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Mao B, Liu S, Zhu S, Wu F, Yuan W, Yan Y, Wang B. The janus face of serotonin: Regenerative promoter and chronic liver disease aggravator. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30703. [PMID: 38756588 PMCID: PMC11096747 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The progression of liver diseases, from viral hepatitis and fatty liver disease to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the most representative series of pathological events in liver diseases. While serotonin (5-HT) primarily regulates brain functions such as psychology, mood, and appetite in the central nervous system (CNS), peripheral 5-HT plays a crucial role in regulating tumor development, glucose and lipid metabolism, immune function and inflammatory response related to liver diseases. These peripheral physiological processes involving 5-HT are the key mechanisms driving the development of these liver diseases. This study presents an overview of the existing literature, focusing on the role of 5-HT in HCC, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, and liver injury. In summary, while 5-HT promotes liver regeneration, it can also contribute to the progression of chronic liver disease. These findings indicate the potential for the development and use of 5-HT-related drugs for the treatment of liver diseases, including HCC and cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benliang Mao
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Shoupei Liu
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Translational Medicine, Institutes for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shanfei Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fan Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bailin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
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Nagayama I, Kamimura K, Owaki T, Ko M, Nagoya T, Tanaka Y, Ohkoshi M, Setsu T, Sakamaki A, Yokoo T, Kamimura H, Terai S. Complementary role of peripheral and central autonomic nervous system on insulin-like growth factor-1 activation to prevent fatty liver disease. Hepatol Int 2024; 18:155-167. [PMID: 37864724 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-023-10601-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is involved in the pathology of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and ameliorates fatty infiltration in the liver. It is activated by growth hormone (GH); however, the role of GH-IGF-1 axis in NAFLD developmental phase has not been well identified. Therefore, in this study, we focused on the effect of IGF-1 in NAFLD pathology and GH excretion activation from the pituitary gland by peripheral autonomic neural pathways relaying liver-brain-gut pathway and by central neuropeptides. METHODS GH and IGF-1 levels were assessed in wild-type and melanocortin-4 receptor knockout mice upon the development of diet-induced NAFLD. The contribution of the peripheral autonomic nervous system connecting the liver-brain-gut axis was assessed by its blockade using capsaicin and that of the central nervous system was assessed by the expression of hypothalamic brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRH), which activates GH release from the pituitary gland. RESULTS In the NAFLD mouse models, the levels of GH and IGF-1 increased (p < .05). Further, hepatic fatty infiltration was suppressed even under peripheral autonomic nervous system blockade (p < .001), which inhibited gastric ghrelin expression. In mice with peripheral autonomic nervous blockade, hypothalamic BDNF and CRH were inhibited (p < .05), resulting in GH and IGF-1 excretion, whereas other neuropeptides of somatostatin and cortistatin showed no changes. These complementary effects were canceled in melanocortin-4 receptor knockout mice, which diminished BDNF and CRH release control. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that the release of IGF-1 by the nervous system is a key factor in maintaining the pathological homeostasis of NAFLD, suggesting its therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itsuo Nagayama
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757, Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Kenya Kamimura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757, Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan.
- Department of General Medicine, Niigata University School of Medicine, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan.
