1
|
Wei M, Tu W, Huang G. Regulating bile acids signaling for NAFLD: molecular insights and novel therapeutic interventions. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1341938. [PMID: 38887706 PMCID: PMC11180741 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1341938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) emerges as the most predominant cause of liver disease, tightly linked to metabolic dysfunction. Bile acids (BAs), initially synthesized from cholesterol in the liver, undergo further metabolism by gut bacteria. Increasingly acknowledged as critical modulators of metabolic processes, BAs have been implicated as important signaling molecules. In this review, we will focus on the mechanism of BAs signaling involved in glucose homeostasis, lipid metabolism, energy expenditure, and immune regulation and summarize their roles in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Furthermore, gut microbiota dysbiosis plays a key role in the development of NAFLD, and the interactions between BAs and intestinal microbiota is elucidated. In addition, we also discuss potential therapeutic strategies for NAFLD, including drugs targeting BA receptors, modulation of intestinal microbiota, and metabolic surgery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meilin Wei
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wei Tu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Genhua Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li H, Wang M, Chen P, Zhu M, Chen L. A high-dose of ursodeoxycholic acid treatment alleviates liver inflammation by remodeling gut microbiota and bile acid profile in a mouse model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116617. [PMID: 38643542 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116617] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a hydrophilic bile acid commonly used for treating cholestatic liver disease. However, its efficacy on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) was controversial. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a high dosage of UDCA on a mouse model of NASH. Forty 6-week-old mice were fed a high-fat high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet for 12 weeks to establish a mouse model of NASH, and then divided into four groups: two groups transitioned to a normal diet, and the other two groups maintained the HFHC diet. Each group was administered a daily dosage of 300 mg/kg of UDCA or saline for a period of 8 weeks. The 16 s ribosomal RNA genes extracted from mice fecal pellets were sequenced using next-generation sequencing techniques. Serum bile acid profiles were quantified using liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry method. The results showed that UDCA treatment ameliorated liver inflammation, without affecting liver fibrosis. UDCA treatment reduced the relative abundance of the genera Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, and Intestinimonas, whereas increased the relative abundance of the genera norank_f_Muribaculaceae and Parasutterella in the HFHC-maintaining groups. The serum levels of total bile acids and total primary bile acids increased, whereas those of endogenous primary bile acids decreased after UDCA treatment. Correlation analysis showed that primary bile acids were negatively correlated with the genera norank_f_Christensenellaceae and unclassified_f_Ruminococcaceae. In conclusion, a high dosage of UDCA can alleviate liver inflammation, probably by modifying the composition of gut microbiota and serum bile acid profiles in NASH mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hu Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 201821, China; Department of Infectious Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People`s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200235, China
| | - Mingjie Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 201821, China
| | - Peizhan Chen
- Clinical Research Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 201821, China
| | - Mingyu Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 201821, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 201821, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Alghamdi W, Mosli M, Alqahtani SA. Gut microbiota in MAFLD: therapeutic and diagnostic implications. Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab 2024; 15:20420188241242937. [PMID: 38628492 PMCID: PMC11020731 DOI: 10.1177/20420188241242937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, is becoming a significant contributor to chronic liver disease globally, surpassing other etiologies, such as viral hepatitis. Prevention and early treatment strategies to curb its growing prevalence are urgently required. Recent evidence suggests that targeting the gut microbiota may help treat and alleviate disease progression in patients with MAFLD. This review aims to explore the complex relationship between MAFLD and the gut microbiota in relation to disease pathogenesis. Additionally, it delves into the therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiota, such as diet, exercise, antibiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, and fecal microbiota transplantation, and discusses novel biomarkers, such as microbiota-derived testing and liquid biopsy, for their diagnostic and staging potential. Overall, the review emphasizes the urgent need for preventive and therapeutic strategies to address the devastating consequences of MAFLD at both individual and societal levels and recognizes that further exploration of the gut microbiota may open avenues for managing MAFLD effectively in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Waleed Alghamdi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmoud Mosli
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A. Alqahtani
