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Rao SW, Liu CJ, Liang D, Duan YY, Chen ZH, Li JJ, Pang HQ, Zhang FX, Shi W. Multi-omics and chemical profiling approaches to understand the material foundation and pharmacological mechanism of sophorae tonkinensis radix et rhizome-induced liver injury in mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 330:118224. [PMID: 38642623 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118224] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Sophorae tonkinensis Radix et Rhizoma (STR) is an extensively applied traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in southwest China. However, its clinical application is relatively limited due to its hepatotoxicity effects. AIM OF THE STUDY To understand the material foundation and liver injury mechanism of STR. MATERIALS AND METHODS Chemical compositions in STR and its prototypes in mice were profiled by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF MS). STR-induced liver injury (SILI) was comprehensively evaluated by STR-treated mice mode. The histopathologic and biochemical analyses were performed to evaluate liver injury levels. Subsequently, network pharmacology and multi-omics were used to analyze the potential mechanism of SILI in vivo. And the target genes were further verified by Western blot. RESULTS A total of 152 compounds were identified or tentatively characterized in STR, including 29 alkaloids, 21 organic acids, 75 flavonoids, 1 quinone, and 26 other types. Among them, 19 components were presented in STR-medicated serum. The histopathologic and biochemical analysis revealed that hepatic injury occurred after 4 weeks of intragastric administration of STR. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that IL6, TNF, STAT3, etc. were the main core targets, and the bile secretion might play a key role in SILI. The metabolic pathways such as taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, purine metabolism, and vitamin B6 metabolism were identified in the STR exposed groups. Among them, taurine, hypotaurine, hypoxanthine, pyridoxal, and 4-pyridoxate were selected based on their high impact value and potential biological function in the process of liver injury post STR treatment. CONCLUSIONS The mechanism and material foundation of SILI were revealed and profiled by a multi-omics strategy combined with network pharmacology and chemical profiling. Meanwhile, new insights were taken into understand the pathological mechanism of SILI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Wei Rao
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Cheng-Jun Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Dong Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Duan
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Zi-Hao Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Jin-Jin Li
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Han-Qing Pang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, PR China
| | - Feng-Xiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China.
| | - Wei Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources (Ministry of Education of China), Collaborative Innovation Center for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, 541004, PR China.
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Yu T, Hu T, Na K, Zhang L, Lu S, Guo X. Glutamine-derived peptides: Current progress and future directions. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2024; 23:e13386. [PMID: 38847753 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.13386] [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: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Glutamine, the most abundant amino acid in the body, plays a critical role in preserving immune function, nitrogen balance, intestinal integrity, and resistance to infection. However, its limited solubility and instability present challenges for its use a functional nutrient. Consequently, there is a preference for utilizing glutamine-derived peptides as an alternative to achieve enhanced functionality. This article aims to review the applications of glutamine monomers in clinical, sports, and enteral nutrition. It compares the functional effectiveness of monomers and glutamine-derived peptides and provides a comprehensive assessment of glutamine-derived peptides in terms of their classification, preparation, mechanism of absorption, and biological activity. Furthermore, this study explores the potential integration of artificial intelligence (AI)-based peptidomics and synthetic biology in the de novo design and large-scale production of these peptides. The findings reveal that glutamine-derived peptides possess significant structure-related bioactivities, with the smaller molecular weight fraction serving as the primary active ingredient. These peptides possess the ability to promote intestinal homeostasis, exert hypotensive and hypoglycemic effects, and display antioxidant properties. However, our understanding of the structure-function relationships of glutamine-derived peptides remains largely exploratory at current stage. The combination of AI based peptidomics and synthetic biology presents an opportunity to explore the untapped resources of glutamine-derived peptides as functional food ingredients. Additionally, the utilization and bioavailability of these peptides can be enhanced through the use of delivery systems in vivo. This review serves as a valuable reference for future investigations of and developments in the discovery, functional validation, and biomanufacturing of glutamine-derived peptides in food science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianfei Yu
- College of Life Science, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan City, China
