scholarly journals Markers of Intestinal Permeability Are Rapidly Improved by Alcohol Withdrawal in Patients with Alcohol-Related Liver Disease

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 1659
Author(s):  
Finn Jung ◽  
Katharina Burger ◽  
Raphaela Staltner ◽  
Annette Brandt ◽  
Sebastian Mueller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liver Disease ◽  
Liver Damage ◽  
Alcohol Withdrawal ◽  
Barrier Function ◽  
Binding Protein ◽  
Intestinal Barrier ◽  
Intestinal Barrier Function ◽  
Fatty Acid Binding ◽  
Liver Health ◽  
Related Liver Disease

Changes in intestinal microbiome and barrier function are critical in the development of alcohol-related liver disease (ALD). Here, we determined the effects of a one-week alcohol withdrawal on parameters of intestinal barrier function in heavy drinkers with ALD in comparison to healthy non-drinkers (controls). In serum samples of 17 controls (m = 10/f = 7) and 37 age-matched ALD patients (m = 26/f = 11) undergoing a one-week alcohol withdrawal, markers of liver health and intestinal barrier function were assessed. Liver damage, e.g., fibrosis and hepatic steatosis, were assessed using FibroScan. Before alcohol withdrawal, markers of liver damage, lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) and overall TLR4/TLR2 ligands in serum were significantly higher in ALD patients than in controls, whereas intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) and zonulin protein concentrations in serum were lower. All parameters, with the exception of LBP, were significantly improved after alcohol withdrawal; however, not to the level of controls. Our data suggest that one-week of abstinence improves markers of intestinal barrier function and liver health in ALD patients.

scholarly journals Sauna dehydration as a new physiological challenge model for intestinal barrier function

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Fernanda Roca Rubio ◽  
Ulrika Eriksson ◽  
Robert J. Brummer ◽  
Julia König
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Intestinal Permeability ◽  
Barrier Function ◽  
Fatty Acid Binding Protein ◽  
Binding Protein ◽  
Intestinal Barrier ◽  
Intestinal Barrier Function ◽  
Fatty Acid Binding ◽  
Acid Binding Protein

AbstractThe intestinal barrier plays a crucial role in maintaining gut health, and an increased permeability has been linked to several intestinal and extra-intestinal disorders. There is an increasing demand for interventions aimed at strengthening this barrier and for in vivo challenge models to assess their efficiency. This study investigated the effect of sauna-induced dehydration on intestinal barrier function (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03620825). Twenty healthy subjects underwent three conditions in random order: (1) Sauna dehydration (loss of 3% body weight), (2) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) intake, (3) negative control. Intestinal permeability was assessed by a multi-sugar urinary recovery test, while intestinal damage, bacterial translocation and cytokines were assessed by plasma markers. The sauna dehydration protocol resulted in an increase in gastroduodenal and small intestinal permeability. Presumably, this increase occurred without substantial damage to the enterocytes as plasma intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) and liver fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) were not affected. In addition, we observed significant increases in levels of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), IL-6 and IL-8, while sCD14, IL-10, IFN-ɣ and TNF-α were not affected. These results suggest that sauna dehydration increased intestinal permeability and could be applied as a new physiological in vivo challenge model for intestinal barrier function.

scholarly journals Somatization in patients with predominant diarrhoea irritable bowel syndrome: the role of the intestinal barrier function and integrity

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Prospero ◽  
Giuseppe Riezzo ◽  
Michele Linsalata ◽  
Antonella Orlando ◽  
Benedetta D’Attoma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Irritable Bowel Syndrome ◽  
Barrier Function ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Intestinal Barrier ◽  
Intestinal Barrier Function ◽  
Fatty Acid Binding ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale ◽  
Gi Symptoms ◽  
Irritable Bowel

Abstract Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterised by gastrointestinal (GI) and psychological symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety, and somatization). Depression and anxiety, but not somatization, have already been associated with altered intestinal barrier function, increased LPS, and dysbiosis. The study aimed to investigate the possible link between somatization and intestinal barrier in IBS with diarrhoea (IBS-D) patients. Methods Forty-seven IBS-D patients were classified as having low somatization (LS = 19) or high somatization (HS = 28) according to the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), (cut-off score = 63). The IBS Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS) and the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) questionnaires were administered to evaluate GI symptoms. The intestinal barrier function was studied by the lactulose/mannitol absorption test, faecal and serum zonulin, serum intestinal fatty-acid binding protein, and diamine oxidase. Inflammation was assessed by assaying serum Interleukins (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10), and tumour necrosis factor-α. Dysbiosis was assessed by the urinary concentrations of indole and skatole and serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS). All data were analysed using a non-parametric test. Results The GI symptoms profiles were significantly more severe, both as a single symptom and as clusters of IBS-SSS and GSRS, in HS than LS patients. This finding was associated with impaired small intestinal permeability and increased faecal zonulin levels. Besides, HS patients showed significantly higher IL-8 and lowered IL-10 concentrations than LS patients. Lastly, circulating LPS levels and the urinary concentrations of indole were higher in HS than LS ones, suggesting a more pronounced imbalance of the small intestine in the former patients. Conclusions IBS is a multifactorial disorder needing complete clinical, psychological, and biochemical evaluations. Trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03423069.