- Organ Transplant Center of Excellence, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Murphy WA, Diehl AM, Loop MS, Fu D, Guy CD, Abdelmalek MF, Karachaliou GS, Sjöstedt N, Neuhoff S, Honkakoski P, Brouwer KLR. Alterations in zonal distribution and plasma membrane localization of hepatocyte bile acid transporters in patients with NAFLD. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0377. [PMID: 38381537 PMCID: PMC10871794 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND NAFLD is highly prevalent with limited treatment options. Bile acids (BAs) increase in the systemic circulation and liver during NAFLD progression. Changes in plasma membrane localization and zonal distribution of BA transporters can influence transport function and BA homeostasis. However, a thorough characterization of how NAFLD influences these factors is currently lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of NAFLD and the accompanying histologic features on the functional capacity of key hepatocyte BA transporters across zonal regions in human liver biopsies. METHODS A novel machine learning image classification approach was used to quantify relative zonal abundance and plasma membrane localization of BA transporters (bile salt export pump [BSEP], sodium-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide, organic anion transporting polypeptide [OATP] 1B1 and OATP1B3) in non-diseased (n = 10), NAFL (n = 9), and NASH (n = 11) liver biopsies. Based on these data, membrane-localized zonal abundance (MZA) measures were developed to estimate transporter functional capacity. RESULTS NAFLD diagnosis and histologic scoring were associated with changes in transporter membrane localization and zonation. Increased periportal BSEPMZA (mean proportional difference compared to non-diseased liver of 0.090) and decreased pericentral BSEPMZA (-0.065) were observed with NASH and also in biopsies with higher histologic scores. Compared to Non-diseased Liver, periportal OATP1B3MZA was increased in NAFL (0.041) and NASH (0.047). Grade 2 steatosis (mean proportional difference of 0.043 when compared to grade 0) and grade 1 lobular inflammation (0.043) were associated with increased periportal OATP1B3MZA. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide novel mechanistic insight into specific transporter alterations that impact BA homeostasis in NAFLD. Changes in BSEPMZA likely contribute to altered BA disposition and pericentral microcholestasis previously reported in some patients with NAFLD. BSEPMZA assessment could inform future development and optimization of NASH-related pharmacotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William A. Murphy
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Anna Mae Diehl
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Matthew Shane Loop
- Department of Health Outcomes Research and Policy, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Dong Fu
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Cynthia D. Guy
- Department of Pathology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Manal F. Abdelmalek
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Georgia Sofia Karachaliou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Noora Sjöstedt
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Paavo Honkakoski
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kim L. R. Brouwer
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chen Y, Wang Y, Lei J, Chen B, Zhang X, Chang L, Hu Z, Wang Y, Lu Y. Taurohyocholic acid acts as a potential predictor of the efficacy of tyrosine kinase inhibitors combined with programmed cell death-1 inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1364924. [PMID: 38464731 PMCID: PMC10920247 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1364924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and aims: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) combined with programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) have significantly improved survival in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC), but effective biomarkers to predict treatment efficacy are lacking. Peripheral blood bile acids (BAs) are associated with tumor response to therapy, but their roles in HCC remain unclear. Methods: This retrospective study included HCC patients who received first-line TKIs combined with PD-1 inhibitors treatment (combination therapy) in our clinical center from November 2020 to June 2022. The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in plasma BA profiles before and after treatment in both the responding group (Res group) and the non-responding group (Non-Res group). We aimed to explore the potential role of BAs in predicting the response to combination therapy in HCC patients. Results: Fifty-six patients with HCC who underwent combination therapy were included in this study, with 28 designated as responders (Res group) and 28 as non-responders (Non-Res group). There were differences in plasma BA concentrations between the two groups before systemic therapy. Plasma taurohyocholic acid (THCA) levels in the Res group were significantly lower than those in the Non-Res group. Patients with low levels of THCA exhibited superior median progression-free survival (7.6 vs. 4.9 months, p = 0.027) and median overall survival (23.7 vs. 11.6 months, p = 0.006) compared to those of patients with high levels of THCA. Conclusion: Peripheral blood BA metabolism is significantly correlated with combination therapy response and survival in patients with HCC. Our findings emphasize the potential of plasma BAs as biomarkers for predicting combination therapy outcomes and offering novel therapeutic targets for modulating responses to systemic cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yutao Wang
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Peking University 302 Clinical Medical School, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Lei
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bowen Chen
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinfeng Zhang
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- The PLA 307 Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Liangzheng Chang
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhangli Hu