| | - Tianshuo Hu
- College of Life Science, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan City, China
| | - Kai Na
- College of Life Science, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan City, China
| | - Li Zhang
- College of Life Science, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan City, China
| | - Shuang Lu
- College of Life Science, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan City, China
| | - Xiaohua Guo
- College of Life Science, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan City, China
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Ma L, Zhu J, Kong X, Chen L, Du J, Yang L, Wang D, Wang Z. Influence of the glutamate-glutamine cycle on valproic acid-associated hepatotoxicity in pediatric patients with epilepsy. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2024; 62:364-371. [PMID: 38913595 DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2024.2366920] [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: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although valproic acid is generally well tolerated, hepatotoxicity is a common side effect in patients receiving long-term treatment. However, the mechanisms underlying valproic acid-associated hepatotoxicity remain elusive. METHODS To investigate the mechanisms and explore the potential risk factors for valproic acid-associated hepatotoxicity, 165 age-matched pediatric patients were recruited for laboratory tests and glutamate-glutamine cycle analysis. RESULTS The concentration of glutamate in patients with hepatotoxicity was significantly greater than that in control patients, while the concentration of glutamine in patients with hepatotoxicity was significantly lower than that in control patients (P <0.05). In addition, the frequencies of the heterozygous with one mutant allele and homozygous with two mutant alleles genotypes in glutamate-ammonia ligase rs10911021 were significantly higher in the hepatotoxicity group than those in the control group (47.1 percent versus 32.5 percent, P = 0.010; 17.6 percent versus 5.2 percent, P = 0.001, respectively). Moreover, heterozygous carriers with one mutant allele and homozygous carriers with two mutant alleles genotypes of glutamate-ammonia ligase rs10911021 exhibited significant differences in the concentrations of glutamine and glutamate concentrations (P ˂ 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively) and liver function indicators (activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase, P <0.001, respectively). Furthermore, logistic regression analysis indicated that glutamate-ammonia ligase rs10911021 (P = 0.002, odds ratio: 3.027, 95 percent confidence interval, 1.521 - 6.023) and glutamate (P = 0.001, odds ratio: 2.235, 95 percent confidence interval, 1.369 - 3.146) were associated with a greater risk for hepatotoxicity, while glutamine concentrations were negatively associated with hepatotoxicity (P = 0.001, odds ratio: 0.711, 95 percent confidence interval, 0.629 - 0.804). DISCUSSION Understanding pharmacogenomic risks for valproic acid induced hepatotoxicity might help direct patient specific care. Limitations of our study include the exclusive use of children from one location and concomitant medication use in many patients. CONCLUSION Perturbation of the glutamate-glutamine cycle is associated with valproic acid-associated hepatotoxicity. Moreover, glutamate-ammonia ligase rs10911021, glutamate and glutamine concentrations are potential risk factors for valproic acid-associated hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linfeng Ma
- Department of Medicine, Shandong College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yantai, China
| | - Jingwei Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qingdao University Medical College Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, China
| | - Xiaoni Kong
- Department of Medicine, Shandong College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yantai, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Medicine, Shandong College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yantai, China
| | - Jiangdong Du
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qingdao University Medical College Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, China
| | - Liping Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qingdao University Medical College Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, China
| | - Dan Wang
- School of Life Science, Jilin university, Changchun, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qingdao University Medical College Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, China
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Fukui K, You F, Kato Y, Yuzawa S, Kishimoto A, Hara T, Kanome Y, Harakawa Y, Yoshikawa T, Inufusa H. A mixed antioxidant supplement improves cognitive function, and coordination in aged mice. J Clin Biochem Nutr 2024; 74:119-126. [PMID: 38510681 PMCID: PMC10948352 DOI: 10.3164/jcbn.23-71] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of oxidative damage increases the risk of several disorders. To prevent these diseases, people consume supplements. However, there is little evidence of the impact of supplement intake on cognitive function. Recently, frailty and sarcopenia have become serious issues, and these phenomena include a risk of mild cognitive impairment. In this study, aged mice were fed the combination supplement and cognitive and motor functions were measured. Following 1 month of treatment with the supplement, significant improvements in cognitive function and neuromuscular coordination were observed. Following 2 weeks of treadmill training, treatment with the supplement dramatically increased running distance compared to that in untreated normal aged mice. Serum indices such as triglyceride and total cholesterol were significantly decreased in the supplement-treated aged mice compared to untreated aged mice. These results indicate that the combination supplement may play a role in maintaining cognitive function, coordination ability and improving lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Fukui