scholarly journals The mRNA-binding protein IGF2BP1 maintains intestinal barrier function by up-regulating occludin expression

2020 ◽  
Vol 295 (25) ◽  
pp. 8602-8612
Author(s):  
Vikash Singh ◽  
Chethana P. Gowda ◽  
Vishal Singh ◽  
Ashwinkumar S. Ganapathy ◽  
Dipti M. Karamchandani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intestinal Epithelium ◽  
Barrier Function ◽  
Binding Protein ◽  
Intestinal Barrier ◽  
Intestinal Barrier Function ◽  
Intestinal Epithelial ◽  
Adult Mice ◽  
Junction Protein ◽  
Mrna Binding Protein ◽  
Mrna Binding

Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) is an mRNA-binding protein that has an oncofetal pattern of expression. It is also expressed in intestinal tissue, suggesting that it has a possible role in intestinal homeostasis. To investigate this possibility, here we generated Villin CreERT2:Igf2bp1flox/flox mice, which enabled induction of an IGF2BP1 knockout specifically in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) of adult mice. Using gut barrier and epithelial permeability assays and several biochemical approaches, we found that IGF2BP1 ablation in the adult intestinal epithelium causes mild active colitis and mild-to-moderate active enteritis. Moreover, the IGF2BP1 deletion aggravated dextran sodium sulfate–induced colitis. We also found that IGF2BP1 removal compromises barrier function of the intestinal epithelium, resulting from altered protein expression at tight junctions. Mechanistically, IGF2BP1 interacted with the mRNA of the tight-junction protein occludin (Ocln), stabilizing Ocln mRNA and inducing expression of occludin in IECs. Furthermore, ectopic occludin expression in IGF2BP1-knockdown cells restored barrier function. We conclude that IGF2BP1-dependent regulation of occludin expression is an important mechanism in intestinal barrier function maintenance and in the prevention of colitis.

scholarly journals Fenretinide Improves Intestinal Barrier Function and Mitigates Alcohol Liver Disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao-Han Tang ◽  
Marta Melis ◽  
Karen Mai ◽  
Lorraine J. Gudas ◽  
Steven E. Trasino
Keyword(s):  
Liver Disease ◽  
Liver Injury ◽  
Intestinal Permeability ◽  
Kupffer Cells ◽  
Barrier Function ◽  
Intestinal Barrier ◽  
Intestinal Barrier Function ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Alcohol Liver Disease

Alcohol liver disease (ALD) is a major cause of liver-related mortality globally, yet there remains an unmet demand for approved ALD drugs. The pathogenesis of ALD involves perturbations to the intestinal barrier and subsequent translocation of bacterial endotoxin that, acting through toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), promotes hepatic inflammation and progression of ALD. In the present study we investigated the ability of fenretinide (Fen) [N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide], a synthetic retinoid with known anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties, to modulate intestinal permeability and clinical hallmarks of ALD in a mouse model of chronic ethanol (EtOH) exposure. Our results show that EtOH-treated mice had reductions in mRNA and protein expression of intestinal tight junction proteins, including claudin one and occludin, and increases in intestinal permeability and endotoxemia compared to pair-fed mice. Also, EtOH-treated mice had marked increases in hepatic steatosis, liver injury, and expression of pro-inflammatory mediators, including TNF-α, and TLR4-positive macrophages, Kupffer cells, and hepatocytes in the intestines and liver, respectively. In contrast, EtOH + Fen-treated mice were resistant to the effects of EtOH on promoting intestinal permeability and had higher intestinal protein levels of claudin one and occludin. Also, EtOH + Fen-treated mice had significantly lower plasma levels of endotoxin, and reductions in expression of TNF-α and TLR4 positive macrophages, Kupffer cells, and hepatocytes in the intestine and liver. Lastly, we found that EtOH + Fen-treated mice exhibited major reductions in hepatic triglycerides, steatosis, and liver injury compared to EtOH-treated mice. Our findings are the first to demonstrate that Fen possesses anti-ALD properties, potentially through modulation of the intestinal barrier function, endotoxemia, and TLR4-mediated inflammation. These data warrant further pre-clinical investigations of Fen as a potential anti-ALD drug.