| | - Takashi Owaki
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757, Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Ko
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757, Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Takuro Nagoya
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757, Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Yuto Tanaka
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757, Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Marina Ohkoshi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757, Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Toru Setsu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757, Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Akira Sakamaki
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757, Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yokoo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757, Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Hiroteru Kamimura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757, Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Shuji Terai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757, Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
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Chen CY, Ho HC. Roles of gut microbes in metabolic-associated fatty liver disease. Tzu Chi Med J 2023; 35:279-289. [PMID: 38035063 PMCID: PMC10683521 DOI: 10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_86_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease. Gut dysbiosis is considered a significant contributing factor in disease development. Increased intestinal permeability can be induced by gut dysbiosis, followed by the entry of lipopolysaccharide into circulation to reach peripheral tissue and result in chronic inflammation. We reviewed how microbial metabolites push host physiology toward MAFLD, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bile acids, and tryptophan metabolites. The effects of SCFAs are generally reported as anti-inflammatory and can improve intestinal barrier function and restore gut microbiota. Gut microbes can influence intestinal barrier function through SCFAs produced by fermentative bacteria, especially butyrate and propionate producers. This is achieved through the activation of free fatty acid sensing receptors. Bile is directly involved in lipid absorption. Gut microbes can alter bile acid composition by bile salt hydrolase-producing bacteria and bacterial hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-producing bacteria. These bile acids can affect host physiology by activating farnesoid X receptor Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5. Gut microbes can also induce MAFLD-associated symptoms by producing tryptophan metabolites kynurenine, serotonin, and indole-3-propionate. A summary of bacterial genera involved in SCFAs production, bile acid transformation, and tryptophan metabolism is provided. Many bacteria have demonstrated efficacy in alleviating MAFLD in animal models and are potential therapeutic candidates for MAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yao Chen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Han-Chen Ho
- Department of Anatomy, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
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Du Z, Liu ZZ. Inhibition of aflatoxins on UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs). Toxicol In Vitro 2023; 90:105612. [PMID: 37164184 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2023.105612] [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: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Aflatoxins have been recognized as the most harmful mycotoxins leading to various toxic effects. The present study aims to determine the inhibition behavior of aflatoxins on the activity of the important phase II metabolizing enzymes, UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs), based on in vitro incubation system of recombinant human UGTs-catalyzed glucuronidation of 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU). 100 μM AFB1 and AFG1 exhibited extensive inhibition towards UGT isoforms especially UGT1A7 and UGT1A8, with the inhibition ratios to be 71.38%, 72.95% and 72.79% for AFB1 to UGT1A7, AFB1 to UGT1A8 and AFG1 to UGT1A8, respectively. Molecular docking results showed that hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic contacts of the particular structure consisting of double furan ring with double bond contributed to the interaction of aflatoxins and UGTs. Kinetics analysis, including inhibition types and kinetics parameters (Ki), and in vitro-in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) indicated that there might be a medium possibility of inhibition on UGTs by aflatoxins in vivo. In conclusion, the present study indicated that aflatoxins could possibly disturb endogenous metabolism by inhibiting the activity of UGTs so as to exhibit toxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuo Du
- School of Public Health, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, China.
| | - Zhen-Zhong Liu
- School of Public Health, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, China
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Gama JFG, Cardoso LMDF, Bisaggio RDC, Lagrota-Candido J, Henriques-Pons A, Alves LA. Immunological Tolerance in Liver Transplant Recipients: Putative Involvement of Neuroendocrine-Immune Interactions. Cells 2022; 11:cells11152327. [PMID: 35954171 PMCID: PMC9367574 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The transplantation world changed significantly following the introduction of immunosuppressants, with millions of people saved. Several physicians have noted that liver recipients that do not take their medication for different reasons became tolerant regarding kidney, heart, and lung transplantations at higher frequencies. Most studies have attempted to explain this phenomenon through unique immunological mechanisms and the fact that the hepatic environment is continuously exposed to high levels of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) or non-pathogenic microorganism-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) from commensal flora. These components are highly inflammatory in the periphery but tolerated in the liver as part of the normal components that arrive via the hepatic portal vein. These immunological mechanisms are discussed herein based on current evidence, although we hypothesize the participation of neuroendocrine-immune pathways, which have played a relevant role in autoimmune diseases. Cells found in the liver present receptors for several cytokines, hormones, peptides, and neurotransmitters that would allow for system crosstalk. Furthermore, the liver is innervated by the autonomic system and may, thus, be influenced by the parasympathetic and sympathetic systems. This review therefore seeks to discuss classical immunological hepatic tolerance mechanisms and hypothesizes the possible participation of the neuroendocrine-immune system based on the current literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaciara Fernanda Gomes Gama
- Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazil Avenue, 4365-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21045-900, Brazil; (J.F.G.G.); (L.M.d.F.C.)
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Department of Immunobiology, Biology Institute, Federal Fluminense University (UFF), Gragoatá Bl-M Campus, Niterói 24210-200, Brazil;
| | - Liana Monteiro da Fonseca Cardoso
- Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazil Avenue, 4365-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21045-900, Brazil; (J.F.G.G.); (L.M.d.F.C.)
| | - Rodrigo da Cunha Bisaggio
- Department of Biotechnology, Federal Institute of Rio de Janeiro (IFRJ), Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro 20270-021, Brazil;
| | - Jussara Lagrota-Candido
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Department of Immunobiology, Biology Institute, Federal Fluminense University (UFF), Gragoatá Bl-M Campus, Niterói 24210-200, Brazil;
| | - Andrea Henriques-Pons
- Laboratory of Innovations in Therapies, Education, and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21041-361, Brazil;
| | - Luiz A. Alves
- Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazil Avenue, 4365-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21045-900, Brazil; (J.F.G.G.); (L.M.d.F.C.)
