Probiotic supplementation for 24 weeks in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: the PROBILIVER randomized clinical trial.

Background and aim: Considering the increasing prevalence of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and treatment gaps, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of probiotic supplementation on liver function markers, nutritional status, and clinical parameters. Methods: This double-blind, randomized clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT0346782) included adult outpatients with biopsy-proven NASH. The intervention consisted of 24 weeks of supplementation with the probiotic mix Lactobacillus acidophilus (1 × 109 CFU) + Lactobacillus rhamnosus (1 × 109 CFU) + Lactobacillus paracasei (1 × 109 CFU) + Bifidobacterium lactis (1 × 109 CFU), or placebo, twice a day. The following parameters were evaluated: demographic and clinical data, transient elastography (FibroScan), liver enzymes, NAFLD fibrosis score, fatty liver index, laboratory assessment, serum concentration of toll-like receptor-4 (sTLR-4) and cytokeratin 18 (CK-18), anthropometric data, dietary intake, and physical activity. Regarding data analysis, the comparison between the groups was based on the delta of the difference of each variable analyzed (value at the end of treatment minus the baseline value) using the t-test for independent samples or the Mann-Whitney U-test. Results: Forty-four patients with NASH completed the trial (51.4 ± 11.6 years). At baseline, 87% of participants had a mild liver fibrosis degree on biopsy, normal values of liver enzymes, transient elastography values consistent with grade 1 fibrosis in both groups, increased waist circumference (WC), a BMI of 30.97 kg/m2, and 76% presented with metabolic syndrome (MetS). After the intervention, no differences were observed between the probiotic and placebo groups in terms of MetS, WC, BMI scores, or liver enzyme levels (p > 0.05 for all). The elastography values remained consistent with grade 1 fibrosis in both groups. Although CK-18 was reduced in both groups, a larger effect size was noted in the probiotic group (D = 1.336). sTLR-4 was also reduced in both groups, with no difference between groups (p = 0.885). Conclusion: Intervention with probiotics in the early stages of NASH demonstrated no significant change in hepatic and clinical parameters. Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT0346782.

Extracellular Vesicles and Their Correlation with Inflammatory Factors in an Experimental Model of Steatotic Liver Disease Associated with Metabolic Dysfunction.

Background/Aims: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are promising as a biomarker of metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The objective is to study EVs and their involvement in MASLD concerning the disease's pathogenesis and progression characteristics. Methods: Male adult Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned into two experimental models of MASLD: MASLD-16 and MASLD-28, animals received a choline-deficient high-fat diet (CHFD) and Control-16 and Control-28, animals received a standard diet (SD) for 16 and 28 weeks, respectively. Biological samples from these animal models were used, as well as previously registered variables. EVs from hepatic tissue were characterized using confocal microscopy. EVs were isolated through differential ultracentrifugation from serum and characterized using NanoSight. The data from the EVs were correlated with biochemical, molecular, and histopathological parameters. Results: Liver EVs were identified through the flotillin-1 protein. EVs were isolated from the serum of all groups. There was a decrease of EVs concentration in MASLD-28 in comparison with Control-28 (P < 0.001) and a significant increase in EVs concentration in Control-28 compared with Control-16 (P < 0.001). There was a strong correlation between serum EVs concentration with hepatic gene expression of interleukin (Il)6 (r2 = 0.685, P < 0.05), Il1b (r2 = 0.697, P < 0.05) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (Tnfa; r2 = 0.636, P < 0.05) in MASLD-16. Moreover, there was a strong correlation between serum EVs size and Il10 in MASLD-28 (r2 = 0.762, P < 0.05). Conclusion: The concentration and size of EVs correlated with inflammatory markers, suggesting their involvement in the systemic circulation, cellular communication, and development and progression of MASLD, demonstrating that EVs have the potential to serve as noninvasive biomarkers for MASLD diagnosis and prognosis.

COMPARISON OF GUT MICROBIOTA IN ALCOHOLIC AND METABOLIC-DYSFUNCION ASSOCIATED STEATOTIC LIVER DISEASE IN ANIMAL MODELS.