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Bioscience and Engineering, College of System Engineering and Science, Shibaura Institute of Technology, 307 Fukasaku, Minuma-ku, Saitama 337-8570, Japan
| | - Fukka You
- Division of Anti-oxidant Research, Life Science Research Center, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagito, Gifu 501-1194, Japan
- Anti-oxidant Research Laboratory, Louis Pasteur Center for Medical Research, 103-5 Tanakamonzen-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8225, Japan
| | - Yugo Kato
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Bioscience and Engineering, College of System Engineering and Science, Shibaura Institute of Technology, 307 Fukasaku, Minuma-ku, Saitama 337-8570, Japan
| | - Shuya Yuzawa
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Bioscience and Engineering, College of System Engineering and Science, Shibaura Institute of Technology, 307 Fukasaku, Minuma-ku, Saitama 337-8570, Japan
| | - Ayuta Kishimoto
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Bioscience and Engineering, College of System Engineering and Science, Shibaura Institute of Technology, 307 Fukasaku, Minuma-ku, Saitama 337-8570, Japan
| | - Takuma Hara
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Bioscience and Engineering, College of System Engineering and Science, Shibaura Institute of Technology, 307 Fukasaku, Minuma-ku, Saitama 337-8570, Japan
| | - Yuki Kanome
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Bioscience and Engineering, College of System Engineering and Science, Shibaura Institute of Technology, 307 Fukasaku, Minuma-ku, Saitama 337-8570, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Harakawa
- Division of Anti-oxidant Research, Life Science Research Center, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagito, Gifu 501-1194, Japan
| | - Toshikazu Yoshikawa
- Louis Pasteur Center for Medical Research, 103-5 Tanakamonzen-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8225, Japan
- Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kajii-cho, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Inufusa
- Division of Anti-oxidant Research, Life Science Research Center, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagito, Gifu 501-1194, Japan
- Anti-oxidant Research Laboratory, Louis Pasteur Center for Medical Research, 103-5 Tanakamonzen-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8225, Japan
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Zheng Y, Ying H, Shi J, Li L, Zhao Y. Alanyl-Glutamine Dipeptide Attenuates Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Induced by a High-Fat Diet in Mice by Improving Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis. Nutrients 2023; 15:3988. [PMID: 37764772 PMCID: PMC10534574 DOI: 10.3390/nu15183988] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) manifests as a persistent liver ailment marked by the excessive buildup of lipids within the hepatic organ accompanied by inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. Alanyl-glutamine (AG), a dipeptide comprising alanine and glutamine, is commonly employed as a nutritional supplement in clinical settings. This research aims to evaluate the impact of AG on NAFLD triggered by a high-fat diet (HFD), while concurrently delving into the potential mechanisms underlying its effects. The results presented herein demonstrate a notable reduction in the elevated body weight, liver mass, and liver index induced by a HFD upon AG administration. These alterations coincide with the amelioration of liver injury and the attenuation of hepatic histological advancement. Furthermore, AG treatment manifests a discernible diminution in oil-red-O-stained regions and triglyceride (TG) levels within the liver. Noteworthy alterations encompass lowered plasma total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) concentrations, coupled with elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) concentrations. The mitigation of hepatic lipid accumulation resultant from AG administration is aligned with the downregulation of ACC1, SCD1, PPAR-γ, and CD36 expression, in conjunction with the upregulation of FXR and SHP expression. Concomitantly, AG administration leads to a reduction in the accumulation of F4/80-positive macrophages within the liver, likely attributable to the downregulated expression of MCP-1. Furthermore, AG treatment yields a decline in hepatic MDA levels and a concurrent increase in the activities of SOD and GPX. A pivotal observation underscores the effect of AG in rectifying the imbalance of gut microbiota in HFD-fed mice. Consequently, this study sheds light on the protective attributes of AG against HFD-induced NAFLD through the modulation of gut microbiota composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yigang Zheng
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (Y.Z.); (H.Y.); (J.S.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Hanglu Ying
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (Y.Z.); (H.Y.); (J.S.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Jiayi Shi
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (Y.Z.); (H.Y.); (J.S.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Long Li
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (Y.Z.); (H.Y.); (J.S.); (Y.Z.)
