Probiotic Bacillus Spores Protect Against Acetaminophen Induced Acute Liver Injury in Rats

Role of Gut Microecology in the Pathogenesis of Drug-Induced Liver Injury and Emerging Therapeutic Strategies

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a common clinical pharmacogenic disease. In the United States and Europe, DILI is the most common cause of acute liver failure. Drugs can cause hepatic damage either directly through inherent hepatotoxic properties or indirectly by inducing oxidative stress, immune responses, and inflammatory processes. These pathways can culminate in hepatocyte necrosis. The role of the gut microecology in human health and diseases is well recognized. Recent studies have revealed that the imbalance in the gut microecology is closely related to the occurrence and development of DILI. The gut microecology plays an important role in liver injury caused by different drugs. Recent research has revealed significant changes in the composition, relative abundance, and distribution of gut microbiota in both patients and animal models with DILI. Imbalance in the gut microecology causes intestinal barrier destruction and microorganism translocation; the alteration in microbial metabolites may initiate or aggravate DILI, and regulation and control of intestinal microbiota can effectively mitigate drug-induced liver injury. In this paper, we provide an overview on the present knowledge of the mechanisms by which DILI occurs, the common drugs that cause DILI, the gut microbiota and gut barrier composition, and the effects of the gut microbiota and gut barrier on DILI, emphasizing the contribution of the gut microecology to DILI.

Convergence of Nanotechnology and Bacteriotherapy for Biomedical Applications

Bacteria have distinctive properties that make them ideal for biomedical applications. They can self-propel, sense their surroundings, and be externally detected. Using bacteria as medical therapeutic agents or delivery platforms opens new possibilities for advanced diagnosis and therapies. Nano-drug delivery platforms have numerous advantages over traditional ones, such as high loading capacity, controlled drug release, and adaptable functionalities. Combining bacteria and nanotechnologies to create therapeutic agents or delivery platforms has gained increasing attention in recent years and shows promise for improved diagnosis and treatment of diseases. In this review, design principles of integrating nanoparticles with bacteria, bacteria-derived nano-sized vesicles, and their applications and future in advanced diagnosis and therapeutics are summarized.

Gut-Liver Axis as a Therapeutic Target for Drug-Induced Liver Injury

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a liver disease that remains difficult to predict and diagnose, and the underlying mechanisms are yet to be fully clarified. The gut-liver axis refers to the reciprocal interactions between the gut and the liver, and its homeostasis plays a prominent role in maintaining liver health. It has been recently reported that patients and animals with DILI have a disrupted gut-liver axis, involving altered gut microbiota composition, increased intestinal permeability and lipopolysaccharide translocation, decreased short-chain fatty acids production, and impaired bile acid metabolism homeostasis. The present review will summarize the evidence from both clinical and preclinical studies about the role of the gut-liver axis in the pathogenesis of DILI. Moreover, we will focus attention on the potential therapeutic strategies for DILI based on improving gut-liver axis function, including herbs and phytochemicals, probiotics, fecal microbial transplantation, postbiotics, bile acids, and Farnesoid X receptor agonists.

Flaxseed Lignan Alleviates the Paracetamol-Induced Hepatotoxicity Associated with Regulation of Gut Microbiota and Serum Metabolome

This study examined the protective effect of flaxseed lignans on liver damage caused by an overdose of paracetamol (PAM). The findings demonstrated that administering 800 mg/kg/d flaxseed lignan prior to PAM significantly decreased the serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and total bilirubin (TBi) levels, while it increased liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) levels in mice. Flaxseed lignan renovated the gut microbiota dysbiosis induced by PAM by promoting the proliferation of sulfonolipid (SL) producing bacteria such as Alistipes and lignan-deglycosolating bacteria such as Ruminococcus while inhibiting the growth of opportunistic pathogen bacteria such as Acinetobacter and Clostridium. Furthermore, flaxseed lignan modulated the serum metabolomic profile after PAM administration, specifically in the taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, and pyrimidine metabolism. The study identified eight potential biomarkers, including enterolactone, cervonyl carnitine, acutilobin, and PC (20:3(5Z, 8Z, 11Z)/20:0). Overall, the results suggest that flaxseed lignan can alleviate PAM-induced hepatotoxicity and may be beneficial in preventing drug-induced microbiome and metabolomic disorders.

Unveiling the covert interaction between gut microbiota and neutrophils to drive colorectal cancer metastasis

The formation of the microenvironment preceding liver metastasis is intricately linked to the intestinal tract. In recent years, mounting evidence has revealed the significant involvement of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in tumor metastasis, particularly in liver metastasis. Disruption of the intestinal barrier can lead to the translocation of bacteria and their metabolites, such as lipopolysaccharide, into the liver. As the primary defense against pathogens, NETs help eliminate gut-derived toxins and shape the liver's inflammatory and immunosuppressive environment. However, this double-edged sword effect can potentially stimulate tumor metastasis by creating a fertile ground for the growth of intestinal tumor cells due to impaired liver tissue and reduced activity of killer immune cells. This comprehensive review systematically describes the influence factors and mechanisms of NETs in colon cancer metastasis and explores their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for liver metastasis.

Nanocurcumin attenuates pyroptosis and inflammation through inhibiting NF-κB/GSDMD signal in high altitude-associated acute liver injury

Exposure to a hypobaric hypoxic environment at high altitudes can lead to liver injury, and mounting evidence indicates that pyroptosis and inflammation play important roles in liver injury. Curcumin (Cur) can inhibit pyroptosis and inflammation. Therefore, our purpose here was to clarify the mechanism underlying the protective effect of nanocurcumin (Ncur) and Cur in a rat model of high altitude-associated acute liver injury. Eighty healthy rats were selected and exposed to different altitudes (6000 or 7000 m) for 0, 24, 48, or 72 h. Fifty normal healthy rats were divided into normal control, high-altitude control, salidroside (40 mg/kg [Sal-40]), Cur (200 mg/kg [Cur-200]), and Ncur (25 mg/kg [Ncur-25]) groups and exposed to a high-altitude hypobaric hypoxic environment (48 h, 7000 m). Serum-liver enzyme activities (alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and lactate dehydrogenase were detected and histopathology of liver injury was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and inflammatory factors were detected in liver tissues by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Pyroptosis-associated proteins (gasdermin D, gasdermin D N-terminal [GSDMD-N], pro-Caspase-1, and cleaved-Caspase-1 [cleaved-Casp1]) and inflammation-associated proteins (nuclear factor-κB [NF-κB], phospho-NF-κB [P-NF-κB], and high-mobility group protein B1 [HMGB1]) levels were analyzed by immunoblotting. Ncur and Cur inhibited increased serum-liver enzyme activities, alleviated liver injury in rats caused by high-altitude hypobaric hypoxic exposure, and downregulated inflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-18, in rat liver tissues. The level of P-NF-κB, GSDMD-N, cleaved-Casp1, and HMGB1 in rat liver tissues increased significantly after high-altitude exposure. Ncur and Cur downregulated P-NF-κB, GSDMD-N, cleaved-Casp-1, and HMGB1. Ncur and Cur may inhibit inflammatory responses and pyroptosis in a rat model of high altitude-associated acute liver injury.