- Longhua Innovation Institute for Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Longhua Innovation Institute for Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yinying Lu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Longhua Innovation Institute for Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fitzinger J, Rodriguez-Blanco G, Herrmann M, Borenich A, Stauber R, Aigner E, Mangge H. Gender-Specific Bile Acid Profiles in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Nutrients 2024; 16:250. [PMID: 38257143 PMCID: PMC10821077 DOI: 10.3390/nu16020250] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing worldwide. A main cause is the obesogenic, so-called Western lifestyle. NAFLD follows a long, unperceived course, and ends potentially fatally. Early diagnosis of aggressive subtypes saves lives. So far, non-invasive means of detection are limited. A better understanding of the pathogenic interplay among insulin resistance, immune inflammation, microbiome, and genetic background is important. Metabolomics may give insight into these interlaced processes. METHODS In this study, we measured bile acids (BA) in the plasma of adult NAFLD and alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) patients and healthy controls with targeted mass spectrometry. We focused on gender-related bile acid production pathology in NAFLD and ALD. RESULTS Compared to healthy controls, women with NAFLD had significantly higher concentrations of total BA, total primary BA, total cholic (CA), total chenodeoxycholic (CDCA), total glycine-conjugated, and total non-12-a-OH BA. Concerning subtypes, glycocholic (GCA) and glycochenodeoxycholic (GCDCA), BA were elevated in women with NAFLD. In contrast, men with NAFLD had no significantly altered total BA fractions. However, the subtypes GCA, glycodeoxycholic (GDCA), glycolithocholic (GLCA), lithocholic (LCA), taurolithocholic (TLCA), and tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) were elevated, while CA was significantly decreased. In NAFLD, except ursodeoxycholic acid (UDC), all total BA correlated significantly positively in both sexes with the ELF score, while in ALD, only males showed significant correlations exceptive for total UDC BA. In NAFLD, total BA, total primary BA, total secondary BA, total free secondary BA, total CA, total CDCA, total taurine conjugated, total glycine conjugated, total 12-a-OH, and total non-12-a-OH were significantly higher in cases of a high enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) score above 9.8. In ALD, total UDC was additionally elevated. Between NAFLD with and without NASH, we found no significant differences. CONCLUSION Our data show gender-specific bile acid profiles in NAFLD and markedly different BA patterns in ALD. Women with NAFLD had more severe cholestasis. Men may better compensate fat storage-driven bile acid dynamics, indicated by higher levels of taurine-conjugated BA, which associate with beneficial metabolic functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Fitzinger
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (J.F.); (M.H.)
| | - Giovanny Rodriguez-Blanco
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (J.F.); (M.H.)
| | - Markus Herrmann
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (J.F.); (M.H.)
| | - Andrea Borenich
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Documentation, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria;
| | - Rudolf Stauber
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria;
| | - Elmar Aigner
- First Department of Medicine, University Clinic Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
| | - Harald Mangge
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (J.F.); (M.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
庞 碧, 黄 娜, 黄 晓, 李 馨, 熊 文, 孔 波, 姚 焱. [Lithocholic acid decreases mRNA stability of nuclear receptor PPAR α by upregulating miR-21 expression in hepatoma HepG2 cells]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2023; 43:2086-2094. [PMID: 38189395 PMCID: PMC10774099 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2023.12.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the regulatory effects of lithocholic acid (LCA) on nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferatoractivated receptor-alpha (PPARα) mRNA stability at the post-transcriptional level. METHODS PPARα 3'UTR luciferase reporter gene vectors were constructed and transfected into HepG2 cells to observe the changes in cellular luciferase activity in response to LCA treatments. Bioinformatic prediction and miRNA PCR array technique were used to identify the differentially expressed miRNAs induced by LCA and their potential binding sites on the 3'UTR. The binding sites (Mut1, Mut2 and Mut1+Mut2) were mutated to compare the changes in cellular luciferase activity following LCA treatment. Western blotting and RTqPCR were used to detect the activated signaling pathway and the expression levels of its downstream transcription factors in LCA-treated cells. The changes in PPARα protein expression level were detected in the cells following overexpression of the transcription factors. RESULTS Treatment with 100 μmol/L LCA significantly reduced luciferase activity of PPARα 3'UTR1 and 3'UTR2 in HepG2 cells by more than 50% (P<0.01) and induced significant upregulation of miR-21 and miR-22, especially the former (by 2.35 folds, P<0.05). Two predicted miR-21-binding sites in the 3'UTR1 were mutated to construct Mut1, Mut2 and Mut1+Mut2 reporter gene vectors. LCA treatment down-regulated 3'UTR1 luciferase activity by 51%, while Mut1, Mut2, and Mut1+Mut2 were down-regulated by 37%, 39%, and 13%, respectively. LCA caused ERK1/2 phosphorylation and activation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway, and treatment with 100 μmol/L LCA upregulated the expression of transcription factor early growth response 1 (EGR1) by 5.83 folds (P<0.01). Transient overexpression of EGR1 significantly decreased cellular PPARα protein levels (P<0.05). CONCLUSION LCA reduces PPARα mRNA stability and thus decreases PPARα mRNA and protein expressions in hepatocytes by activating the ERK1/2 signaling pathway and upregulating EGR1 and miR-21, which targets 3'UTR regulatory region of PPARα mRNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- 碧滢 庞
- />广州大学生命科学学院,广东 广州 510000School of Life Science, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - 娜娜 黄
- />广州大学生命科学学院,广东 广州 510000School of Life Science, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - 晓霞 黄
- />广州大学生命科学学院,广东 广州 510000School of Life Science, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - 馨 李
- />广州大学生命科学学院,广东 广州 510000School of Life Science, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - 文婷 熊
- />广州大学生命科学学院,广东 广州 510000School of Life Science, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - 波 孔
- />广州大学生命科学学院,广东 广州 510000School of Life Science, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - 焱 姚