BACKGROUND: Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and metabolic-dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are common, and gut microbiota (GM) is involved with both. Here we compared GM composition in animal models of MASLD and ALD to assess whether there are specific patterns for each disease. METHODS: MASLD model- adult male Sprague Dawley rats, randomized into two groups: MASLD-control (n=10) fed a standard diet; MASLD-group (n=10) fed a high-fat-choline-deficient diet for 16 weeks. ALD model- adult male Wistar rats randomized: ALD-control (n=8) fed a standard diet and water+0.05% saccharin, ALD groups fed with sunflower seed and 10% ethanol+0.05% saccharin for 4 or 8 weeks (ALC4, n=8; ALC8, n=8). ALC4/8 on the last day received alcoholic binge (5g/kg of ethanol). Afterwards, animals were euthanized, and feces were collected for GM analysis. RESULTS: Both experimental models induced typical histopathological features of the diseases. Alpha diversity was lower in MASLD compared with ALD (p<0.001), and structural pattern was different between them (P<0.001). Bacteroidetes (55.7%), Firmicutes (40.6%), and Proteobacteria (1.4%) were the most prevalent phyla in all samples, although differentially abundant among groups. ALC8 had a greater abundance of the phyla Cyanobacteria (5.3%) and Verrucomicrobiota (3.2%) in relation to the others. Differential abundance analysis identified Lactobacillaceae_unclassified, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, and Turicibacter associated with ALC4 and the Clostridia_UCG_014_ge and Gastranaerophilales_ge genera to ALC8. CONCLUSION: In this study, we demonstrated that the structural pattern of the GM differs significantly between MASLD and ALD models. Studies are needed to characterize the microbiota and metabolome in both clinical conditions to find new therapeutic strategies. BACKGROUND: •Changes in the composition of the intestinal microbiota are related to the development of alcoholic liver disease and metabolic-dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease. BACKGROUND: •The diversity of the intestinal microbiota was lower in animals with MASLD compared to ALD. BACKGROUND: •The structural pattern of the intestinal microbiota was significantly different among the experimental groups. BACKGROUND: •Studies are needed to characterize the composition of the intestinal microbiota and metabolome to find new therapeutic strategies.

Rifaximin on epigenetics and autophagy in animal model of hepatocellular carcinoma secondary to metabolic-dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease.

BACKGROUND: Prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing, especially in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). AIM: To investigate rifaximin (RIF) effects on epigenetic/autophagy markers in animals. METHODS: Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned (n = 8, each) and treated from 5-16 wk: Control [standard diet, water plus gavage with vehicle (Veh)], HCC [high-fat choline deficient diet (HFCD), diethylnitrosamine (DEN) in drinking water and Veh gavage], and RIF [HFCD, DEN and RIF (50 mg/kg/d) gavage]. Gene expression of epigenetic/autophagy markers and circulating miRNAs were obtained. RESULTS: All HCC and RIF animals developed metabolic-dysfunction associated steatohepatitis fibrosis, and cirrhosis, but three RIF-group did not develop HCC. Comparing animals who developed HCC with those who did not, miR-122, miR-34a, tubulin alpha-1c (Tuba-1c), metalloproteinases-2 (Mmp2), and metalloproteinases-9 (Mmp9) were significantly higher in the HCC-group. The opposite occurred with Becn1, coactivator associated arginine methyltransferase-1 (Carm1), enhancer of zeste homolog-2 (Ezh2), autophagy-related factor LC3A/B (Map1 Lc3b), and p62/sequestosome-1 (p62/SQSTM1)-protein. Comparing with controls, Map1 Lc3b, Becn1 and Ezh2 were lower in HCC and RIF-groups (P < 0.05). Carm1 was lower in HCC compared to RIF (P < 0.05). Hepatic expression of Mmp9 was higher in HCC in relation to the control; the opposite was observed for p62/Sqstm1 (P < 0.05). Expression of p62/SQSTM1 protein was lower in the RIF-group compared to the control (P = 0.024). There was no difference among groups for Tuba-1c, Aldolase-B, alpha-fetoprotein, and Mmp2 (P > 0.05). miR-122 was higher in HCC, and miR-34a in RIF compared to controls (P < 0.05). miR-26b was lower in HCC compared to RIF, and the inverse was observed for miR-224 (P < 0.05). There was no difference among groups regarding miR-33a, miR-143, miR-155, miR-375 and miR-21 (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: RIF might have a possible beneficial effect on preventing/delaying liver carcinogenesis through epigenetic modulation in a rat model of MASLD-HCC.

