics and Probiotics, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
- BIOSIS Lab. Co. Ltd., Aichi, Japan
| | - Teiji Kuzuya
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
| | | | - Kohei Funasaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Eizaburo Ohno
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Hirooka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Medical Research on Prebiotics and Probiotics, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
- BIOSIS Lab. Co. Ltd., Aichi, Japan
| | - Takumi Tochio
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Medical Research on Prebiotics and Probiotics, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
- BIOSIS Lab. Co. Ltd., Aichi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Marroncini G, Naldi L, Martinelli S, Amedei A. Gut-Liver-Pancreas Axis Crosstalk in Health and Disease: From the Role of Microbial Metabolites to Innovative Microbiota Manipulating Strategies. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1398. [PMID: 39061972 PMCID: PMC11273695 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The functions of the gut are closely related to those of many other organs in the human body. Indeed, the gut microbiota (GM) metabolize several nutrients and compounds that, once released in the bloodstream, can reach distant organs, thus influencing the metabolic and inflammatory tone of the host. The main microbiota-derived metabolites responsible for the modulation of endocrine responses are short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bile acids and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). These molecules can (i) regulate the pancreatic hormones (insulin and glucagon), (ii) increase glycogen synthesis in the liver, and (iii) boost energy expenditure, especially in skeletal muscles and brown adipose tissue. In other words, they are critical in maintaining glucose and lipid homeostasis. In GM dysbiosis, the imbalance of microbiota-related products can affect the proper endocrine and metabolic functions, including those related to the gut-liver-pancreas axis (GLPA). In addition, the dysbiosis can contribute to the onset of some diseases such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)/non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and type 2 diabetes (T2D). In this review, we explored the roles of the gut microbiota-derived metabolites and their involvement in onset and progression of these diseases. In addition, we detailed the main microbiota-modulating strategies that could improve the diseases' development by restoring the healthy balance of the GLPA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giada Marroncini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (G.M.); (L.N.)
| | - Laura Naldi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (G.M.); (L.N.)
| | - Serena Martinelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Amedeo Amedei
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), 50139 Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abenavoli L, Montori M, Svegliati Baroni G, Argenziano ME, Giorgi F, Scarlata GGM, Ponziani F, Scarpellini E. Perspective on the Role of Gut Microbiome in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1427. [PMID: 37629716 PMCID: PMC10456509 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59081427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cause of liver cancer worldwide and has a high mortality rate. Its incidence has increased due to metabolic-associated liver disease (MAFLD) epidemics. Liver transplantation and surgery remain the most resolute measures. Despite the optimistic use of multi-kinase inhibitors, namely sorafenib, the co-existence of chronic liver disease made the response rate low in these patients. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become a promising hope for certain advanced solid tumors and, also, for advanced HCC. Unfortunately, a large cohort of patients with HCC fail to respond to immunotherapy. Materials and Methods: We conducted a narrative search on the main medical databases for original articles, reviews, meta-analyses, randomized clinical trials, and case series using the following keywords and acronyms and their associations: hepatocellular carcinoma, immunotherapy, checkpoint inhibitors, gut microbiota, and fecal microbiota transplantation. Results: ICIs are a promising and sufficiently safe treatment option for HCC. In detail, they have significantly improved survival and prognosis in these patients vs. sorafenib. Although there are several highlighted mechanisms of resistance, the gut microbiota signature can be used both as a response biomarker and as an effect enhancer. Practically, probiotic dose-finding and fecal microbiota transplantation are the weapons that can be used to increase ICI's treatment-response-reducing resistance mechanisms. Conclusion: Immunotherapy has been a significant step-up in HCC treatment, and gut microbiota modulation is an effective liaison to increase its efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ludovico Abenavoli
- Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Michele Montori
- Clinic of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Emergency Digestive Endoscopy, Polytechnics University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (M.M.); (M.E.A.)
| | | | - Maria Eva Argenziano
- Clinic of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Emergency Digestive Endoscopy, Polytechnics University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (M.M.); (M.E.A.)
