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Baffy G, Portincasa P. Gut Microbiota and Sinusoidal Vasoregulation in MASLD: A Portal Perspective. Metabolites 2024; 14:324. [PMID: 38921459 PMCID: PMC11205793 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14060324] [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: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a common condition with heterogeneous outcomes difficult to predict at the individual level. Feared complications of advanced MASLD are linked to clinically significant portal hypertension and are initiated by functional and mechanical changes in the unique sinusoidal capillary network of the liver. Early sinusoidal vasoregulatory changes in MASLD lead to increased intrahepatic vascular resistance and represent the beginning of portal hypertension. In addition, the composition and function of gut microbiota in MASLD are distinctly different from the healthy state, and multiple lines of evidence demonstrate the association of dysbiosis with these vasoregulatory changes. The gut microbiota is involved in the biotransformation of nutrients, production of de novo metabolites, release of microbial structural components, and impairment of the intestinal barrier with impact on innate immune responses, metabolism, inflammation, fibrosis, and vasoregulation in the liver and beyond. The gut-liver axis is a conceptual framework in which portal circulation is the primary connection between gut microbiota and the liver. Accordingly, biochemical and hemodynamic attributes of portal circulation may hold the key to better understanding and predicting disease progression in MASLD. However, many specific details remain hidden due to limited access to the portal circulation, indicating a major unmet need for the development of innovative diagnostic tools to analyze portal metabolites and explore their effect on health and disease. We also need to safely and reliably monitor portal hemodynamics with the goal of providing preventive and curative interventions in all stages of MASLD. Here, we review recent advances that link portal metabolomics to altered sinusoidal vasoregulation and may allow for new insights into the development of portal hypertension in MASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyorgy Baffy
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Piero Portincasa
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine, University ‘Aldo Moro’ Medical School, 70121 Bari, Italy;
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Geng Q, Xu Y, Huang W, Hu Y, Jin H, Hua H, Kong D. The Potential Mechanism of the Anti-Liver Fibrotic Effect of Curcumin in the Gut-Liver Axis. J Med Food 2024; 27:404-418. [PMID: 38669311 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2023.k.0273] [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: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the curative effect of curcumin on liver fibrosis and its correlation with the gut-liver axis in animal models. Histological staining was utilized to conduct histological analysis of the liver and intestine. An automatic biochemical analyzer or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay system was utilized for analyzing the biochemical indexes in mice. Western blotting was employed to examine the level of relevant proteins. Furthermore, 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing was performed to explore the impact of curcumin on intestinal microorganisms in rats with liver fibrosis. Ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometry was utilized to analyze the effect of curcumin on rat feces metabolites. Our results showed that curcumin reduced the formation of collagen fibers caused by carbon tetrachloride in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, curcumin was able to restore intestinal permeability in rats with liver fibrosis. By adopting α diversity analysis (Chao 1 index, Shannon index, and Simpson index), we observed that both the diversity and the abundance of intestinal flora in rats with liver fibrosis were increased. The principal component analysis diagram demonstrated that curcumin could enhance the abundance and diversity of intestinal flora, and also restore the composition of model rat flora, which was similar to that in normal rats, thereby correcting the imbalance of flora in rats with liver fibrosis. In addition, curcumin regulated feces metabolites and their signaling pathways, including glycerophospholipid metabolism, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis. Our findings suggest that curcumin exhibits antiliver fibrosis effects, and its antiliver fibrosis effects might correlate with gut-liver axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Geng
- Chinese Medicine Modernization and Big Data Research Center, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated with Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yanyan Xu
- Department of colorectal surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Weifang Huang
- Chinese Medicine Modernization and Big Data Research Center, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated with Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yang Hu
- Chinese Medicine Modernization and Big Data Research Center, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated with Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Heiying Jin
- Department of colorectal surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Haibing Hua
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangyin Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated with Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangyin, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Desong Kong
- Chinese Medicine Modernization and Big Data Research Center, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated with Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
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Xu R, Cao JW, Lv HL, Geng Y, Guo MY. Polyethylene microplastics induced gut microbiota dysbiosis leading to liver injury via the TLR2/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway in mice. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:170518. [PMID: 38286276 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants that have negative impacts on health and safety. The gut microbiota plays multiple roles as a newly discovered virtual metabolic organ. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential of MPs to cause liver injury by disrupting the balance of gut microbiota. The results indicated that exposure to MPs resulted in liver damage and disrupted the homeostasis of gut microbiota. MPs significantly reduced the liver organ coefficient, leading to liver cell injury and impaired function. Additionally, there was an increase in the expression of fibril-related proteins, which positively correlated with MPs concentration. Furthermore, MPs increased the relative abundances of Desulfovibrio, Clostridia, Enterorhabdus, Bacteroides, and Gemella while decreasing the abundance of Dubosoella. Different concentrations of MPs exhibited varying effects on specific bacterial groups, however, both concentrations resulted in an increase in pathogenic bacteria and a decrease in beneficial bacteria, as well as alterations in microbial structure. Moreover, MPs induced oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis and necrosis in liver cells. The study found that MPs disrupted gut microbiota homeostasis and activated TLR2/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway in the liver, providing a new insight into the mechanism underlying MPs-induced liver injury. These findings serve as a warning regarding environmental pollution caused by MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Jing-Wen Cao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Hong-Li Lv
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Yuan Geng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Meng-Yao Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China.