- />广州大学生命科学学院,广东 广州 510000School of Life Science, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Odenwald MA, Lin H, Lehmann C, Dylla NP, Cole CG, Mostad JD, Pappas TE, Ramaswamy R, Moran A, Hutchison AL, Stutz MR, Dela Cruz M, Adler E, Boissiere J, Khalid M, Cantoral J, Haro F, Oliveira RA, Waligurski E, Cotter TG, Light SH, Beavis KG, Sundararajan A, Sidebottom AM, Reddy KG, Paul S, Pillai A, Te HS, Rinella ME, Charlton MR, Pamer EG, Aronsohn AI. Bifidobacteria metabolize lactulose to optimize gut metabolites and prevent systemic infection in patients with liver disease. Nat Microbiol 2023; 8:2033-2049. [PMID: 37845315 PMCID: PMC11059310 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01493-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Progression of chronic liver disease is precipitated by hepatocyte loss, inflammation and fibrosis. This process results in the loss of critical hepatic functions, increasing morbidity and the risk of infection. Medical interventions that treat complications of hepatic failure, including antibiotic administration for systemic infections and lactulose treatment for hepatic encephalopathy, can impact gut microbiome composition and metabolite production. Here, using shotgun metagenomic sequencing and targeted metabolomic analyses on 847 faecal samples from 262 patients with acute or chronic liver disease, we demonstrate that patients hospitalized for liver disease have reduced microbiome diversity and a paucity of bioactive metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids and bile acid derivatives, that impact immune defences and epithelial barrier integrity. We find that patients treated with the orally administered but non-absorbable disaccharide lactulose have increased densities of intestinal bifidobacteria and reduced incidence of systemic infections and mortality. Bifidobacteria metabolize lactulose, produce high concentrations of acetate and acidify the gut lumen in humans and mice, which, in combination, can reduce the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium in vitro. Our studies suggest that lactulose and bifidobacteria serve as a synbiotic to reduce rates of infection in patients with severe liver disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Odenwald
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Huaiying Lin
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Christopher Lehmann
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nicholas P Dylla
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Cody G Cole
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jake D Mostad
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Téa E Pappas
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Angelica Moran
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alan L Hutchison
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Matthew R Stutz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Cook County Health, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mark Dela Cruz
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Emerald Adler
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jaye Boissiere
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Maryam Khalid
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jackelyn Cantoral
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Fidel Haro
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rita A Oliveira
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Emily Waligurski
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Thomas G Cotter
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Samuel H Light
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | | | | | - K Gautham Reddy
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sonali Paul
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Anjana Pillai
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Helen S Te
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mary E Rinella
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michael R Charlton
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Eric G Pamer
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Andrew I Aronsohn
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lai J, Luo L, Zhou T, Feng X, Ye J, Zhong B. Alterations in Circulating Bile Acids in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1356. [PMID: 37759756 PMCID: PMC10526305 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091356] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Previous studies have suggested that bile acids (BAs) may participate in the development and/or progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The present study aimed to define whether specific BA molecular species are selectively associated with MASLD development, disease severity, or geographic region. Methods: We comprehensively identified all eligible studies reporting circulating BAs in both MASLD patients and healthy controls through 30 July 2023. The pooled results were expressed as the standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup, sensitivity, and meta-regression analyses were performed to address heterogeneity. Results: Nineteen studies with 154,807 individuals were included. Meta-analysis results showed that total BA levels in MASLD patients were higher than those in healthy controls (SMD = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.63-1.42). When total BAs were divided into unconjugated and conjugated BAs or primary and secondary BAs, the pooled results were consistent with the overall estimates except for secondary BAs. Furthermore, we examined each individual BA and found that 9 of the 15 BAs were increased in MASLD patients, especially ursodeoxycholic acids (UDCA), taurococholic acid (TCA), chenodeoxycholic acids (CDCA), taurochenodeoxycholic acids (TCDCA), and glycocholic acids (GCA). Subgroup analysis revealed that different geographic regions or disease severities led to diverse BA profiles. Notably, TCA, taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA), taurolithocholic acids (TLCA), and glycolithocholic acids (GLCA) showed a potential ability to differentiate metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: An altered profile of circulating BAs was shown in MASLD patients, providing potential targets for the diagnosis and treatment of MASLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Junzhao Ye
- Department of Gastroenterology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan II Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou 510080, China; (J.L.); (L.L.); (T.Z.); (X.F.)