High red meat consumption among PNPLA3 polymorphism carriers is associated with NAFLD in a multi-center cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND & AIM: Patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 3 gene (PNPLA3) polymorphism has been implicated in susceptibility to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), with evidence for potential interaction with nutrition. However, the combination of meat consumption with genetic polymorphism has not been tested. Therefore, this study aims to test the association between the joint presence of PNPLA3 rs738409 G-allele with high meat consumption and NAFLD in populations with diverse meat consumption. METHODS: A cross-sectional study among Israeli screening and Brazilian primary healthcare populations. Food consumption was assessed by a food-frequency questionnaire. PNPLA3 polymorphism was defined as homozygous (GG) or heterozygous (GC). Inconclusive/probable NAFLD was defined as a fatty liver index (FLI) ≥ 30 and probable NAFLD as FLI ≥ 60. RESULTS: The sample included 511 subjects from the screening and primary healthcare populations (n = 213 and n = 298, respectively). Genetic polymorphism (homozygous GG or heterozygous GC) combined with high consumption of total meat, red and/or processed meat, unprocessed red meat, and processed meat was associated with the highest odds for inconclusive/probable NAFLD (OR = 2.75, 95%CI 1.27-5.97, p = 0.011; OR = 3.24, 1.43-7.34, p = 0.005; OR = 2.92, 1.32-6.47, p = 0.008; OR = 3.16, 1.46-6.83, p = 0.003, respectively), adjusting for age, gender, BMI, alcohol consumption, carbohydrate, and saturated fat intake. In addition, genetic polymorphism combined with high processed meat consumption was associated with the highest odds for probable NAFLD (OR = 2.40, 95%CI 1.04-5.56, p = 0.040). CONCLUSIONS: High red meat intake may confer a greater risk for NAFLD among PNPLA3 polymorphism carriers. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and consider minimizing red and processed meat consumption among PNPLA3 polymorphism carriers.

Nicotinamide riboside and dietary restriction effects on gut microbiota and liver inflammatory and morphologic markers in cafeteria diet-induced obesity in rats.

OBJECTIVES: No specific therapy is available for metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease. We investigated nicotinamide riboside (NR) and dietary restriction (DR) effects in liver lipids, inflammation, histology, intestinal permeability, and gut microbiota in a cafeteria diet (CAFD)-induced obesity model. METHODS: Adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to standard diet (SD) or CAFD. After 6 wk, they were subdivided into six groups-SD + vehicle (Veh) (distilled water), SD + NR (400 mg/kg), DR + Veh, DR + NR, CAFD + Veh, and CAFD + NR-for 4 wk more until euthanasia. RESULTS: CAFD increased the hepatic content of lipids, triacylglycerols, and total cholesterol and promoted hepatomegaly, steatosis, steatohepatitis, and liver fibrosis. DR intervention successfully delayed the onset of CAFD-induced liver abnormalities except for steatosis and fibrosis. CAFD suppressed Sirt1 expression in the liver and DR increased Sirt3 expression. CAFD did not affect hepatic inflammatory genes but DR enhanced Il10 expression while decreasing Il1ß expression. CAFD reduced Firmicutes and increased Bacteroidetes and Cyanobacteria, with no changes in intestinal permeability. Gut microbiota patterns in animals exposed to DR were similar to those of animals in SD. NR, specifically in CAFD, reduced hepatic triacylglycerols and total cholesterol deposition and collagen fiber accumulation in the liver and limited the colonization of CAFD-induced Cyanobacteria. NR combined with DR decreased the liver's relative weight and Tnfα expression and suppressed Sirt1 and Sirt3 hepatic expression. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that NR can be a potential adjuvant to metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease therapy, encouraging further research in this field.