Effects of the probiotic Bacillus cereus GM on experimental schistosomiasis mansoni

Probiotics contribute to the integrity of the intestinal mucosa and preventing dysbiosis caused by opportunistic pathogens, such as intestinal helminths. Bacillus cereus GM obtained from Biovicerin® was cultured to obtain spores for in vivo evaluation on experimental schistosomiasis. The assay was performed for 90 days, where all animals were infected with 50 cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni on the 15th day. Three experimental groups were formed, as follows: G1-saline solution from the 1st until the 90th day; G2-B. cereus GM (105 spores in 300 μL of sterile saline) from the 1st until the 90th day; and G3-B. cereus GM 35th day (onset of oviposition) until the 90th day. G2 showed a significant reduction of 43.4% of total worms, 48.8% of female worms and 42.5% of eggs in the liver tissue. In G3, the reduction was 25.2%, 29.1%, and 44% of the total number of worms, female worms, and eggs in the liver tissue, respectively. G2 and G3 showed a 25% (p < 0.001) and 22% (p < 0.001) reduction in AST levels, respectively, but ALT levels did not change. ALP levels were reduced by 23% (p < 0.001) in the G2 group, but not in the G3. The average volume of granulomas reduced (p < 0.0001) 65.2% and 46.3% in the liver tissue and 83.0% and 53.2% in the intestine, respectively, in groups G2 and G3. Th1 profile cytokine (IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-6) and IL-17 were significantly increased (p < 0.001) stimulated with B. cereus GM in groups G2 and G3. IL-4 showed significant values when the stimulus was mediated by ConA. By modulating the immune response, B. cereus GM reduced the burden of worms, improved some markers of liver function, and reduced the granulomatous inflammatory reaction in mice infected with S. mansoni, especially when administered before infection.

The Effects of Probiotic Bacillus Spores on Dexamethasone-Treated Rats

Glucocorticoids are effective anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents. Long-term exposure is associated with multiple metabolic side effects. Spore-forming probiotic bacteria have shown modulatory properties regarding glycolipid metabolism and inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate, for the first time, the effects of Bacillus species spores (B. licheniformis, B. indicus, B. subtilis, B. clausii, and B. coagulans) alone and in combination with metformin against dexamethasone-induced systemic disturbances. A total of 30 rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: group 1 served as control (CONTROL), group 2 received dexamethasone (DEXA), group 3 received DEXA and MegaSporeBiotic (MSB), group 4 received DEXA and metformin (MET), and group 5 received DEXA, MSB, and MET. On the last day of the experiment, blood samples and liver tissue samples for histopathological examination were collected. We determined serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), catalase, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and metformin concentration. DEXA administration caused hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, increased inflammation cytokines, and decreased antioxidant markers. Treatment with MSB reduced total cholesterol, suggesting that the administration of Bacillus spores-based probiotics to DEXA-treated rats could ameliorate metabolic parameters.

Nutritional intervention is promising in alleviating liver injury during tuberculosis treatment: a review

Liver injury is a main adverse effect of first-line tuberculosis drugs. Current management of tuberculosis-drug-induced liver injury (TBLI) mainly relies on withdrawing tuberculosis drugs when necessary. No effective treatment exists. Various nutrients and functional food ingredients may play a protective role in TBLI. However, a comprehensive review has not been conducted to compare the effects of these nutrients and functional food ingredients. We searched Pubmed and Web of Science databases from the earliest date of the database to March 2023. All available in-vitro, animal and clinical studies that examined the effects of nutritional intervention on TBLI were included. The underlying mechanism was briefly reviewed. Folic acid, quercetin, curcumin, Lactobacillus casei, spirulina and Moringa oleifera possessed moderate evidence to have a beneficial effect on alleviating TBLI mostly based on animal studies. The evidence of other nutritional interventions on TBLI was weak. Alleviating oxidative stress and apoptosis were the leading mechanisms for the beneficial effects of nutritional intervention on TBLI. In conclusion, a few nutritional interventions are promising for alleviating TBLI including folic acid, quercetin, curcumin, L. casei, spirulina and M. oleifera, the effectiveness and safety of which need further confirmation by well-designed randomized controlled trials. The mechanisms for the protective role of these nutritional interventions on TBLI warrant further study, particularly by establishing the animal model of TBLI using the tuberculosis drugs separately.

Combined analysis of 16S rDNA sequencing and metabolomics to find biomarkers of drug-induced liver injury

Drug induced liver injury (DILI) is a kind of liver dysfunction which caused by drugs, and gut microbiota could affect liver injury. However, the relationship between gut microbiota and its metabolites in DILI patients is not clear. The total gut microbiota DNA was extracted from 28 DILI patient and 28 healthy control volunteers (HC) and 16S rDNA gene were amplified. Next, differentially metabolites were screened. Finally, the correlations between the diagnostic strains and differentially metabolites were studied.The richness and uniformity of the bacterial communities decreased in DILI patients, and the structure of gut microbiota changed obviously. Enterococcus and Veillonella which belong to Firmicutes increased in DILI, and Blautia and Ralstonia which belong to Firmicutes, Dialister which belongs to Proteobacteria increased in HC. In addition, these diagnostic OTUs of DILI were associated with the DILI damage mechanism. On the other hands, there were 66 differentially metabolites between DILI and HC samples, and these metabolites were mainly enriched in pyrimidine metabolism and steroid hormone biosynthesis pathways. Furthermore, the collinear network map of the key microbiota-metabolites were constructed and the results indicated that Cortodoxone, Prostaglandin I1, Bioyclo Prostaglandin E2 and Anacardic acid were positively correlated with Blautia and Ralstonia, and negatively correlated with Veillonella.This study analyzed the changes of DILI from the perspective of gut microbiota and metabolites. Key strains and differentially metabolites of DILI were screened and the correlations between them were studied. This study further illustrated the mechanism of DILI.