- Qian Xuesen Collaborative Research Center of Astrochemistry and Space Life Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Yufen Zhao
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (Y.Z.); (H.Y.); (J.S.); (Y.Z.)
- Qian Xuesen Collaborative Research Center of Astrochemistry and Space Life Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
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Jing Z, Xu J, Liu J, Du C, Qi J, Fan C, Li Y, Yuan W. Multiplex gene knockout raises Ala-Gln production by Escherichia coli expressing amino acid ester acyltransferase. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 107:3523-3533. [PMID: 37145161 PMCID: PMC10161157 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12550-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
L-Alanyl-L-Glutamine (Ala-Gln) is a common parenteral nutritional supplement. In our previous study, the recombinant whole-cell catalyst Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) overexpressing α-amino acid ester acyltransferase (BPA) to produce Ala-Gln has high activity and has been applied to large-scale production experiments. However, the degradation of Ala-Gln is detected under prolonged incubation, and endogenous broad-spectrum dipeptidase may be the primary cause. In this study, a CRISPR-Cas9 method was used to target pepA, pepB, pepD, pepN, dpp, and dtp to knock out one or more target genes. The deletion combination was optimized, and a triple knockout strain BL21(DE3)-ΔpepADN was constructed. The degradation performance of the knockout chassis was measured, and the results showed that the degradation rate of Ala-Gln was alleviated by 48% compared with the control. On this basis, BpADNPA (BPA-ΔpepADN) was built, and the production of Ala-Gln was 129% of the BPA's accumulation, proving that the ΔpepADN knockout conducive to the accumulation of dipeptide. This study will push forward the industrialization process of Ala-Gln production by whole-cell catalyst Escherichia coli expressing α-amino acid ester acyltransferase. KEY POINTS: • Endogenous dipeptidase knockout alleviates the degradation of Ala-Gln by the chassis • The balanced gene knockout combination is pepA, pepD, and pepN • The accumulation of Ala-Gln with BpADNPA was 129% of the control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanyu Jing
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology (Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute), Shenyang, 110042, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology (Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute), Shenyang, 110042, China
| | - Cong Du
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Jiakun Qi
- Innobio Corporation Limited, Dalian, 116600, China
| | - Chao Fan
- Innobio Corporation Limited, Dalian, 116600, China
| | - Yimin Li
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China.
| | - Wenjie Yuan
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China.
- Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology (Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute), Shenyang, 110042, China.