Oral 24-week probiotics supplementation did not decrease cardiovascular risk markers in patients with biopsy proven NASH: A double-blind placebo-controlled randomized study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major cause of death in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a clinical condition without any approved pharmacological therapy. Probiotics are often indicated for the disease, but their results are controversial in part due to the poor quality of studies. Thus, we investigated the impact of 24-week probiotics supplementation on cardiovascular risk (CVR) in biopsy-proven non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-center study (NCT03467282), adult NASH, randomized for 24 weeks daily sachets of probiotic mix (109CFU of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus paracasei and Bifidobacterium lactis) or placebo. Clinical scores (atherogenic indexes, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease-ASCVD and systematic coronary risk evaluation-SCORE), biochemistry, miR-122, miR-33a, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), were determined before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Forty-six patients were enrolled (23 received probiotics and 23 placebo), with a mean age of 51.7 years, most of them females and whites. Clinical and demographic features were similar between the groups at the baseline. The Median NAFLD activity score was 4.13 in both groups. Fibrosis was mild in most patients (15.2% and 65.2% F0 and F1, respectively). Treatment did not promote any clinically significant changes in body mass index or laboratory, including lipid and glucose profile. High CVR patients through atherogenic indexes decreased from baseline in both groups, as well as PAI-1 and miR-122 levels, although there was no difference between probiotics and placebo. CONCLUSIONS: A 24-week probiotic mix administration was not superior to placebo in reducing CVR markers in patients with NASH.

Ornithine Aspartate and Vitamin-E Combination Has Beneficial Effects on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in an Animal Model of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Rats.

Cardiovascular (CV) disease is the main cause of death in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a clinical condition without any approved pharmacological therapy. Thus, we investigated the effects of ornithine aspartate (LOLA) and/or Vitamin E (VitE) on CV parameters in a steatohepatitis experimental model. Adult Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned (10 animals each) and treated from 16 to 28 weeks with gavage as follows: controls (standard diet plus distilled water (DW)), NAFLD (high-fat choline-deficient diet (HFCD) plus DW), NAFLD+LOLA (HFCD plus LOLA (200 mg/kg/day)), NAFLD+VitE (HFCD plus VitE (150 mg twice a week)) or NAFLD+LOLA+VitE in the same doses. Atherogenic ratios were higher in NAFLD when compared with NAFLD+LOLA+VitE and controls (p < 0.05). Serum concentration of IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1, e-selectin, ICAM-1, and PAI-1 were not different in intervention groups and controls (p > 0.05). NAFLD+LOLA decreased miR-122, miR-33a, and miR-186 (p < 0.05, for all) in relation to NAFLD. NAFLD+LOLA+VitE decreased miR-122, miR-33a and miR-186, and increased miR-126 (p < 0.05, for all) in comparison to NAFLD and NAFLD+VitE. NAFLD+LOLA and NAFLD+LOLA+VitE prevented liver collagen deposition (p = 0.006) in comparison to NAFLD. Normal cardiac fibers (size and shape) were lower in NAFLD in relation to the others; and the inverse was reported for the percentage of regular hypertrophic cardiomyocytes. NAFLD+LOLA+VitE promoted a significant improvement in atherogenic dyslipidemia, liver fibrosis, and paracrine signaling of lipid metabolism and endothelial dysfunction. This association should be further explored in the treatment of NAFLD-associated CV risk factors.

Protocol to segment and characterize the morphometry of individual cross-sectioned striated muscle fibers from adult murine models.

The muscle fiber morphometric analysis (MusMA) is a protocol to segment and characterize the morphometry of individual cross-sectioned striated muscle fibers. Using a semi-automated Excel spreadsheet, the protocol allows the objective measurement of muscle fibers' subpopulations, aiming to characterize physiopathological conditions related to muscle tissue. The main limitation of MusMA is the need for high-quality tissue slides and images and control samples to set up the analyses.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has beneficial effects on liver lipid accumulation and hepatic inflammatory parameters in obese rats.