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +55-(21)-2562-1816 (ext. 1841)
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Luo X, Zhang B, Pan Y, Gu J, Tan R, Gong P. Phyllanthus emblica aqueous extract retards hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in NAFLD mice in association with the reshaping of intestinal microecology. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:893561. [PMID: 35959433 PMCID: PMC9360598 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.893561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that dysregulation of the intestinal flora potentially contributes to the occurrence and development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Phyllanthus emblica (PE), an edible and medicinal natural resource, exerts excellent effects on ameliorating NAFLD, but the potential mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, a mouse NAFLD model was established by administering a choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD). The protective effects of the aqueous extract of PE (AEPE) on the gut microbiota and fecal metabolites in NAFLD mice were detected by performing 16S rRNA gene sequencing and untargeted metabolomics. The administration of middle- and high-dose AEPE decreased the levels of ALT, AST, LDL-C, TG, and Hyp and increased HDL-C levels in CDAHFD-fed mice. Hematoxylin–eosin (H&E), Oil Red O, and Masson’s trichrome staining indicated that AEPE treatment attenuated hepatic steatosis and fibrotic lesions. Moreover, the disordered intestinal microflora was remodeled by AEPE, including decreases in the abundance of Peptostreptococcaceae, Faecalibaculum, and Romboutsia. The untargeted metabolomics analysis showed that AEPE restored the disturbed glutathione metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, and primary bile acid biosynthesis of the gut bacterial community in NAFLD mice, which strongly correlated with hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. Collectively, AEPE potentially ameliorates NAFLD induced by a CDAHFD through a mechanism associated with its modulatory effects on the gut microbiota and microbial metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Luo
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Boyu Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yehua Pan
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jian Gu
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rui Tan
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Puyang Gong
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Puyang Gong,
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Owaki T, Kamimura K, Ko M, Nagayama I, Nagoya T, Shibata O, Oda C, Morita S, Kimura A, Sato T, Setsu T, Sakamaki A, Kamimura H, Yokoo T, Terai S. The liver-gut peripheral neural axis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease pathologies via hepatic serotonin receptor 2A. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:276108. [PMID: 35765850 PMCID: PMC9346519 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) is one of the key bioamines of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Its mechanism of action in autonomic neural signal pathways remains unexplained; hence, we evaluated the involvement of 5-HT and related signaling pathways via autonomic nerves in NAFLD. Diet-induced NAFLD animal models were developed using wild-type and melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) knockout (MC4RKO) mice, and the effects of the autonomic neural axis on NAFLD physiology, 5-HT and its receptors (HTRs), and lipid metabolism-related genes were assessed by applying hepatic nerve blockade. Hepatic neural blockade retarded the progression of NAFLD by reducing 5-HT in the small intestine, hepatic HTR2A and hepatic lipogenic gene expression, and treatment with an HTR2A antagonist reproduced these effects. The effects were milder in MC4RKO mice, and brain 5-HT and HTR2C expression did not correlate with peripheral neural blockade. Our study demonstrates that the autonomic liver-gut neural axis is involved in the etiology of diet-induced NAFLD and that 5-HT and HTR2A are key factors, implying that the modulation of the axis and use of HTR2A antagonists are potentially novel therapeutic strategies for NAFLD treatment. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: The hepatic-gut neural axis plays a role in NAFLD progression via serotonin and the serotonin receptor HTR2A in hepatocytes, suggesting that HTR2A antagonists are potential therapeutic agents for NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Owaki
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Kenya Kamimura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan.,Department of General Medicine, Niigata University School of Medicine, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Ko
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Itsuo Nagayama
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Takuro Nagoya
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Osamu Shibata
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Chiyumi Oda