L-Alanine promotes anti-infectious properties of Bacillus subtilis S-2 spores via the germination receptor gerAA

Bacillus species, which have two cell-type forms (vegetative cells and spores), demonstrate a variety of probiotic functions in animal feed additives and human nutrition. We previously found that the probiotic effect of Bacillus subtilis S-2 spores with high germination response to L-alanine was specifically enhanced by the L-alanine pretreatment. The germination response of Bacillus is highly associated with the germination receptors of spores. However, how L-alanine-induced germination of spores exerts anti-infectious effect in epithelial cells remains unclear. In this study, we constructed the mutant strain of B. subtilis S-2 with germination receptor gerAA knockout to further explore the role of spore germination in resisting pathogen infection to cells. The differential probiotic effects of B. subtilis S-2 and S-2^ΔgerAA spores pretreated with L-alanine were evaluated in intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) or Caco2 cells infected with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) or following IL-1β stimulation. The results showed that the germination response of the S-2^ΔgerAA spores to L-alanine was significantly reduced. Compared with the S-2^ΔgerAA spores, the L-alanine-induced germination of B. subtilis S-2 spores significantly increased the activity of anti-adhesion of ETEC to IPEC-J2 cells and reduced the expression of inflammatory factors and cell receptors. L-alanine induction also significantly promoted the expression of autophagy-related proteins in the B. subtilis S-2 spores. These findings demonstrate that the gerAA germination receptor is essential for the probiotic function of Bacillus spores and that L-alanine treatment promotes the anti-infectious properties of the germinated spores in porcine intestinal epithelial IPEC-J2 cells. The result suggests the importance of germination receptor gerAA in helping spore germination and enhancing anti-infectious activity. The findings in the study benefit to screening of potential Bacillus probiotics and increasing probiotic efficacy induced by L-alanine as an adjuvant.

Gut microbiota affects sensitivity to immune-mediated isoniazid-induced liver injury

Isoniazid (INH) is a highly effective single and/or combined first-line anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) therapy drug, and the hepatotoxicity greatly limits its clinical application. INH-induced liver injury (INH-DILI) is a typical immune-mediated idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury. Existing mechanisms including genetic variations in drug metabolism and immune responses cannot fully explain the differences in susceptibility and sensitivity to INH-DILI, suggesting that other factors may be involved. Accumulating evidence indicates that the development and severity of immune-mediated liver injury is related to gut microbiota. In this study, INH exposure caused liver damage, immune disregulation and microbiota profile alteration. Depletion of gut microbiota ameliorated INH-DILI, and improved INH-DILI-associated immune disorder and inflammatory response. Moreover, hepatotoxicity of INH was ameliorated by fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from INH-treated mice. Notably, Bifidobacterium abundance was significantly associated with transaminase levels. In conclusion, our results suggested that the effect of gut microbiota on INH-DILI was related to immunity, and the difference in INH-DILI sensitivity was related to the structure of gut microbiota. Changes in the structure of gut microbiota by continuous exposure of INH resulted in the tolerance to liver injury, and probiotics such as Bifidobacterium might play an important role in INH-DILI and its "adaptation" phenomenon. This work provides novel evidence for elucidating the underlying mechanism of difference in individual's response to INH-DILI and potential approach for intervening anti-TB drug liver injury by modulating gut microbiota.

Gut microbiome therapeutic modulation to alleviate drug-induced hepatic damage in COVID-19 patients

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus, its symptoms, treatment, and post-COVID-19 effects have been a major focus of research since 2020. In addition to respiratory symptoms, different clinical variants of the virus have been associated with dynamic symptoms and multiorgan diseases, including liver abnormalities. The release of cytokines by the activation of innate immune cells during viral infection and the high doses of drugs used for COVID-19 treatment are considered major drivers of liver injury in COVID-19 patients. The degree of hepatic inflammation in patients suffering from chronic liver disease and having COVID-19 could be severe and can be estimated through different liver chemistry abnormality markers. Gut microbiota influences liver chemistry through its metabolites. Gut dysbiosis during COVID-19 treatment can promote liver inflammation. Here, we highlighted the bidirectional association of liver physiology and gut microbiota (gut-liver axis) and its potential to manipulate drug-induced chemical abnormalities in the livers of COVID-19 patients.

Capsaicin protects against septic acute liver injury by attenuation of apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction

Capsaicin is the main pungent bioactive constituent in red chili with promising therapeutic properties due to its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. No evidence exists on the beneficial effect of capsaicin on apoptosis and mitochondrial function in acute liver injury (ALI) under septic conditions. For inducing septic ALI, lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 50 μg/kg) and d-galactose (D-Gal, 400 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected and capsaicin was given orally at 5 or 20 mg/kg. Functional markers of liver function and mitochondrial dysfunction were determined as well as hepatic assessment of apoptotic, oxidative, and inflammatory factors. Capsaicin at the higher dose appropriately decreased serum level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in addition to reducing hepatic level of malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitrite, NF-kB, TLR4, IL-1β, TNF-α, caspase 3, DNA fragmentation and boosting sirtuin 1, Nrf2, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and heme oxygenase (HO-1). These beneficial effects of capsaicin were associated with reversal and/or improvement of gene expression for pro-apoptotic Bax, anti-apoptotic Bcl2, mitochondrial and metabolic regulators PGC-1α, sirtuin 1, and AMPK, and inflammation-associated factors. Additionally, capsaicin exerted a hepatoprotective effect, as revealed by its reduction of liver histopathological changes. These findings evidently indicate hepatoprotective property of capsaicin under septic conditions that can be attributed to its down-regulation of oxidative and inflammatory processes besides its potential to attenuate mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis.

Dietary Bacillus licheniformis shapes the foregut microbiota, improving nutrient digestibility and intestinal health in broiler chickens

Bacillus licheniformis is considered a potential alternative to antibiotic growth promoters of animal growth and health. However, the effects of Bacillus licheniformis on the foregut and hindgut microbiota, and their relationships with nutrient digestion and health, in broiler chickens remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to identify the effects of Bacillus licheniformis BCG on intestinal digestion and absorption, tight junctions, inflammation, and the fore- and hind-gut microbiota. We randomly assigned 240 1-day-old male AA broilers into three treatment groups: CT (basal diet), BCG1 (basal diet + 1.0 × 10⁸ CFU/kg B. licheniformis BCG), and BCG2 (basal diet + 1.0 × 10⁹ CFU/kg B. licheniformis BCG). On day 42, the jejunal and ileal chyme and mucosa were subjected to analysis of digestive enzyme activity, nutrient transporters, tight junctions, and signaling molecules associated with inflammation. The ileal and cecal chyme were subjected to microbiota analysis. Compared with the CT group, the B. licheniformis BCG group showed significantly greater jejunal and ileal α-amylase, maltase, and sucrase activity; moreover, the α-amylase activity in the BCG2 group was higher than that in the BCG1 group (P < 0.05). The transcript abundance of FABP-1 and FATP-1 in the BCG2 group was significantly greater than that in the CT and BCG1 groups, and the GLUT-2 and LAT-1 relative mRNA levels were greater in the BCG2 group than the CT group (P < 0.05). Dietary B. licheniformis BCG resulted in significantly higher ileal occludin, and lower IL-8 and TLR-4 mRNA levels than observed in the CT group (P < 0.05). B. licheniformis BCG supplementation significantly decreased bacterial community richness and diversity in the ileum (P < 0.05). Dietary B. licheniformis BCG shaped the ileac microbiota by increasing the prevalence of f_Sphingomonadaceae, Sphingomonas, and Limosilactobacillus, and contributed to nutrient digestion and absorption; moreover, it enhanced the intestinal barrier by increasing the prevalence of f_Lactobacillaceae, Lactobacillus, and Limosilactobacillus. Dietary B. licheniformis BCG decreased microbial community diversity by diminishing Desulfovibrio, Alistipes, Campylobacter, Vibrio, Streptococcus, and Escherichia coli-Shigella levels, and down-regulating inflammatory associated molecule expression. Therefore, dietary B. licheniformis BCG contributed to digestion and absorption of nutrients, enhanced the intestinal physical barrier, and decreased intestinal inflammation in broilers by decreasing microbial diversity and optimizing the microbiota structure.