Obesity is key to liver steatosis development and progression. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a promising tool for eating disorders management but was not yet evaluated in steatosis. This study investigated tDCS' effects on liver steatosis and inflammation in an experimental obesity model. Male Wistar rats (60 days-old) were randomly allocated (n = 10/group) as follows: standard-diet/sham tDCS (SDS), standard-diet/tDCS (SDT), hypercaloric-cafeteria-diet/sham tDCS (HDS), and hypercaloric-cafeteria-diet/tDCS (HDT). After 40 days of diet, animals received active or sham tDCS for eight days and were euthanized for liver fat deposition and inflammation analysis. HDS and HDT animals showed cumulative food consumption, total liver lipid deposits, IL-1ß, TNF-α levels, IL-1ß/IL-10 and TNF-α/IL-10 ratios significantly higher than the SDS and SDT groups (p < 0.001 for all parameters). tDCS (SDT and HDT) reduced liver lipid deposits (0.7 times for both, p < 0.05), IL-1ß (0.7 times and 0.9 times, respectively, p < 0.05) and IL-1ß/IL-10 index (0.6 times and 0.8 times, respectively, p < 0.05) in relation to sham (SDS and HDS). There was an interaction effect on the accumulation of hepatic triglycerides (p < 0.05). tDCS reduced 0.8 times the average liver triglyceride concentration in the HDT vs. HDS group (p < 0.05). In this obesity model, tDCS significantly decreased liver steatosis and hepatic inflammation. These results may justify looking into tDCS utility for human steatosis.

Chronic exposure to ethanol alters the expression of miR-155, miR-122 and miR-217 in alcoholic liver disease in an adult zebrafish model.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatic and circulating expression of miR-155, miR-122 and miR-217 in a model of chronic exposure to ethanol in adult zebrafish. METHODS: Wild-type adult zebrafish were divided into two groups (n = 281): an EG (exposed to 0.5% v/v Ethanol in aquarium water) and a CG (without ethanol). After 28 days the animals were euthanized, followed by histopathological analysis, quantification of lipids, triglycerides and inflammatory cytokines in liver tissue. miR-155, miR-122 and miR-217 gene expression was quantified in liver tissue and serum. RESULTS: We observed hepatic lesions and increased accumulation of hepatic lipids in the EG. The expression of il-1ß was higher in the EG, but there were no differences in il-10 and tnf-α between groups. In the liver, expression of miR-122 and miR-155 was higher in the EG. The circulating expression of miR-155 and miR-217 was significantly higher in the EG. CONCLUSION: Chronic exposure to ethanol in zebrafish leads to altered hepatic and circulating expression of miR-155, miR-122 and miR-217. This confirms its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target.

Gut dysbiosis and systemic inflammation promote cardiomyocyte abnormalities in an experimental model of steatohepatitis.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death in metabolic-associated fatty liver disease, and gut microbiota dysbiosis is associated with both of them. AIM: To assess the relationship between gut dysbiosis and cardiovascular risk (CVR) in an experimental model of steatohepatitis. METHODS: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to a control group (n = 10) fed a standard diet and an intervention group (n = 10) fed a high-fat choline-deficient diet for 16 wk. Biochemical, molecular, hepatic, and cardiac histopathology. Gut microbiota variables were evaluated. RESULTS: The intervention group had a significantly higher atherogenic coefficient, Castelli's risk index (CRI)-I and CRI-II, interleukin-1ß, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (all P < 0.001), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (P = 0.005), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (P = 0.037) than the control group. Gene expression of miR-33a increased (P = 0.001) and miR-126 (P < 0.001) decreased in the intervention group. Steatohepatitis with fibrosis was seen in the intervention group, and heart computerized histological imaging analysis showed a significant decrease in the percentage of cardiomyocytes with a normal morphometric appearance (P = 0.007), reduction in the mean area of cardiomyocytes (P = 0.037), and an increase of atrophic cardiomyocytes (P = 0.007). There were significant correlations between the cardiomyocyte morphometry markers and those of progression and severity of liver disease and CVR. The intervention group had a lower Shannon diversity index and fewer changes in the structural pattern of gut microbiota (both P < 0.001) than controls. Nine microbial families that are involved in lipid metabolism were differentially abundant in intervention group and were significantly correlated with markers of liver injury and CVR. CONCLUSION: The study found a link between gut dysbiosis and significant cardiomyocyte abnormalities in animals with steatohepatitis.