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Shinichi Morita
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kimura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Takeki Sato
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Toru Setsu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Akira Sakamaki
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Hiroteru Kamimura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yokoo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
| | - Shuji Terai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan
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Asuaje Pfeifer M, Liebmann M, Beuerle T, Grupe K, Scherneck S. Role of Serotonin (5-HT) in GDM Prediction Considering Islet and Liver Interplay in Prediabetic Mice during Gestation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126434. [PMID: 35742878 PMCID: PMC9224346 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Gestational diabetes (GDM) is characterized by a glucose tolerance disorder. This may first appear during pregnancy or pre-exist before conception as a form of prediabetes, but there are few data on the pathogenesis of the latter subtype. Female New Zealand obese (NZO) mice serve as a model for this subpopulation of GDM. It was recently shown that GDM is associated with elevated urinary serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) levels, but the role of the biogenic amine in subpopulations with prediabetes remains unclear. 5-HT is synthesized in different tissues, including the islets of Langerhans during pregnancy. Furthermore, 5-HT receptors (HTRs) are expressed in tissues important for the regulation of glucose homeostasis, such as liver and pancreas. Interestingly, NZO mice showed elevated plasma and islet 5-HT concentrations as well as impaired glucose-stimulated 5-HT secretion. Incubation of isolated primary NZO islets with 5-HT revealed an inhibitory effect on insulin and glucagon secretion. In primary NZO hepatocytes, 5-HT aggravated hepatic glucose production (HGP), decreased glucose uptake (HGU), glycogen content, and modulated AKT activation as well as cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) increase, indicating 5-HT downstream modulation. Treatment with an HTR2B antagonist reduced this 5-HT-mediated deterioration of the metabolic state. With its strong effect on glucose metabolism, these data indicate that 5-HT is already a potential indicator of GDM before conception in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Asuaje Pfeifer
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Mendelssohnstraße 1, D-38106 Braunschweig, Germany; (M.A.P.); (M.L.); (K.G.)
| | - Moritz Liebmann
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Mendelssohnstraße 1, D-38106 Braunschweig, Germany; (M.A.P.); (M.L.); (K.G.)
| | - Till Beuerle
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Mendelssohnstraße 1, D-38106 Braunschweig, Germany;
| | - Katharina Grupe
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Mendelssohnstraße 1, D-38106 Braunschweig, Germany; (M.A.P.); (M.L.); (K.G.)
| | - Stephan Scherneck
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Mendelssohnstraße 1, D-38106 Braunschweig, Germany; (M.A.P.); (M.L.); (K.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-531-391-8440
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Interactions between Tryptophan Metabolism, the Gut Microbiome and the Immune System as Potential Drivers of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Metabolic Diseases. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12060514. [PMID: 35736447 PMCID: PMC9227929 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12060514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing and therefore is its burden of disease as NALFD is a risk factor for cirrhosis and is associated with other metabolic conditions such as type II diabetes, obesity, dyslipidaemia and atherosclerosis. Linking these cardiometabolic diseases is a state of low-grade inflammation, with higher cytokines and c-reactive protein levels found in individuals with NAFLD, obesity and type II diabetes. A possible therapeutic target to decrease this state of low-grade inflammation is the metabolism of the essential amino-acid tryptophan. Its three main metabolic pathways (kynurenine pathway, indole pathway and serotonin/melatonin pathway) result in metabolites such as kynurenic acid, xanturenic acid, indole-3-propionic acid and serotonin/melatonin. The kynurenine pathway is regulated by indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), an enzyme that is upregulated by pro-inflammatory molecules such as INF, IL-6 and LPS. Higher activity of IDO is associated with increased inflammation and fibrosis in NAFLD, as well with increased glucose levels, obesity and atherosclerosis. On the other hand, increased concentrations of the indole pathway metabolites, regulated by the gut microbiome, seem to result in more favorable outcomes. This narrative review summarizes the interactions between tryptophan metabolism, the gut microbiome and the immune system as potential drivers of cardiometabolic diseases in NAFLD.
