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Berthoud HR, Münzberg H, Morrison CD, Neuhuber WL. Hepatic interoception in health and disease. Auton Neurosci 2024; 253:103174. [PMID: 38579493 PMCID: PMC11129274 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2024.103174] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
The liver is a large organ with crucial functions in metabolism and immune defense, as well as blood homeostasis and detoxification, and it is clearly in bidirectional communication with the brain and rest of the body via both neural and humoral pathways. A host of neural sensory mechanisms have been proposed, but in contrast to the gut-brain axis, details for both the exact site and molecular signaling steps of their peripheral transduction mechanisms are generally lacking. Similarly, knowledge about function-specific sensory and motor components of both vagal and spinal access pathways to the hepatic parenchyma is missing. Lack of progress largely owes to controversies regarding selectivity of vagal access pathways and extent of hepatocyte innervation. In contrast, there is considerable evidence for glucose sensors in the wall of the hepatic portal vein and their importance for glucose handling by the liver and the brain and the systemic response to hypoglycemia. As liver diseases are on the rise globally, and there are intriguing associations between liver diseases and mental illnesses, it will be important to further dissect and identify both neural and humoral pathways that mediate hepatocyte-specific signals to relevant brain areas. The question of whether and how sensations from the liver contribute to interoceptive self-awareness has not yet been explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Rudolf Berthoud
- Neurobiology of Nutrition & Metabolism Department, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
| | - Heike Münzberg
- Neurobiology of Nutrition & Metabolism Department, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Christopher D Morrison
- Neurobiology of Nutrition & Metabolism Department, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Winfried L Neuhuber
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Alexander University, Erlangen, Germany.
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2
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Wang X, Wen X, Yuan S, Zhang J. Gut-brain axis in the pathogenesis of sepsis-associated encephalopathy. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 195:106499. [PMID: 38588753 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106499] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication network linking the gut and the brain, overseeing digestive functions, emotional responses, body immunity, brain development, and overall health. Substantial research highlights a connection between disruptions of the gut-brain axis and various psychiatric and neurological conditions, including depression and Alzheimer's disease. Given the impact of the gut-brain axis on behavior, cognition, and brain diseases, some studies have started to pay attention to the role of the axis in sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE), where cognitive impairment is the primary manifestation. SAE emerges as the primary and earliest form of organ dysfunction following sepsis, potentially leading to acute cognitive impairment and long-term cognitive decline in patients. Notably, the neuronal damage in SAE does not stem directly from the central nervous system (CNS) infection but rather from an infection occurring outside the brain. The gut-brain axis is posited as a pivotal factor in this process. This review will delve into the gut-brain axis, exploring four crucial pathways through which inflammatory signals are transmitted and elevate the incidence of SAE. These pathways encompass the vagus nerve pathway, the neuroendocrine pathway involving the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and serotonin (5-HT) regulation, the neuroimmune pathway, and the microbial regulation. These pathways can operate independently or collaboratively on the CNS to modulate brain activity. Understanding how the gut affects and regulates the CNS could offer the potential to identify novel targets for preventing and treating this condition, ultimately enhancing the prognosis for individuals with SAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, PR China; Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, PR China
| | - Xiaoyue Wen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, PR China; Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, PR China
| | - Shiying Yuan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, PR China; Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, PR China.
| | - Jiancheng Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, PR China; Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, PR China.