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Dumitru A, Matei E, Cozaru GC, Chisoi A, Alexandrescu L, Popescu RC, Butcaru MP, Dumitru E, Rugină S, Tocia C. Endotoxin Inflammatory Action on Cells by Dysregulated-Immunological-Barrier-Linked ROS-Apoptosis Mechanisms in Gut-Liver Axis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2472. [PMID: 38473721 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Our study highlighted the immune changes by pro-inflammatory biomarkers in the gut-liver-axis-linked ROS-cell death mechanisms in chronic and acute inflammations when gut cells are exposed to endotoxins in patients with hepatic cirrhosis or steatosis. In duodenal tissue samples, gut immune barrier dysfunction was analyzed by pro-inflammatory biomarker expressions, oxidative stress, and cell death by flow cytometry methods. A significant innate and adaptative immune system reaction was observed as result of persistent endotoxin action in gut cells in chronic inflammation tissue samples recovered from hepatic cirrhosis with the A-B child stage. Instead, in patients with C child stage of HC, the endotoxin tolerance was installed in cells, characterized by T lymphocyte silent activation and increased Th1 cytokines expression. Interesting mechanisms of ROS-cell death were observed in chronic and acute inflammation samples when gut cells were exposed to endotoxins and immune changes in the gut-liver axis. Late apoptosis represents the chronic response to injury induction by the gut immune barrier dysfunction, oxidative stress, and liver-dysregulated barrier. Meanwhile, necrosis represents an acute and severe reply to endotoxin action on gut cells when the immune system reacts to pro-inflammatory Th1 and Th2 cytokines releasing, offering protection against PAMPs/DAMPs by monocytes and T lymphocyte activation. Flow cytometric analysis of pro-inflammatory biomarkers linked to oxidative stress-cell death mechanisms shown in our study recommends laboratory techniques in diagnostic fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Dumitru
- Gastroenterology Department, "Sf. Apostol Andrei" Emergency County Hospital, 145 Tomis Blvd., 900591 Constanta, Romania
- Medicine Faculty, "Ovidius" University of Constanta, 1 Universitatii Street, 900470 Constanta, Romania
| | - Elena Matei
- Center for Research and Development of the Morphological and Genetic Studies of Malignant Pathology, "Ovidius" University of Constanta, 145 Tomis Blvd., 900591 Constanta, Romania
| | - Georgeta Camelia Cozaru
- Center for Research and Development of the Morphological and Genetic Studies of Malignant Pathology, "Ovidius" University of Constanta, 145 Tomis Blvd., 900591 Constanta, Romania
- Clinical Service of Pathology, "Sf. Apostol Andrei" Emergency County Hospital, 145 Tomis Blvd., 900591 Constanta, Romania
- Medical Sciences Academy, 1 I.C. Bratianu Street, 030167 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Chisoi
- Center for Research and Development of the Morphological and Genetic Studies of Malignant Pathology, "Ovidius" University of Constanta, 145 Tomis Blvd., 900591 Constanta, Romania
- Clinical Service of Pathology, "Sf. Apostol Andrei" Emergency County Hospital, 145 Tomis Blvd., 900591 Constanta, Romania
- Medical Sciences Academy, 1 I.C. Bratianu Street, 030167 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Luana Alexandrescu
- Gastroenterology Department, "Sf. Apostol Andrei" Emergency County Hospital, 145 Tomis Blvd., 900591 Constanta, Romania
- Medicine Faculty, "Ovidius" University of Constanta, 1 Universitatii Street, 900470 Constanta, Romania
| | - Răzvan Cătălin Popescu
- Medicine Faculty, "Ovidius" University of Constanta, 1 Universitatii Street, 900470 Constanta, Romania
| | - Mihaela Pundiche Butcaru
- Medicine Faculty, "Ovidius" University of Constanta, 1 Universitatii Street, 900470 Constanta, Romania
| | - Eugen Dumitru
- Gastroenterology Department, "Sf. Apostol Andrei" Emergency County Hospital, 145 Tomis Blvd., 900591 Constanta, Romania
- Medicine Faculty, "Ovidius" University of Constanta, 1 Universitatii Street, 900470 Constanta, Romania
- Center for Research and Development of the Morphological and Genetic Studies of Malignant Pathology, "Ovidius" University of Constanta, 145 Tomis Blvd., 900591 Constanta, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientist, 3 Ilfov Street, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sorin Rugină
- Medicine Faculty, "Ovidius" University of Constanta, 1 Universitatii Street, 900470 Constanta, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientist, 3 Ilfov Street, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristina Tocia
- Gastroenterology Department, "Sf. Apostol Andrei" Emergency County Hospital, 145 Tomis Blvd., 900591 Constanta, Romania
- Medicine Faculty, "Ovidius" University of Constanta, 1 Universitatii Street, 900470 Constanta, Romania