| | - Francesca Giorgi
- Oncology Unit, “Madonna del Soccorso” General Hospital, 63074 San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy;
| | | | - Francesca Ponziani
- Digestive Disease Center (C.E.M.A.D.), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
- Translational Medicine and Surgery Department, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Emidio Scarpellini
- Translational Research in GastroIntestinal Disorders (T.A.R.G.I.D.), KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- Hepatology Outpatient Clinic, “Madonna del Soccorso” General Hospital, 63074 San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Catalano T, Selvaggi F, Esposito DL, Cotellese R, Aceto GM. Infectious Agents Induce Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway Deregulation in Primary Liver Cancers. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1632. [PMID: 37512809 PMCID: PMC10386003 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Interaction between infectious agents and liver tissue, as well as repeated and extreme biological events beyond adaptive capacities, may result in pathological conditions predisposing people to development of primary liver cancers (PLCs). In adults, PLCs mainly comprise hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Various infectious agents in the hepatic microenvironment can destabilize normal liver cell functions by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway components. Among them, hepatotropic viruses B, C, and D are involved in Wnt/β-catenin signaling dysregulation. Other microbial agents, including oncogenic viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human papilloma virus (HPV), bacteria, e.g., Mycoplasma hyorhinis and Salmonella Typhi, the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, the fungus Aspergillus flavus, and liver flukes such as Clonorchissinensis or Opisthorchis viverrini, may induce malignant transformation in hepatocytes or in target cells of the biliary tract through aberrant Wnt signaling activation. This review focuses on new insights into infectious agents implicated in the deregulation of Wnt signaling and PLC development. Since the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is a driver of cancer following viral and bacterial infections, molecules inhibiting the complex axis of Wnt signaling could represent novel therapeutic approaches in PLC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Catalano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Federico Selvaggi
- Unit of General Surgery, ASL2 Lanciano-Vasto-Chieti, Ospedale Clinicizzato SS Annunziata, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Diana Liberata Esposito
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Roberto Cotellese
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Villa Serena Foundation for Research, 65013 Città Sant'Angelo, Italy
| | - Gitana Maria Aceto
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jacky D, Bibi C, Meng LMC, Jason F, Gwendoline T, Jeremy L, Wie CC. Effects of OsomeFood Clean Label plant-based meals on the gut microbiome. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:88. [PMID: 36997838 PMCID: PMC10061721 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-02822-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plant-based diets offer more beneficial microbes and can modulate gut microbiomes to improve human health. We evaluated the effects of the plant-based OsomeFood Clean Label meal range ('AWE' diet), on the human gut microbiome. METHODS Over 21 days, ten healthy participants consumed OsomeFood meals for five consecutive weekday lunches and dinners and resumed their regular diets for other days/meals. On follow-up days, participants completed questionnaires to record satiety, energy and health, and provided stool samples. To document microbiome variations and identify associations, species and functional pathway annotations were analyzed by shotgun sequencing. Shannon diversity and regular diet calorie intake subsets were also assessed. RESULTS Overweight participants gained more species and functional pathway diversity than normal BMI participants. Nineteen disease-associated species were suppressed in moderate-responders without gaining diversity, and in strong-responders with diversity gains along with health-associated species. All participants reported improved short-chain fatty acids production, insulin and γ-aminobutyric acid signaling. Moreover, fullness correlated positively with Bacteroides eggerthii; energetic status with B. uniformis, B. longum, Phascolarctobacterium succinatutens, and Eubacterium eligens; healthy status with Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Prevotella CAG 5226, Roseburia hominis, and Roseburia sp. CAG 182; and overall response with E. eligens and Corprococcus eutactus. Fiber consumption was negatively associated with pathogenic species. CONCLUSION Although the AWE diet was consumed for only five days a week, all participants, especially overweight ones, experienced improved fullness, health status, energy and overall responses. The AWE diet benefits all individuals, especially those of higher BMI or low-fiber consumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dwiyanto Jacky
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Chong Chun Wie
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, 47500, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Research Progress of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Liver Diseases. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12041683. [PMID: 36836218 PMCID: PMC9960958 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12041683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
A growing body of evidence suggested that gut microbiota is associated with liver diseases through the gut-liver axis. The imbalance of gut microbiota could be correlated with the occurrence, development, and prognosis of a series of liver diseases, including alcoholic liver disease (ALD), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) seems to be a method to normalize the patient's gut microbiota. This method has been traced back to the 4th century. In recent decade, FMT has been highly regarded in several clinical trials. As a novel approach to reconstruct the intestinal microecological balance, FMT has been used to treat the chronic liver diseases. Therefore, in this review, the role of FMT in the treatment of liver diseases was summarized. In addition, the relationship between gut and liver was explored through the gut-liver axis, and the definition, objectives, advantages, and procedures of FMT were described. Finally, the clinical value of FMT therapy in liver transplant (LT) recipients was briefly discussed.
Collapse
|
7
|
Chen Z, Ding C, Gu Y, He Y, Chen B, Zheng S, Li Q. Association between gut microbiota and hepatocellular carcinoma from 2011 to 2022: Bibliometric analysis and global trends. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1120515. [PMID: 37064156 PMCID: PMC10098157 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1120515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary malignant tumor responsible for approximately 90% of all liver cancers in humans, making it one of the leading public health problems worldwide. The gut microbiota is a complex microbial ecosystem that can influence tumor formation, metastasis, and resistance to treatment. Therefore, understanding the potential mechanisms of gut microbiota pathogenesis is critical for the prevention and treatment of HCC. Materials and methods A search was conducted in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database for English literature studies on the relationship between gut microbiota and HCC from 2011 to 2022. Bibliometric analysis tools such as VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and R Studio were used to analyze global trends and research hotspots in this field. Results A total of 739 eligible publications, comprising of 383 articles and 356 reviews, were analyzed. Over the past 11 years, there has been a rapid increase in the annual number of publications and average citation levels, especially in the last five years. The majority of published articles on this topic originated from China (n=257, 34.78%), followed by the United States of America (n=203, 27.47%), and Italy (n=85, 11.50%). American scholars demonstrated high productivity, prominence, and academic environment influence in the research of this subject. Furthermore, the University of California, San Diego published the most papers (n=24) and had the highest average citation value (value=152.17) in the study of the relationship between gut microbiota and HCC. Schnabl B from the USA and Ohtani N from Japan were the authors with the highest number of publications and average citation value, respectively. Conclusion In recent years, research on the gut microbiota's role in HCC has made rapid progress. Through a review of published literature, it has been found that the gut microbiota is crucial in the pathogenesis of HCC and in oncotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhitao Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University Shulan International Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenchen Ding
- Affiliated Mental Health Centre & Hangzhou Seventh People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yangjun Gu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University Shulan International Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yahui He
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University Shulan International Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang Shuren College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bing Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University Shulan International Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang Shuren College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shusen Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University Shulan International Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Qiyong Li, ; Shusen Zheng,
| | - Qiyong Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University Shulan International Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Qiyong Li, ; Shusen Zheng,
| |
Collapse
|