The Gut-Vascular Barrier as a New Protagonist in Intestinal and Extraintestinal Diseases

The intestinal barrier, with its multiple layers, is the first line of defense between the outside world and the intestine. Its disruption, resulting in increased intestinal permeability, is a recognized pathogenic factor of intestinal and extra-intestinal diseases. The identification of a gut-vascular barrier (GVB), consisting of a structured endothelium below the epithelial layer, has led to new evidence on the etiology and management of diseases of the gut-liver axis and the gut-brain axis, with recent implications in oncology as well. The gut-brain axis is involved in several neuroinflammatory processes. In particular, the recent description of a choroid plexus vascular barrier regulating brain permeability under conditions of gut inflammation identifies the endothelium as a key regulator in maintaining tissue homeostasis and health.

Protective effects of Bacillus licheniformis on growth performance, gut barrier functions, immunity and serum metabolome in lipopolysaccharide-challenged weaned piglets

Bacillus licheniformis (B. licheniformis) is a well-accepted probiotic that has many benefits on both humans and animals. This study explored the effects of B. licheniformis on growth performance, intestinal mucosal barrier functions, immunity as well as serum metabolome in the weaned piglets exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). One hundred and twenty piglets weaned at four weeks of age were separated into two groups that received a basal diet (the control group, CON), and a basal diet complemented with B. licheniformis (500 mg/kg, the BL group, BL). Twenty-four piglets were chosen from the above two groups and 12 piglets were injected with LPS intraperitoneally at a concentration of 100 μg/kg and the others were injected with sterile saline solution of the same volume. All the piglets were sacrificed 4 h after LPS challenge. Results showed that B. licheniformis enhanced the ADG and final body weight and lowered the F/G and diarrhea rate. Pre-treatment with B. licheniformis markedly attenuated intestinal mucosal damage induced by LPS challenge. Supplementation with B. licheniformis strengthened immune function and suppressed inflammatory response by elevating the concentrations of serum immunoglobulin (Ig) A and jejunum mucosal IgA and IgG and decreasing serum IL-6 and jejunum mucosal IL-1β. In addition, B. licheniformis pretreatment prevented LPS-induced intestinal injury by regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome. Furthermore, pretreatment with B. licheniformis tended to reverse the reduction of acetate and propionic acids in the colonic contents that occurred due to LPS stress. B. licheniformis markedly modulated the metabolites of saccharopine and allantoin from lysine and purine metabolic pathways, respectively. Overall, these data emphasize the potentiality of B. licheniformis as a dietary supplement to overcome the challenge of bacterial LPS in the animal and to enhance the food safety.

Nutritional Support in Acute Liver Failure

Acute liver failure (ALF) presents with an acute abnormality of liver blood tests in an individual without underlying chronic liver disease. The clinical course leads to the development of coagulopathy and hepatic encephalopathy. The role of nutrition in its prevention and treatment remains uncertain. We aimed to review literature data on the concept of ALF and the role of nutrition in its treatment and prevention, considering the impact of gut microbiota dysbiosis and eubiosis. We conducted a review of the literature on the main medical databases using the following keywords and acronyms and their associations: liver failure, nutrition, branched-chain amino acids, gut microbiota, dysbiosis, and probiotics. Upon their arrival at the emergency department, an early, accurate nutritional assessment is crucial for individuals with ALF. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), stable euglycemia maintenance, and moderate caloric support are crucial for this subset of patients. An excessive protein load must be avoided because it worsens hepatic encephalopathy. Preclinical evidence supports future probiotics use for ALF treatment/prevention. Nutritional support and treatment for ALF are crucial steps against patient morbidity and mortality. BCAAs and euglycemia remain the mainstay of nutritional treatment of ALF. Gut dysbiosis re-modulation has an emerging and natural-history changing impact on ALF.

The Role of Probiotic Bacillus Spores and Amino Acids with Immunoglobulins on a Rat Enteropathy Model

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are some of the most widely used drugs due to their anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic pharmacological effects. Gastrointestinal side effects are some of the most severe and frequent side effects of NSAIDs. These depend on the balance of the gut microbiome, the abundance of Gram-negative bacteria, and the amount of lipopolysaccharide released. Therefore, restoring or improving gut bacteria balance with probiotic supplements could prove to be an adjuvant therapy against mild NSAID-induced enteropathy. Twenty-five Wistar albino male rats were divided into five groups. The negative control group was administered carboxymethylcellulose and the positive control group diclofenac (DIC), 8 mg/kg for 7 days, which represented the enteropathy model. Treatment groups consisted of a combination of pro-biotic spores (MSB), amino acids and immunoglobulins supplement (MM), which were also administered for 7 days. We analyzed hepatic injury markers (AST, ALT) and creatinine, and inflammatory markers, IL-6, TNF-α, PGE2, iNOS, as well as total antioxidant capacity. The results obtained in the present study suggest that the modulation of the intestinal microbiota by administration of probiotics (Bacillus spores), alone or in combination with immunoglobulins and amino acids, represents an attractive therapy for the prevention of NSAID-induced enteropathy.

Ameliorative effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity via PKC/Nrf2/PGC-1α pathway

Background

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is a common cause of hepatotoxicity. Antioxidants like N-acetyl cysteine are recommended as a therapeutic option; nevertheless, it has limitations. The search for efficient alternatives is ongoing. Probiotics are live microorganisms that maintain a healthy gut microecology. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is one of the widely used probiotics. Our study aimed to assess the protective and therapeutic effects of probiotic LGG on APAP-induced hepatotoxicity and evaluate the molecular pathways behind this effect.

Methods

Wistar Albino male rats were randomly distributed into the following experimental groups: group 1, non-treated rats (vehicle); group 2, rats received oral gavage of suspension of probiotic LGG (5 × 10¹⁰ CFU GG/0.5 ml in PBS) daily for 2 weeks (probiotic control); group 3, rats received APAP dose of 2 g/kg body weight (positive control); group 4, rats received oral gavage of suspension of probiotic LGG for 2 weeks followed by a single dose of APAP injection (prophylactic); and group 5, rats received a single dose of APAP and then 24 h later treated with oral gavage of probiotic LGG daily for 2 weeks (treatment).