| | - Bihui Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan II Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou 510080, China; (J.L.); (L.L.); (T.Z.); (X.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Monma T, Iwamoto J, Ueda H, Tamamushi M, Kakizaki F, Konishi N, Yara S, Miyazaki T, Hirayama T, Ikegami T, Honda A. Evaluation of gut dysbiosis using serum and fecal bile acid profiles. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:12484-12493. [PMID: 36579096 PMCID: PMC9791502 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i34.12484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysbiosis in the intestinal microflora can affect the gut production of microbial metabolites, and toxic substances can disrupt the barrier function of the intestinal wall, leading to the development of various diseases. Decreased levels of Clostridium subcluster XIVa (XIVa) are associated with the intestinal dysbiosis found in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). Since XIVa is a bacterial group responsible for the conversion of primary bile acids (BAs) to secondary BAs, the proportion of intestinal XIVa can be predicted by determining the ratio of deoxycholic acid (DCA)/[DCA + cholic acid (CA)] in feces orserum. For example, serum DCA/(DCA+CA) was significantly lower in IBD patients than in healthy controls, even in the remission period. These results suggest that a low proportion of intestinal XIVa in IBD patients might be a precondition for IBD onset but not a consequence of intestinal inflammation. Another report showed that a reduced serum DCA/(DCA + CA) ratio could predict susceptibility to CDI. Thus, the BA profile, particularly the ratio of secondary to primary BAs, can serve as a surrogate marker of the intestinal dysbiosis caused by decreased XIVa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tadakuni Monma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical University Ibaraki Medical Center, Inashiki-Gun 300-0395, Japan
| | - Junichi Iwamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical University Ibaraki Medical Center, Inashiki-Gun 300-0395, Japan
| | - Hajime Ueda
- Joint Research Center, Tokyo Medical University Ibaraki Medical Center, Inashiki-Gun 300-0395, Japan
| | - Makoto Tamamushi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical University Ibaraki Medical Center, Inashiki-Gun 300-0395, Japan
| | - Fumio Kakizaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical University Ibaraki Medical Center, Inashiki-Gun 300-0395, Japan
| | - Naoki Konishi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical University Ibaraki Medical Center, Inashiki-Gun 300-0395, Japan
| | - Shoichiro Yara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical University Ibaraki Medical Center, Inashiki-Gun 300-0395, Japan
| | - Teruo Miyazaki
- Joint Research Center, Tokyo Medical University Ibaraki Medical Center, Inashiki-Gun 300-0395, Japan
| | - Takeshi Hirayama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical University Ibaraki Medical Center, Inashiki-Gun 300-0395, Japan
| | - Tadashi Ikegami
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical University Ibaraki Medical Center, Inashiki-Gun 300-0395, Japan
| | - Akira Honda
- Joint Research Center, Tokyo Medical University Ibaraki Medical Center, Inashiki-Gun 300-0395, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kobayashi T, Iwaki M, Nakajima A, Nogami A, Yoneda M. Current Research on the Pathogenesis of NAFLD/NASH and the Gut-Liver Axis: Gut Microbiota, Dysbiosis, and Leaky-Gut Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911689. [PMID: 36232990 PMCID: PMC9570241 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Global lifestyle changes have led to an increased incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), requiring further in-depth research to understand the mechanisms and develop new therapeutic strategies. In particular, high-fat and high-fructose diets have been shown to increase intestinal permeability, which can expose the liver to endotoxins. Indeed, accumulating evidence points to a link between these liver diseases and the intestinal axis, including dysbiosis of the gut microbiome and leaky-gut syndrome. Here, we review the mechanisms contributing to these links between the liver and small intestine in the pathogenesis of NAFLD/NASH, focusing on the roles of intestinal microbiota and their metabolites to influence enzymes essential for proper liver metabolism and function. Advances in next-generation sequencing technology have facilitated analyses of the metagenome, providing new insights into the roles of the intestinal microbiota and their functions in physiological and pathological mechanisms. This review summarizes recent research linking the gut microbiome to liver diseases, offering new research directions to elucidate the detailed mechanisms and novel targets for treatment and prevention.
Collapse
|