Gut Dysbiosis and Increased Intestinal Permeability Drive microRNAs, NLRP-3 Inflammasome and Liver Fibrosis in a Nutritional Model of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis in Adult Male Sprague Dawley Rats.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The interactions between the gut and liver have been described in the progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The aim of this study was to develop an experimental nutritional model of NASH simulating metabolic changes occurring in humans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into two groups: controls (standard diet) and intervention (high-fat and choline-deficient diet) for 16 weeks, each experimental group with 10 animals. Biochemical analysis, hepatic lipid content, microRNAs, inflammatory, gut permeability markers and gut microbiota were measured. RESULTS: Animals in the intervention group showed significantly higher delta Lee index (p=0.017), abdominal circumference (p<0.001), abdominal adipose tissue (p<0.001) and fresh liver weight (p<0.001), as well as higher serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (p=0.010), glucose (p=0.013), total cholesterol (p=0.033), LDL cholesterol (p=0.011), and triglycerides (p=0.011), and lower HDL cholesterol (p=0.006) compared to the control group. Higher TLR4 (p=0.041), TLR9 (p=0.033), MyD88 (p=0.001), Casp1 (p<0.001), NLPR3 (p=0.019), liver inflammation index interleukin (IL)-1ß/IL10 (p<0.001), IL6/IL10 (p=0.002) and TNFα/IL10 (p=0.001) were observed in the intervention group, and also lower permeability markers Ocln (p=0.003) and F11r (p=0.041). Gene expression of miR-122 increased (p=0.041) and miR-145 (p=0.010) decreased in the intervention group. Liver steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis, along with collagen fiber deposition increment (p<0.001), were seen in the intervention group. Regarding gut microbiota, Bray-Curtis dissimilarity index and number of operational taxonomic units were significantly different (p<0.001) between the groups. Composition of the gut microbiota showed a significant correlation with histopathological score of NAFLD (r=0.694) and index IL-1ß/IL-10 (r=0.522). CONCLUSION: This experimental model mimicking human NASH demonstrated gut and liver interaction, with gut microbiota and intestinal permeability changes occurring in parallel with systemic and liver inflammation, miRNAs regulation and liver tissue damage.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Through the Modulation of Gut Permeability and Inflammasomes in a Model of Alcoholic Liver Disease in Zebrafish.

Objective: Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is among the leading causes of death from liver disease. Among the factors involved in its pathogenesis are inflammation and increased intestinal permeability. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) on hepatic lipid accumulation, activation of inflammasomes, and gut permeability markers in experimental model of ALD with zebrafish.Methods: An experiment was conducted to assess the effective LGG dose capable of promoting intestinal colonization. Animals were divided into three groups (n = 64/group): ethanol group (E), ethanol + probiotic group (EP), and control group (C). Groups E and EP were exposed to 0.5% ethanol concentration for 28 days. At the end of this period, animals were euthanized, and livers were collected for Oil Red staining and assessment of the inflammasome system. Intestines were collected for evaluation of gut permeability markers.Results: The dose of 1.55 × 106 UFC LGG/fish/d promoted intestinal colonization. Group EP presented lower hepatic lipid accumulation, lower il-1ß expression, and higher cldn15a expression when compared to group E.Conclusions: Supplementation with LGG was protective for hepatic steatosis in ALD model. In addition, LGG influenced the modulation of the inflammatory response and markers of gut permeability, improving the gut barrier structure.

Cholinergic system and exploratory behavior are changed after weekly-binge ethanol exposure in zebrafish.

Binge drinking is characterized by excessive alcohol consumption in a short period of time and is associated with a poor quality of life. Zebrafish are commonly used to investigate neurochemical, behavioral, and genetic parameters associated with ethanol (EtOH) exposure. However, few studies have used zebrafish as a model to investigate binge EtOH exposure. In order to elucidate the potential neurobehavioral impairments evoked by binge EtOH exposure in zebrafish, animals were immersed in 1.4% EtOH for 30 min three consecutive times with intervals of one week. Neurobehavioral parameters were analyzed immediately following the third exposure, as well as 2 and 9 days later. Brain choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities were reduced 9 days after the treatment. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive species and dichlorodihydrofluorescein levels were increased immediately after the treatment, but both returned to normal levels 2 days after the treatment. Catalase and glutathione reductase were impaired 2 and 9 days after the treatment. No alteration was observed in superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities. EtOH treatment did not alter brain expression of inflammatory genes such as il-1ß, il-10, and tnf-α. Zebrafish displayed anxiolytic-like behavior immediately after the last exposure, though there was no behavioral alteration observed 9 days after the treatment. Therefore, binge EtOH exposure in zebrafish leads to long lasting brain cholinergic alteration, probably related to oxidative stress immediately after the exposure, which is independent of classical inflammatory markers.