Results

Our study revealed that administration of probiotic LGG (either as prophylactic or treatment) exhibited a remarkable reduction in APAP-induced liver injury as resembled by the decrease in liver enzymes (ALT and AST) and the histopathological features of liver sections. Moreover, the significant reduction in the oxidative marker malondialdehyde, along with the enhancement in glutathione reductase, and the significant reduction in inflammatory markers (nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-α) were all indicators of the efficiency of LGG in ameliorating the alterations accompanied with APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. Our findings also demonstrate that LGG administration boosted the expression of Nrf2 and PGC-1 while decreasing the expression of protein kinase C (PKC). As a result, the nuclear abundance of Nrf2 is increased, and the expression of various antioxidants is eventually upregulated.

Conclusion

Our study shows that probiotic LGG supplementation exerts a prophylactic and therapeutic effect against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity through modulating the expression of PKC and the Nrf2/PGC-1α signaling pathway and eventually suppressing oxidative damage from APAP overdose.

Potential application of the probiotic Bacillus licheniformis as an adjuvant in the treatment of diseases in humans and animals: A systematic review

The use of Bacillus licheniformis as a probiotic has increased significantly in recent years. Published reports demonstrate that it provides multiple benefits for health. Although there are already studies in humans and is marketed, it is mostly used in the veterinary industry still. However, its benefits could be extrapolated to humans in future. This review addresses the application of B. licheniformis, its sporulation, mechanisms of action, and its role in the resolution, treatment, and prevention of different conditions and diseases. It focuses on scientific advances from 2016 to mid-2022 and emphasizes the most common diseases in the general population. Most of the 70% of published studies about the health benefits of B. licheniformis have been published from 2016 until now. The intake of B. licheniformis has been related to the effects of modulation of the intestinal microbiota, antimicrobial activity, growth promotion, anti-inflammatory and immunostimulatory effects, promotion of the regulation of the lipid profile, increase of neurotransmitters, and stress reduction, among others. These results provide novel possible applications of this and other probiotics in general. Although many benefits can be reported on a microorganism, the combination with others could provide a better effect. Further studies like this need to be done to understand the specific advantages of each probiotic and its strains and therefore achieve a better selection of them for a specific disease or disorder.

Bacillus licheniformis PF9 improves barrier function and alleviates inflammatory responses against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F4 infection in the porcine intestinal epithelial cells

Background

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) F4 commonly colonizes the small intestine and releases enterotoxins that impair the intestinal barrier function and trigger inflammatory responses. Although Bacillus licheniformis (B. licheniformis) has been reported to enhance intestinal health, it remains to be seen whether there is a functional role of B. licheniformis in intestinal inflammatory response in intestinal porcine epithelial cell line (IPEC-J2) when stimulated with ETEC F4.

Methods

In the present study, the effects of B. licheniformis PF9 on the release of pro-inflammation cytokines, cell integrity and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation were evaluated in ETEC F4-induced IPEC-J2 cells.

Results

B. licheniformis PF9 treatment was capable of remarkably attenuating the expression levels of inflammation cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-8, and IL-6 during ETEC F4 infection. Furthermore, the gene expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated upstream related genes of NF-κB signaling pathway has been significantly inhibited. These changes were accompanied by significantly decreased phosphorylation of p65 NF-κB during ETEC F4 infection with B. licheniformis PF9 treatment. The immunofluorescence and western blotting analysis revealed that B. licheniformis PF9 increased the expression levels of zona occludens 1 (ZO-1) and occludin (OCLN) in ETEC F4-infected IPEC-J2 cells. Meanwhile, the B. licheniformis PF9 could alleviate the injury of epithelial barrier function assessed by the trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and cell permeability assay. Interestingly, B. licheniformis PF9 protect IPEC-J2 cells against ETEC F4 infection by decreasing the gene expressions of virulence-related factors (including luxS, estA, estB, and elt) in ETEC F4.

Conclusions

Collectively, our results suggest that B. licheniformis PF9 might reduce inflammation-related cytokines through blocking the NF-κB signaling pathways. Besides, B. licheniformis PF9 displayed a significant role in the enhancement of IPEC-J2 cell integrity.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40104-022-00746-8.

The Activity of Prebiotics and Probiotics in Hepatogastrointestinal Disorders and Diseases Associated with Metabolic Syndrome

The components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and hepatogastrointestinal diseases are widespread worldwide, since many factors associated with lifestyle and diet influence their development and correlation. Due to these growing health problems, it is necessary to search for effective alternatives for prevention or adjuvants in treating them. The positive impact of regulated microbiota on health is known; however, states of dysbiosis are closely related to the development of the conditions mentioned above. Therefore, the role of prebiotics, probiotics, or symbiotic complexes has been extensively evaluated; the results are favorable, showing that they play a crucial role in the regulation of the immune system, the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids, and the biotransformation of bile acids, as well as the modulation of their central receptors FXR and TGR-5, which also have essential immunomodulatory and metabolic activities. It has also been observed that they can benefit the host by displacing pathogenic species, improving the dysbiosis state in MetS. Current studies have reported that paraprobiotics (dead or inactive probiotics) or postbiotics (metabolites generated by active probiotics) also benefit hepatogastrointestinal health.

Probiotics: Evolving as a Potential Therapeutic Option against Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity

Acetaminophen (APAP) is the most common prescription medicine around the world for the treatment of pain and fever and is considered to be a safe drug at its therapeutic dose. However, a single overdose or frequent use of APAP can cause severe acute liver injury. APAP hepatotoxicity is a prevalent cause of acute liver disease around the world and the lack of suitable treatment makes it a serious problem. In recent years, there has been a surge in interest in using probiotics and probiotic-derived products, known as postbiotics, as health and disease negotiators. A growing body of evidence revealed that they can be equally effective against APAP hepatotoxicity. Different probiotic bacteria were found to be pre-clinically effective against APAP hepatotoxicity. Different postbiotics have also shown exciting results in preclinical models of APAP hepatotoxicity. This review summarized the protective roles and mechanisms of the different probiotic bacteria and postbiotics against APAP hepatotoxicity, with critical discussion. A brief discussion on potential novel probiotics and postbiotics for oxidative liver injury was also included. This review was written in an attempt to pique the interest of researchers in developing a safe therapeutic option against oxidative liver damage using probiotics and/or postbiotics as dietary supplements.

Characteristics of the gut microbiota in Bifidobacterium catenulatum LI10 pre-treated rats with lower levels of D-galactosamine-induced liver damage

AIMS

Liver damage has caused great illness in human beings. Bifidobacterium catenulatum LI10 has been determined with protective effect against D-galactosamine-induced liver damage. However, due to the sample limitation, the individual difference in its protective effect was not determined. The current study was designed to characterise the gut microbiota of LI10-pretreated rats with lower levels of liver damage.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A series of experiments and bioinformatic analyses were carried out. Two rat cohorts with different levels of liver damage were determined, i.e., Non-Severe and Severe cohorts. Six out of the seven measured liver function variables were lower in the Non-Severe cohort, while four cytokine variables also yielded differences between the two cohorts. The Non-Severe and Severe cohorts were determined with distinct gut microbiota, among which, ASV14_Parabacteroides and ASV7_Bacteroides were most associated with Non-Severe and Severe cohorts, respectively. Five phylotypes were determined as structural gatekeepers in the microbiota network of Non-Severe cohort, ASV135_Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136 of which contributed most to the stability of the network.