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Miller BM, Oderberg IM, Goessling W. Hepatic Nervous System in Development, Regeneration, and Disease. Hepatology 2021; 74:3513-3522. [PMID: 34256416 PMCID: PMC8639644 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The liver is innervated by autonomic and sensory fibers of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems that regulate liver function, regeneration, and disease. Although the importance of the hepatic nervous system in maintaining and restoring liver homeostasis is increasingly appreciated, much remains unknown about the specific mechanisms by which hepatic nerves both influence and are influenced by liver diseases. While recent work has begun to illuminate the developmental mechanisms underlying recruitment of nerves to the liver, evolutionary differences contributing to species-specific patterns of hepatic innervation remain elusive. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the development of the hepatic nervous system and its role in liver regeneration and disease. We also highlight areas in which further investigation would greatly enhance our understanding of the evolution and function of liver innervation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bess M. Miller
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Isaac M. Oderberg
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Wolfram Goessling
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.,Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.,Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.,corresponding author: Contact Information: Wolfram Goessling, MD, PhD, Wang 539B, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114,
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Li W, Liu J, Cai J, Zhang XJ, Zhang P, She ZG, Chen S, Li H. NAFLD as a continuous driver in the whole spectrum of vascular disease. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2021; 163:118-132. [PMID: 34737121 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2021.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Vascular disease is the prime determinant to cardiovascular morbidities and mortalities, which comprises the early vascular damage and subsequent cardiovascular events. Non-alcohol Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a systemic metabolic disorder that drives the progression of vascular disease through complex interactions. Although a causal relationship between NAFLD and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has not been established, a growing number of epidemiological studies have demonstrated an independent association between NAFLD and early vascular disease and subsequent cardiovascular events. In addition, mechanistic studies suggest that NAFLD initiates and accelerates vascular injury by increasing systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, impairing insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism, and modulating epigenetics, the intestinal flora and hepatic autonomic nervous system; thus, NAFLD is a putative driving force for CVD progression. In this review, we summarize the clinical evidence supporting the association of NAFLD with subclinical vascular disease and cardiovascular events and discuss the potential mechanisms by which NAFLD promotes the progression of vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiayi Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingjing Cai
- Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Department of Cardiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Zhang
- Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi-Gang She
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Shaoze Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Huanggang Central Hospital, Huanggang, China; Huanggang Institute of Translational Medicine, Huanggang, China.
| | - Hongliang Li
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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Bruneau A, Hundertmark J, Guillot A, Tacke F. Molecular and Cellular Mediators of the Gut-Liver Axis in the Progression of Liver Diseases. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:725390. [PMID: 34650994 PMCID: PMC8505679 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.725390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The gut-liver axis covers the bidirectional communication between the gut and the liver, and thus includes signals from liver-to-gut (e.g., bile acids, immunoglobulins) and from gut-to-liver (e.g., nutrients, microbiota-derived products, and recirculating bile acids). In a healthy individual, liver homeostasis is tightly controlled by the mostly tolerogenic liver resident macrophages, the Kupffer cells, capturing the gut-derived antigens from the blood circulation. However, disturbances of the gut-liver axis have been associated to the progression of varying chronic liver diseases, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis. Notably, changes of the gut microbiome, or intestinal dysbiosis, combined with increased intestinal permeability, leads to the translocation of gut-derived bacteria or their metabolites into the portal vein. In the context of concomitant or subsequent liver inflammation, the liver is then infiltrated by responsive immune cells (e.g., monocytes, neutrophils, lymphoid, or dendritic cells), and microbiota-derived products may provoke or exacerbate innate immune responses, hence perpetuating liver inflammation and fibrosis, and potentiating the risks of developing cirrhosis. Similarly, food derived antigens, bile acids, danger-, and pathogen-associated molecular patterns are able to reshape the liver immune microenvironment. Immune cell intracellular signaling components, such as inflammasome activation, toll-like receptor or nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptors signaling, are potent targets of interest for the modulation of the immune response. This review describes the current understanding of the cellular landscape and molecular pathways involved in the gut-liver axis and implicated in chronic liver disease progression. We also provide an overview of innovative therapeutic approaches and current clinical trials aiming at targeting the gut-liver axis for the treatment of patients with chronic liver and/or intestinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alix Bruneau
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Berlin, Germany
| | - Jana Hundertmark
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Berlin, Germany
| | - Adrien Guillot
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Berlin, Germany
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First person – Masayoshi Ko. Dis Model Mech 2021. [PMCID: PMC8033413 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.048973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
First Person is a series of interviews with the first authors of a selection of papers published in Disease Models & Mechanisms, helping early-career researchers promote themselves alongside their papers. Masayoshi Ko is first author on ‘
Modulation of serotonin in the gut-liver neural axis ameliorates the fatty and fibrotic changes in non-alcoholic fatty liver’, published in DMM. Masayoshi is an MD and PhD student in the lab of Kenya Kamimura and Shuji Terai at Niigata University, Japan, investigating the involvement of multi-organ linkage via autonomic nerves in non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD).
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