Experimental model of hepatic steatosis by fructose in adult zebrafish: a pilot study

Introduction: The consumption of fructose has been questioned, since its increase has led to an associated increase in steatosis caused by nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Despite the advantages presented by the zebrafish as an animal model, at present there are no models of steatosis by fructose in adult zebrafish. The aim of this study is to establish a model of hepatic steatosis by fructose in adult zebrafish. Methods: Firstly, adult zebrafish were daily exposed to 4% or 6% fructose. Then, animals were exposed to 6% fructose every 2 days. The hepatic lipid accumulation was analyzed by Nile Red and Oil Red O staining. Results: The daily exposure to 6% fructose showed increased accumulation of hepatic lipids when compared to 4% and control groups, but the same concentration showed no difference when the exposure happened every 2 days. Conclusion: We can suggest the daily exposure to a concentration of 6% fructose can be considered as a new experimental model of adult zebrafish. (AU)

IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, and nutritional status in pediatric patients with biliary atresia / IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10 e estado nutricional em pacientes pediátricos com atresia biliar

Abstract Objectives: The objective of the present study is to evaluate whether IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10 are associated with nutritional status in patients with cirrhosis secondary to biliary atresia and compare to healthy controls. Methods: The parameters used for nutritional assessment were the standard deviation scores of height-for-age and of triceps skinfold thickness-for-age. The severity of cirrhosis was evaluated using the Child-Pugh score and PELD/MELD. Serum cytokines were measured using Cytometric Bead Array flow cytometry. Results: IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10 were significantly higher in the cirrhosis group when compared with the control group (2.4 vs. 0.24 (p < 0.001), 0.21 vs. 0.14 (p = 0.007), and 0.65 vs. 0.36 (p = 0.004), respectively. IL-6 and IL-10 were positively correlated with disease severity (0.450 [p = 0.001] and 0.410; [p = 0.002], respectively). TNF-α did not show a significant correlation with disease severity (0.100; p = 0.478). Regarding nutritional evaluation, IL-6 was negatively correlated with the standard deviation score of height-for-age (−0.493; p < 0.001) and of triceps skinfold thickness-for-age (−0.503; p < 0.001), respectively. IL-10 exhibited a negative correlation with the standard deviation score of height-for-age (−0.476; p < 0.001) and the standard deviation score of triceps skinfold thickness-for-age (−0.388; p = 0.004). TNF-α did not show any significance in both anthropometric parameters (−0.083 (p = 0.555) and −0.161 (p = 0.253). Conclusion: The authors suggest that, in patients with cirrhosis secondary to biliary atresia, IL-6 could be used as a possible supporting biomarker of deficient nutritional status and elevated IL-10 levels could be used as a possible early-stage supporting biomarker of deteriorating nutritional status.