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3
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Duarte-Silva S, Da Silva JD, Monteiro-Fernandes D, Costa MD, Neves-Carvalho A, Raposo M, Soares-Cunha C, Correia JS, Nogueira-Goncalves G, Fernandes HS, Oliveira S, Ferreira-Fernandes AR, Rodrigues F, Pereira-Sousa J, Vilasboas-Campos D, Guerreiro S, Campos J, Meireles-Costa L, Rodrigues CM, Cabantous S, Sousa SF, Lima M, Teixeira-Castro A, Maciel P. Glucocorticoid receptor-dependent therapeutic efficacy of tauroursodeoxycholic acid in preclinical models of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e162246. [PMID: 38227368 PMCID: PMC10904051 DOI: 10.1172/jci162246] [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: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is an adult-onset neurodegenerative disease caused by a polyglutamine expansion in the ataxin-3 (ATXN3) gene. No effective treatment is available for this disorder, other than symptom-directed approaches. Bile acids have shown therapeutic efficacy in neurodegenerative disease models. Here, we pinpointed tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) as an efficient therapeutic, improving the motor and neuropathological phenotype of SCA3 nematode and mouse models. Surprisingly, transcriptomic and functional in vivo data showed that TUDCA acts in neuronal tissue through the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), but independently of its canonical receptor, the farnesoid X receptor (FXR). TUDCA was predicted to bind to the GR, in a similar fashion to corticosteroid molecules. GR levels were decreased in disease-affected brain regions, likely due to increased protein degradation as a consequence of ATXN3 dysfunction being restored by TUDCA treatment. Analysis of a SCA3 clinical cohort showed intriguing correlations between the peripheral expression of GR and the predicted age at disease onset in presymptomatic subjects and FKBP5 expression with disease progression, suggesting this pathway as a potential source of biomarkers for future study. We have established a novel in vivo mechanism for the neuroprotective effects of TUDCA in SCA3 and propose this readily available drug for clinical trials in SCA3 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Duarte-Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Jorge Diogo Da Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Medical Genetics Center Dr. Jacinto de Magalhães, Santo António University Hospital Center, Porto, Portugal
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute, Porto University, Porto, Portugal
| | - Daniela Monteiro-Fernandes
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Marta Daniela Costa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Andreia Neves-Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Mafalda Raposo
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade dos Açores, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - Carina Soares-Cunha
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Joana S. Correia
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo Nogueira-Goncalves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Henrique S. Fernandes
- UCIBIO – Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, BioSIM – Departamento de Biomedicina and
- Associate Laboratory i4HB – Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Stephanie Oliveira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Ferreira-Fernandes
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Fernando Rodrigues
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Joana Pereira-Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Daniela Vilasboas-Campos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Sara Guerreiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Jonas Campos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Liliana Meireles-Costa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Cecilia M.P. Rodrigues
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Stephanie Cabantous
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse (CRCT), Inserm, Université de Toulouse, UPS, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Sergio F. Sousa
- UCIBIO – Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, BioSIM – Departamento de Biomedicina and
- Associate Laboratory i4HB – Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuela Lima
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade dos Açores, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - Andreia Teixeira-Castro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Patricia Maciel
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
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Joyce SA, Clarke DJ. Microbial metabolites as modulators of host physiology. Adv Microb Physiol 2024; 84:83-133. [PMID: 38821635 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ampbs.2023.12.001] [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: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
The gut microbiota is increasingly recognised as a key player in influencing human health and changes in the gut microbiota have been strongly linked with many non-communicable conditions in humans such as type 2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. However, characterising the molecular mechanisms that underpin these associations remains an important challenge for researchers. The gut microbiota is a complex microbial community that acts as a metabolic interface to transform ingested food (and other xenobiotics) into metabolites that are detected in the host faeces, urine and blood. Many of these metabolites are only produced by microbes and there is accumulating evidence to suggest that these microbe-specific metabolites do act as effectors to influence human physiology. For example, the gut microbiota can digest dietary complex polysaccharides (such as fibre) into short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) such as acetate, propionate and butyrate that have a pervasive role in host physiology from nutrition to immune function. In this review we will outline our current understanding of the role of some key microbial metabolites, such as SCFA, indole and bile acids, in human health. Whilst many studies linking microbial metabolites with human health are correlative we will try to highlight examples where genetic evidence is available to support a specific role for a microbial metabolite in host health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan A Joyce
- School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - David J Clarke
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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Yan M, Man S, Sun B, Ma L, Guo L, Huang L, Gao W. Gut liver brain axis in diseases: the implications for therapeutic interventions. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:443. [PMID: 38057297 PMCID: PMC10700720 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01673-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Gut-liver-brain axis is a three-way highway of information interaction system among the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and nervous systems. In the past few decades, breakthrough progress has been made in the gut liver brain axis, mainly through understanding its formation mechanism and increasing treatment strategies. In this review, we discuss various complex networks including barrier permeability, gut hormones, gut microbial metabolites, vagus nerve, neurotransmitters, immunity, brain toxic metabolites, β-amyloid (Aβ) metabolism, and epigenetic regulation in the gut-liver-brain axis. Some therapies containing antibiotics, probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), polyphenols, low FODMAP diet and nanotechnology application regulate the gut liver brain axis. Besides, some special treatments targeting gut-liver axis include farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonists, takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) agonists, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor antagonists and fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) analogs. Targeting gut-brain axis embraces cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), antidepressants and tryptophan metabolism-related therapies. Targeting liver-brain axis contains epigenetic regulation and Aβ metabolism-related therapies. In the future, a better understanding of gut-liver-brain axis interactions will promote the development of novel preventative strategies and the discovery of precise therapeutic targets in multiple diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyao Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, 300457, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuli Man
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, 300457, Tianjin, China.
| | - Benyue Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, 300457, Tianjin, China
| | - Long Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, 300457, Tianjin, China
| | - Lanping Guo
- National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 100700, Beijing, China.
| | - Luqi Huang
- National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 100700, Beijing, China
| | - Wenyuan Gao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Modern Drug Delivery & High-Efficiency, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Weijin Road, 300072, Tianjin, China.
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