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Zhou R, Wu Q, Yang Z, Cai Y, Wang D, Wu D. The Role of the Gut Microbiome in the Development of Acute Pancreatitis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1159. [PMID: 38256232 PMCID: PMC10816839 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021159] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
With the explosion research on the gut microbiome in the recent years, much insight has been accumulated in comprehending the crosstalk between the gut microbiota community and host health. Acute pancreatitis (AP) is one of the gastrointestinal diseases associated with significant morbidity and subsequent mortality. Studies have elucidated that gut microbiota are engaged in the pathological process of AP. Herein, we summarize the major roles of the gut microbiome in the development of AP. We then portray the association between dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and the severity of AP. Finally, we illustrate the promises and challenges that arise when seeking to incorporate the microbiome in acute pancreatitis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruilin Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; (R.Z.); (Z.Y.); (Y.C.)
| | - Qingyang Wu
- Eight-Year Medical Doctor Program, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; (Q.W.); (D.W.)
| | - Zihan Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; (R.Z.); (Z.Y.); (Y.C.)
| | - Yanna Cai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; (R.Z.); (Z.Y.); (Y.C.)
| | - Duan Wang
- Eight-Year Medical Doctor Program, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; (Q.W.); (D.W.)
| | - Dong Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; (R.Z.); (Z.Y.); (Y.C.)
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
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Lan T, Li S, Yu H, Kostallari E, Gao J. Editorial: Community series in hepatic immune response underlying liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension, volume II. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1305666. [PMID: 37901235 PMCID: PMC10600445 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1305666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tian Lan
- Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Sheyu Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Haopeng Yu
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Enis Kostallari
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Jinhang Gao
- Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Saxami G, Kerezoudi EN, Eliopoulos C, Arapoglou D, Kyriacou A. The Gut-Organ Axis within the Human Body: Gut Dysbiosis and the Role of Prebiotics. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2023. [PMID: 37895405 PMCID: PMC10608660 DOI: 10.3390/life13102023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The human gut microbiota (GM) is a complex microbial ecosystem that colonises the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and is comprised of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. The GM has a symbiotic relationship with its host that is fundamental for body homeostasis. The GM is not limited to the scope of the GIT, but there are bidirectional interactions between the GM and other organs, highlighting the concept of the "gut-organ axis". Any deviation from the normal composition of the GM, termed "microbial dysbiosis", is implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Only a few studies have demonstrated a relationship between GM modifications and disease phenotypes, and it is still unknown whether an altered GM contributes to a disease or simply reflects its status. Restoration of the GM with probiotics and prebiotics has been postulated, but evidence for the effects of prebiotics is limited. Prebiotics are substrates that are "selectively utilized by host microorganisms, conferring a health benefit". This study highlights the bidirectional relationship between the gut and vital human organs and demonstrates the relationship between GM dysbiosis and the emergence of certain representative diseases. Finally, this article focuses on the potential of prebiotics as a target therapy to manipulate the GM and presents the gaps in the literature and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Saxami
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, 17671 Athens, Greece; (E.N.K.); (A.K.)
| | - Evangelia N. Kerezoudi
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, 17671 Athens, Greece; (E.N.K.); (A.K.)
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Christos Eliopoulos
- Institute of Technology of Agricultural Products, Hellenic Agricultural Organization—Demeter, L. Sof. Venizelou 1, 14123 Lykovryssi, Greece; (C.E.); (D.A.)
| | - Dimitrios Arapoglou
- Institute of Technology of Agricultural Products, Hellenic Agricultural Organization—Demeter, L. Sof. Venizelou 1, 14123 Lykovryssi, Greece; (C.E.); (D.A.)
| | - Adamantini Kyriacou
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, 17671 Athens, Greece; (E.N.K.); (A.K.)
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