Resumo Objetivos: Avaliar se há associações entre a IL-6, o TNF-α, a IL-10 e a estado nutricional em pacientes com cirrose secundária a atresia biliar e comparar com controles saudáveis. Métodos: Os parâmetros usados na avaliação nutricional foram desvio padrão de estatura para a idade e espessura da prega cutânea do tríceps para a idade. A gravidade da cirrose foi avaliada por meio da classificação de Child-Pugh e do PELD/MELD. As citocinas no soro foram medidas por citometria de fluxo - técnica de Cytometric Bead Array. Resultados: A IL-6, o TNF-α e a IL-10 foram significativamente maiores no grupo de cirrose em comparação com o grupo de controle [2,4 em comparação com 0,24 (p < 0,001)], [0,21 em comparação com 0,14 (p = 0,007)] e [0,65 em comparação com 0,36 (p = 0,004)], respectivamente. A IL-6 e a IL-10 demonstraram correlação positiva com a gravidade da doença (0,450; p = 0,001) e (0,410; p = 0,002), respectivamente. O TNF-α não mostrou relevância na gravidade da doença (0,100; p = 0,478). Com relação à avaliação nutricional, a IL-6 demonstrou correlação negativa com o desvio padrão de estatura para a idade (−0,493; p < 0,001) e o desvio padrão de espessura da prega cutânea do tríceps para a idade (−0,503; p < 0,001), respectivamente. A IL-10 demonstrou correlação negativa com o desvio padrão de estatura para a idade (−0,476; p < 0,001) e o desvio padrão de espessura da prega cutânea do tríceps para a idade (−0,388; p = 0,004), respectivamente. O TNF-α não mostrou relevância em ambos os parâmetros antropométricos [(−0,083; p = 0,555); (−0,161; p = 0,253)]. Conclusão: Assim, sugerimos que, em pacientes com cirrose secundária a atresia biliar, IL-6 pode ser usado como um possível biomarcador de suporte do estado nutricional deficiente e níveis aumentados de IL-10 podem ser usados como um possível biomarcador de suporte, em fase inicial, de deterioração do estado nutricional.

IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, and nutritional status in pediatric patients with biliary atresia.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the present study is to evaluate whether IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10 are associated with nutritional status in patients with cirrhosis secondary to biliary atresia and compare to healthy controls. METHODS: The parameters used for nutritional assessment were the standard deviation scores of height-for-age and of triceps skinfold thickness-for-age. The severity of cirrhosis was evaluated using the Child-Pugh score and PELD/MELD. Serum cytokines were measured using Cytometric Bead Array flow cytometry. RESULTS: IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10 were significantly higher in the cirrhosis group when compared with the control group (2.4 vs. 0.24 (p<0.001), 0.21 vs. 0.14 (p=0.007), and 0.65 vs. 0.36 (p=0.004), respectively. IL-6 and IL-10 were positively correlated with disease severity (0.450 [p=0.001] and 0.410; [p=0.002], respectively). TNF-α did not show a significant correlation with disease severity (0.100; p=0.478). Regarding nutritional evaluation, IL-6 was negatively correlated with the standard deviation score of height-for-age (-0.493; p<0.001) and of triceps skinfold thickness-for-age (-0.503; p<0.001), respectively. IL-10 exhibited a negative correlation with the standard deviation score of height-for-age (-0.476; p<0.001) and the standard deviation score of triceps skinfold thickness-for-age (-0.388; p=0.004). TNF-α did not show any significance in both anthropometric parameters (-0.083 (p=0.555) and -0.161 (p=0.253). CONCLUSION: The authors suggest that, in patients with cirrhosis secondary to biliary atresia, IL-6 could be used as a possible supporting biomarker of deficient nutritional status and elevated IL-10 levels could be used as a possible early-stage supporting biomarker of deteriorating nutritional status.

Paracrine Effects of Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells in Survival and Cytokine Expression after 90% Partial Hepatectomy.

Acute liver failure is a complex and fatal disease. Cell-based therapies are a promising alternative therapeutic approach for liver failure due to relatively simple technique and lower cost. The use of semipermeable microcapsules has become an interesting tool for evaluating paracrine effects in vivo. In this study, we aimed to assess the paracrine effects of bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMC) encapsulated in sodium alginate to treat acute liver failure in an animal model of 90% partial hepatectomy (90% PH). Encapsulated BMMC were able to increase 10-day survival without enhancing liver regeneration markers. Gene expression of Il-6 and Il-10 in the remnant liver was markedly reduced at 6 h after 90% PH in animals receiving encapsulated BMMC compared to controls. This difference, however, was neither reflected by changes in the number of CD68+ cells nor by serum levels of IL6. On the other hand, treated animals presented increased caspase activity and gene expression in the liver. Taken together, these results suggest that BMMC regulate immune response and promote apoptosis in the liver after 90% PH by paracrine factors. These changes ultimately may be related to the higher survival observed in treated animals, suggesting that BMMC may be a promising alternative to treat acute liver failure.