CONCLUSIONS

The relevant findings suggest that some gut bacteria could benefit the protective effect of LI10 on lowering the severity of rat liver damage.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The bacteria benefiting the protective effects of potential probiotics could be further investigated for future clinical application.

Characterising the Intestinal Bacterial and Fungal Microbiome Associated With Different Cytokine Profiles in Two Bifidobacterium strains Pre-Treated Rats With D-Galactosamine-Induced Liver Injury

Multiple probiotics have protective effects against different types of liver injury. Different intestinal microbes could be beneficial to the protective effects of the probiotics on the treated cohorts in different aspects. The current study was designed to determine the intestinal bacterial and fungal microbiome associated with different cytokine profiles in the Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum LI09 and Bifidobacterium catenulatum LI10 pretreated rats with D-galactosamine-induced liver injury. In this study, partition around medoids clustering analysis determined two distinct cytokine profiles (i.e., CP1 and CP2) comprising the same 11 cytokines but with different levels among the LI09, LI10, positive control (PC), and negative control (NC) cohorts. All rats in PC and NC cohorts were determined with CP1 and CP2, respectively, while the rats with CP1 in LI09 and LI10 cohorts had more severe liver injury than those with CP2, suggesting that CP2 represented better immune status and was the “better cytokine profile” in this study. PERMANOVA analyses showed that the compositions of both bacterial and fungal microbiome were different in the LI10 cohorts with different cytokine profiles, while the same compositions were similar between LI09 cohorts with different cytokine profiles. The phylotype abundances of both bacteria and fungi were different in the rats with different cytokine profiles in LI09 or LI10 cohorts according to similarity percentage (SIMPER) analyses results. At the composition level, multiple microbes were associated with different cytokine profiles in LI09 or LI10 cohorts, among which Flavonifractor and Penicillium were the bacterium and fungus most associated with LI09 cohort with CP2, while Parabacteroides and Aspergillus were the bacterium and fungus most associated with LI10 cohort with CP2. These microbes were determined to influence the cytokine profiles of the corresponding cohorts. At the structure level, Corynebacterium and Cephalotrichiella were determined as the two most powerful gatekeepers in the microbiome networks of LI09 cohort CP2, while Pseudoflavonifractor was the most powerful gatekeeper in LI10 cohort with CP2. These identified intestinal microbes were likely to be beneficial to the effect of probiotic Bifidobacterium on the immunity improvement of the treated cohorts, and they could be potential microbial biomarkers assisting with the evaluation of immune status of probiotics-treated cohorts.

The Comparative Effects of Inulin and Bacillus clausii on LPS-Induced Endotoxemic Rat Liver

BACKGROUND

This paper sought to investigate the modifies of inulin and Bacillus clausii on the lipopolysaccharides (LPS) inducing oxidative stress signaling pathway in the endotoxemic rat model.

METHODS

Wistar albino male rats (n = 36), divided into six groups, were formed randomly in the following stages: the control group; the prebiotic group (Inulin; 500 mg/kg); the probiotic group (Bacillus clausii; 1x10⁹ CFU); the LPS group (1.5 mg/kg) as the endotoxemic model; the prebiotic group + LPS; and the probiotic group + LPS as treatment groups.

RESULTS

The reactive oxygen species (ROS), advanced oxidation products of protein (AOPP), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), and myeloperoxidase activity (MPO) levels increased in LPS-induced toxicity. Prebiotic treatment decreased LPS-induced hepatotoxicity on rat liver as observed in the decrease in the levels of oxidative stress parameters, such as ROS, TBARS, TOS, and OSI. The effect of the probiotic treatment on the ROS, AOPP, TOS, OSI levels was not statistically significant. However, it was determined that probiotic application was effective in the TBARS, TAS, and GSH levels. When the biochemical results of the prebiotic and probiotic treatment applications were compared, it was found that the prebiotic treatment was more effective on oxidative stress parameters (ROS, TBARS, TOS, and OSI). In addition, the histological damage score and MPO-staining results of the prebiotic treatment group were found to be more effective than the probiotic group.

CONCLUSION

In this first study, where inulin and Bacillus clausii spores are used against liver damage caused by LPS, inulin provides much more effective protection than Bacillus clausii spores.

Akkermansia muciniphila Ameliorates Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury by Regulating Gut Microbial Composition and Metabolism

The gut microbiota drives individual sensitivity to excess acetaminophen (APAP)-mediated hepatotoxicity. It has been reported that the bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila protects hosts against liver disease via the liver-gut axis, but its therapeutic potential for drug-induced liver injury remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of A. muciniphila on APAP-induced liver injury and the underlying mechanism. Administration of A. muciniphila efficiently alleviated APAP-induced hepatotoxicity and reduced the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST). A. muciniphila significantly attenuated APAP-induced oxidative stress and the inflammatory response, as evidenced by restoration of the reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) balance, enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, reduced proinflammatory cytokine production, and alleviation of macrophage and neutrophil infiltration. Moreover, A. muciniphila maintained gut barrier function, reshaped the perturbed microbial community and promoted short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) secretion. The beneficial effects of A. muciniphila were accompanied by alterations in hepatic gene expression at the transcriptional level and activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway. Our results suggested that A. muciniphila could be a potential pretreatment for APAP-induced liver injury.

IMPORTANCE Our work revealed that A. muciniphila attenuated APAP-induced liver injury by alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver, and its hepatoprotective effect was accompanied by activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway and mediated by regulation of the composition and metabolic function of the intestinal microbiota. This finding suggested that the microbial community is a non-negligible impact on drug metabolism and probiotic administration could be a potential therapy for drug-induced liver injury.

Probiotic Bacillus Alleviates Oxidative Stress-Induced Liver Injury by Modulating Gut-Liver Axis in a Rat Model

Emerging evidence suggests a key role of gut microbiota in maintaining liver functions through modulating the gut–liver axis. In this study, we investigated whether microbiota alteration mediated by probiotic Bacillus was involved in alleviating oxidative stress- induced liver injury. Sprague–Dawley rats were orally administered Bacillus SC06 or SC08 for a 24-day period and thereafter intraperitoneally injected diquat (DQ) to induce oxidative stress. Results showed that Bacillus, particularly SC06 significantly inhibited hepatic injuries, as evidenced by the alleviated damaged liver structure, the decreased levels of ALT, AST, ALP and LDH, and the suppressed mitochondrial dysfunction. SC06 pretreatment markedly enhanced the liver antioxidant capacity by decreasing MDA and p47, and increasing T-AOC, SOD and HO-1.16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed that DQ significantly changed the diversities and composition of gut microbiota, whereas Bacillus pretreatments could attenuate gut dysbiosis. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that AST and MDA exerted a positive correlation with the opportunistic pathogenic genera and species (Escherichia and Shigella), and negatively correlated with the potential probiotics (Lactobacillus), while SOD exerted a reverse trend. The microbial metagenomic analysis demonstrated that Bacillus, particularly SC06 markedly suppress the metabolic pathways such as carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism and metabolism of cofactors and vitamins. Furthermore, SC06 decreased the gene abundance of the pathways mediating bacterial replication, secretion and pathogenicity. Taken together, Bacillus SC06 alleviates oxidative stress-induced liver injuries via optimizing the composition, metabolic pathways and pathogenic replication and secretion of gut microbiota. These findings elucidate the mechanisms of probiotics in alleviating oxidative stress and provide a promising strategy for preventing liver diseases by targeting gut microbiota.