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Yuan C, Fan J, Jiang L, Ye W, Chen Z, Wu W, Huang Q, Qian L. Integrated Analysis of Gut Microbiome and Liver Metabolome to Evaluate the Effects of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation on Lipopolysaccharide/D-galactosamine-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15051149. [PMID: 36904149 PMCID: PMC10005546 DOI: 10.3390/nu15051149] [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: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute liver failure (ALF) refers to the occurrence of massive hepatocyte necrosis in a short time, with multiple complications, including inflammatory response, hepatic encephalopathy, and multiple organ failure. Additionally, effective therapies for ALF are lacking. There exists a relationship between the human intestinal microbiota and liver, so intestinal microbiota modulation may be a strategy for therapy of hepatic diseases. In previous studies, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from fit donors has been used to modulate intestinal microbiota widely. Here, we established a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/D-galactosamine (D-gal) induced ALF to explore the preventive and therapeutic effects of FMT, and its mechanism of action. We found that FMT decreased hepatic aminotransferase activity and serum total bilirubin levels, and decreased hepatic pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS/D-gal challenged mice (p < 0.05). Moreover, FMT gavage ameliorated LPS/D-gal induced liver apoptosis and markedly reduced cleaved caspase-3 levels, and improved histopathological features of the liver. FMT gavage also restored LPS/D-gal-evoked gut microbiota dysbiosis by modifying the colonic microbial composition, improving the abundance of unclassified_o_Bacteroidales (p < 0.001), norank_f_Muribaculaceae (p < 0.001), and Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 (p < 0.001), while reducing that of Lactobacillus (p < 0.05) and unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae (p < 0.05). Metabolomics analysis revealed that FMT significantly altered LPS/D-gal induced disordered liver metabolites. Pearson's correlation revealed strong correlations between microbiota composition and liver metabolites. Our findings suggest that FMT ameliorate ALF by modulating gut microbiota and liver metabolism, and can used as a potential preventive and therapeutic strategy for ALF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunchun Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in East China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jinghui Fan
- Hangzhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310004, China
| | - Lai Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in East China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wenxin Ye
- Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University, Sanya 572025, China
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University, Sanya 572025, China
| | - Wenzi Wu
- Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University, Sanya 572025, China
| | - Qixin Huang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in East China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lichun Qian
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in East China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-571-88982171
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Hu J, Zheng Y, Ying H, Ma H, Li L, Zhao Y. Alanyl-Glutamine Protects Mice against Methionine- and Choline-Deficient-Diet-Induced Steatohepatitis and Fibrosis by Modulating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14183796. [PMID: 36145172 PMCID: PMC9503574 DOI: 10.3390/nu14183796] [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: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a common chronic liver disease with increasing prevalence rates over years and is associated with hepatic lipid accumulation, liver injury, oxidative stress, hepatic inflammation, and liver fibrosis and lack of approved pharmacological therapy. Alanyl-glutamine (Ala-Gln) is a recognized gut-trophic nutrient that has multiple pharmacological effects in the prevention of inflammation- and oxidative-stress-associated diseases. Nevertheless, whether Ala-Gln has a protective effect on NASH still lacks evidence. The aim of this study is to explore the influence of Ala-Gln on NASH and its underlying mechanisms. Here, C57BL/6 mice were fed a methionine- and choline-deficient (MCD) diet to establish the model of NASH, and Ala-Gln at doses of 500 and 1500 mg/kg were intraperitoneally administered to mice along with a MCD diet. The results showed that Ala-Gln treatment significantly attenuated MCD-induced hepatic pathological changes, lowered NAFLD activity score, and reduced plasma alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. Ala-Gln dramatically alleviated lipid accumulation in liver through modulating the expression levels of fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36) and farnesoid X receptor (FXR). In addition, Ala-Gln exerted an anti-oxidant effect by elevating the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). Moreover, Ala-Gln exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect via decreasing the accumulation of activated macrophages and suppressing the production of proinflammatory mediators. Notably, Ala-Gln suppressed the development of liver fibrosis in MCD-diet-fed mice, which may be due to the inhibition of hepatic stellate cells activation. In conclusion, these findings revealed that Ala-Gln prevents the progression of NASH through the modulation of oxidative stress and inflammation and provided the proof that Ala-Gln might be an effective pharmacological agent to treat NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaji Hu
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- Ningbo Institute of Marine Medicine, Peking University, Ningbo 315010, China
| | - Yigang Zheng
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Hanglu Ying
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Huabin Ma
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Long Li
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Yufen Zhao
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
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