Overview of the microbiota in the gut-liver axis in viral B and C hepatitis

Viral B and C hepatitis are a major current health issue, both diseases having a chronic damaging effect on the liver and its functions. Chronic liver disease can lead to even more severe and life-threatening conditions, such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Recent years have uncovered an important interplay between the liver and the gut microbiome: the gut-liver axis. Hepatitis B and C infections often cause alterations in the gut microbiota by lowering the levels of ‘protective’ gut microorganisms and, by doing so, hinder the microbiota ability to boost the immune response. Treatments aimed at restoring the gut microbiota balance may provide a valuable addition to current practice therapies and may help limit the chronic changes observed in the liver of hepatitis B and C patients. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the anato-functional axis between the gut and liver and to highlight the influence that hepatitis B and C viruses have on the microbiota balance, as well as the influence of treatments aimed at restoring the gut microbiota on infected livers and disease progression.

Treatment with a spore-based probiotic containing five strains of Bacillus induced changes in the metabolic activity and community composition of the gut microbiota in a SHIME® model of the human gastrointestinal system

MegaSporeBiotic™ is an oral, spore-based probiotic comprised of five Bacillus spp. (Bacillus indicus HU36, Bacillus subtilis HU58, Bacillus coagulans SC208, Bacillus licheniformis SL307, and Bacillus clausii SC109). The effects of MegaSporeBiotic™ on gut microbiota activity and community composition were evaluated for the first time using an in vitro model of the human gastrointestinal tract, the simulator of the human intestinal microbial ecosystem (SHIME®), under healthy conditions. Following a stabilization period and a control period (2 weeks each), the reactor feed was supplemented with daily MegaSporeBiotic™ for 3 weeks (treatment period). Changes in microbial community activity and composition between the control and treatment periods were evaluated for each colon compartment (ascending [AC], transverse [TC], and descending colon [DC]). Propionate levels increased significantly in the TC (week 2, P = 0.02; week 3, P = 0.0019) and DC (week 2, P = 0.03) with treatment while lactate levels significantly decreased in the TC (week 3, P = 0.03). Ammonium levels were significantly decreased during the final week of treatment (TC, P = 0.02; DC, P = 0.03). Overall, Akkermansia muciniphila, Bifidobacteria spp., and Firmicutes increased with treatment while Lactobacillus spp. and Bacteroidetes decreased. The Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes ratio increased with treatment in the AC compartment. MegaSporeProbiotic™ treatment resulted in changes in metabolism and increased bacterial diversity.

Role of gambogenic acid in regulating PI3K/Akt/NF-kβ signaling pathways in rat model of acute hepatotoxicity

The purpose of this study is to investigate the protective effect of gambogenic acid (GA) in acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity in rat models. GA (10 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneal (i.p.) to rats for 7 consecutive days followed by APAP (500 mg/kg) single dose (i.p.) on the final day after GA administration. The levels of MDA, GSH, SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, ALP, AST, ALT, proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), apoptosis markers (caspase-3 and -9, Bax, Bcl-2), 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were evaluated. Results exhibited protective effects of GA by inhibiting inflammation, preventing oxidative stress and apoptosis in APAP-induced liver. Histopathological changes caused by APAP were attenuated, protein expressions of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) were upregulated, and nuclear factor-kappa β (NF-kβ) was downregulated by GA. In summary, GA significantly exerted anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity potentially through regulation of PI3K/Akt and NF-kβ signaling pathways.

Lactobacillus casei Alleviated the Abnormal Increase of Cholestasis-Related Liver Indices During Tuberculosis Treatment: A Post Hoc Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial

SCOPE

Probiotics are promising in mitigating drug-induced liver injury in animal experiments. However, the clinical evidence is absent. The objective is to investigate the effect of adjunctive Lactobacillus casei on tuberculosis-drug-induced liver injury.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A post hoc analysis is conducted for a previous randomized controlled trial. The trial is registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No. ChiCTR-IOR-17013210). Four hundred twenty nine patients are allocated to receive standard tuberculosis therapy alone (control group), or together with 1 × 10¹⁰ colony-forming units (CFU) per day (low-dose group), or 2 × 10¹⁰ CFU per day of L. casei (high-dose group) during tuberculosis treatment. The L. casei supplementation significantly reduced the incidence of the abnormal increase of cholestasis-related liver indices including alkaline phosphatase (p = 0.024) and bilirubin (p = 0.013). Plasma lipopolysaccharide (p = 0.02), intestinal permeability biomarkers including zonula occludens-1 (p = 0.001) and intestinal fatty acid binding protein (p = 0.002) are significantly reduced. The gut microbiota composition is dramatically altered with a reduction of Bacteroidetes (p < 0.001) and a corresponding increase of Actinobacteria (p < 0.001) and Firmicutes (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

L. casei supplementation is beneficial for suppressing abnormally elevated cholestasis-related liver indices during tuberculosis treatment, which may be related to its modification on blood lipopolysaccharide, intestinal barrier function, and gut microbiota.

Gut Microbiota and Chemical-Induced Acute Liver Injury

Background: Drug overdose or chemical exposures are the main causes of acute liver injury (ALI). Severe liver injury can develop into liver failure that is an important cause of liver-related mortality in intensive care units in most countries. Pharmacological studies have utilized a variety of comprehensive chemical induction models that recapitulate the natural pathogenesis of acute liver injury. Their mechanism is always based on redox imbalance-induced direct hepatotoxicity and massive hepatocyte cell death, which can trigger immune cell activation and recruitment to the liver. However, the pathogenesis of these models has not been fully stated. Many studies showed that gut microbiota plays a crucial role in chemical-induced liver injury. Hepatotoxicity is likely induced by imbalanced microbiota homeostasis, gut mucosal barrier damage, systemic immune activation, microbial-associated molecular patterns, and bacterial metabolites. Meanwhile, many preclinical studies have shown that supplementation with probiotics can improve chemical-induced liver injury. In this review, we highlight the pathogenesis of gut microorganisms in chemical-induced acute liver injury animal models and explore the protective mechanism of exogenous microbial supplements on acute liver injury.

Connecting the dots: Targeting the microbiome in drug toxicity

The gut microbiota has a vast influence on human health and its role in initiating, aggravating, or ameliorating diseases is beginning to emerge. Recently, its contribution to heterogeneous toxicological responses is also gaining attention, especially in drug-induced toxicity. Whether they are orally administered or not, drugs may interact with the gut microbiota directly or indirectly, which leads to altered toxicity. Present studies focus more on the unidirectional influence of how xenobiotics disturb intestinal microbial composition and functions, and thus induce altered homeostasis. However, interactions between the gut microbiota and xenobiotics are bidirectional and the impact of the gut microbiota on xenobiotics, especially on drugs, should not be neglected. Thus, in this review, we focus on how the gut microbiota modulates drug toxicity by highlighting the microbiome, microbial enzyme, and microbial metabolites. We connect the dots between drugs, the microbiome, microbial enzymes or metabolites, drug metabolites, and host toxicological responses to facilitate the discovery of microbial targets and mechanisms associated with drug toxicity. Besides this, current mainstream strategies to manipulate drug toxicity by targeting the microbiome are summarized and discussed. The review provides technical reference for the evaluation of medicinal properties in the research and development of innovative drugs, and for the future exploitation of strategies to reduce drug toxicity by targeting the microbiome.

Diet and Nutrition for Hepatitis

The impairment of liver function frequently causes various type of malnutrition, as the liver is one of the most important organs involved in maintaining nutritional homeostasis [...].

Probiotic Properties of Alcaligenes faecalis Isolated from Argyrosomus regius in Experimental Peritonitis (Rat Model)

A strain of Alcaligenes faecalis A12C (A. faecalis A12C) isolated from Argyrosomus regius is a probiotic in fish. Previous experiments showed that A. faecalis A12C had inhibitory effects on the growth of multidrug-resistant bacteria. We aimed to confirm whether A. faecalis A12C is safe and has adequate intestinal colonization in experimental rats, and evaluate its efficacy in an animal model of peritonitis. We used 30 male rats, randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 5): three groups (HA7, HA15, HA30) received A. faecalis A12C in drinking water (6 × 10⁸ CFU/mL) for 7 days, and three control groups received drinking water only. All groups were evaluated at 7, 15, and 30 days. Survival after A. faecalis A12C administration was 100% in all groups. Mild eosinophilia (1.5%, p < 0.01) and increased aspartate aminotransferase (86 IU/L, p < 0.05) were observed in HA7, followed by progressive normalization. No histological signs of organ injury were found. We observed significant E. coli decline in faeces, parallel to an increase in A. faecalis A12C at 7 days. E. coli had a tendency to recover initial values, while A. faecalis A12C disappeared from the intestinal microbiota at 30 days. To evaluate its efficacy against peritonitis, we studied two additional groups of animals: IA group pretreated with A. faecalis A12C before E. coli intra-abdominal inoculation, and IC group inoculated with no A. faecalis A12C. We found an increase in C-reactive protein, alanine aminotransferase, urea, and eosinophils in IC animals when compared with IA. Peritonitis was more evident in IC than in IA animals. Our findings suggest that A. faecalis A12C altered clinically relevant parameters in sepsis and was associated with a lesser spread of infection.

Ligustrazine alleviates cyclophosphamide-induced hepatotoxicity via the inhibition of Txnip/Trx/NF-κB pathway

AIMS

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a common therapeutic drug for cancer, but exposure to CP can cause acute hepatotoxicity. This study aimed to elucidate the protective effects of Ligustrazine (2, 3, 5, 6-tetramethylpyrazine, TMP) on hepatotoxicity induced by CP or its active metabolite 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide (4-HC).

MAIN METHODS

We presented a comprehensive investigation about the hepatoprotection of TMP on CP-induced mice and 4-HC-treated HSC-LX2 cells. Liver function was detected via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hepatic histopathology analysis was performed via hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson staining. Survival of hepatocytes was detected by TUNEL assay. Related proteins in the thioredoxin (Trx)-interacting protein (Txnip)/Trx/Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway were measured by western blotting.

KEY FINDINGS

The results indicated that CP or 4-HC could increase the levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, enhance inflammatory factors and oxidative indicators, and suppress the activity of oxidoreductases. Moreover, significant changes in liver histological structure, fibrosis, and cell death were observed through the activation of Txnip/Trx/NF-κB pathway. In contrast, administration of TMP significantly reversed these above changes. Furthermore, TMP intervention participated in the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome accompanied with pyroptosis, as well as upregulating Trx expression and downregulating p-NF-κB, while the protective effect of TMP was limited to the involvement of Txnip overexpression.

SIGNIFICANCE

TMP treatment could significantly alleviate the hepatotoxicity process as evidenced by improving the structure and function of the liver, inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation accompanied with pyroptosis, which was positively correlated with the inhibition of Txnip/Trx/NF-κB pathway.

Biotechnological applications of Bacillus licheniformis

Bacillus licheniformis is a Gram positive spore-forming bacterial species of high biotechnological interest with numerous present and potential uses, including the production of bioactive compounds that are applied in a wide range of fields, such as aquaculture, agriculture, food, biomedicine, and pharmaceutical industries. Its use as an expression vector for the production of enzymes and other bioproducts is also gaining interest due to the availability of novel genetic manipulation tools. Furthermore, besides its widespread use as a probiotic, other biotechnological applications of B. licheniformis strains include: bioflocculation, biomineralization, biofuel production, bioremediation, and anti-biofilm activity. Although authorities have approved the use of B. licheniformis as a feed additive worldwide due to the absence of toxigenic potential, some probiotics containing this bacterium are considered unsafe due to the possible transference of antibiotic resistance genes. The wide variability in biological activities and genetic characteristics of this species makes it necessary to establish an exact protocol for describing the novel strains, in order to evaluate its biotechnological potential.

Probiotic Bacillus Spores Together with Amino Acids and Immunoglobulins Exert Protective Effects on a Rat Model of Ulcerative Colitis

In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), experimental models have proven to be important tools for evaluating potential therapeutic agents and for investigating the mechanisms of pathogenesis. Oxidative stress and the immune response have been associated with acetic acid (AA)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC). Our study aimed to evaluate, for the first time, the ability of a spore-based probiotic and an amino acid and immunoglobulin supplement in reducing tissue damage and inflammatory responses in an experimental animal model of UC. Forty-two Wistar rats were divided into six groups, receiving 1% carboxymethylcellulose, 4% AA, MegaSporeBiotic™ (MSB; 1 × 10⁹ colony forming units/day) and MegaMucosa™ (MM; 70 mg/100 g/day). Pretreatment with MSB or MM alone and in combination significantly lowered inflammation and reduced damage to the colonic mucosa. Pretreatment with these agents resulted in levels of proinflammatory cytokines, vascular tight junction proteins, and measures of oxidative stress similar to those reported for methylprednisolone, one of the first-line therapies for moderate to severe activity of UC. The protection was further confirmed by histologic analysis of the colon tissue. In conclusion, pretreatment with probiotic spore-forming Bacillus strains and a supplement of amino acids in combination with immunoglobulins exhibited anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in an AA-induced rat model of UC.