scholarly journals Endotoxins and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takaomi Kessoku ◽  
Takashi Kobayashi ◽  
Kento Imajo ◽  
Kosuke Tanaka ◽  
Atsushi Yamamoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liver Disease ◽  
Fatty Liver ◽  
Liver Damage ◽  
Fatty Liver Disease ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intestinal Barrier ◽  
Intestinal Barrier Function ◽  
Leaky Gut ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. It occurs with a prevalence of up to 25%, of which 10–20% cases progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis, and liver cancer. The histopathology of NASH is characterized by neutrophilic infiltration, and endotoxins from gram-negative rods have been postulated as a contributing factor. Elevations in endotoxin levels in the blood can be classified as intestinal and hepatic factors. In recent years, leaky gut syndrome, which is characterized by impaired intestinal barrier function, has become a significant issue. A leaky gut may prompt intestinal bacteria dysbiosis and increase the amount of endotoxin that enters the liver from the portal vein. These contribute to persistent chronic inflammation and progressive liver damage. In addition, hepatic factors suggest that liver damage can be induced by low-dose endotoxins, which does not occur in healthy individuals. In particular, increased expression of CD14, an endotoxin co-receptor in the liver, may result in leptin-induced endotoxin hyper-responsiveness in obese individuals. Thus, elevated blood endotoxin levels contribute to the progression of NASH. The current therapeutic targets for NASH treat steatosis and liver inflammation and fibrosis. While many clinical trials are underway, no studies have been performed on therapeutic agents that target the intestinal barrier. Recently, a randomized placebo-controlled trial examined the role of the intestinal barrier in patients with NAFLD. To our knowledge, this study was the first of its kind and study suggested that the intestinal barrier may be a novel target in the future treatment of NAFLD.

scholarly journals Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease through Changes in Gut Microbiome and Intestinal Epithelial Barrier

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hassan M. Heshmati
Keyword(s):  
Liver Disease ◽  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Barrier Function ◽  
Intestinal Barrier ◽  
Intestinal Barrier Function ◽  
Epithelial Barrier ◽  
Excess Body Weight ◽  
Intestinal Epithelial ◽  
Intestinal Epithelial Barrier ◽  
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a leading liver disease worldwide with a prevalence of approximately 25% among adult population. The highest prevalence is observed in Middle East and the lowest prevalence in Africa. NAFLD is a spectrum of liver disorders ranging from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Pro-inflammatory diet, overweight/obesity, inflammation, insulin resistance, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, disrupted gut microbiome, and impaired intestinal barrier function are important risk factors associated with and/or contributing to NAFLD. Gut microbiome is a complex and diverse microbial ecosystem essential for the maintenance of human health. It is influenced by several factors including diet and medications. Gut microbiome can be disrupted in NAFLD. Intestinal epithelial barrier is the largest and most important barrier against the external environment and plays an important role in health and disease. Several factors including diet and gut microbiome impact intestinal barrier function. NAFLD can be associated with impaired intestinal barrier function (increased intestinal permeability). There are no specific drugs that directly treat NAFLD. The first-line therapy of NAFLD is currently lifestyle intervention. Weight loss is an important component in the treatment of NAFLD subjects who have excess body weight. Gut microbiome and intestinal epithelial barrier are becoming promising targets for the treatment of several diseases including NAFLD. In the absence of approved pharmacotherapy for the treatment of NAFLD/NASH, in addition to lifestyle intervention and weight loss (in case of excess body weight), focus should also be on correcting gut microbiome and intestinal permeability (directly and/or through gut microbiome modulation) using diet (e.g., low-fat diet, high-fiber diet, and Mediterranean diet), prebiotics (nondigestible food ingredients), probiotics (nonpathogenic living microorganisms), synbiotics (combination of prebiotics and probiotics), and fecal microbiota transplantation (transfer of healthy stool).

scholarly journals Short intense psychological stress induced by skydiving does not impair intestinal barrier function

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. e0254280
Author(s):  
Maria Fernanda Roca Rubio ◽  
Ulrika Eriksson ◽  
Robert J. Brummer ◽  
Julia König
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Stress ◽  
Intestinal Permeability ◽  
Barrier Function ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Intestinal Barrier ◽  
Intestinal Barrier Function ◽  
Fatty Acid Binding ◽  
Small Intestinal ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
Psychological Stressor

Background and aim Psychological stress has been shown to increase intestinal permeability and is associated with the development of gastrointestinal disorders. This study aimed to investigate skydiving as an alternative model to analyse the effect of acute psychological stress on intestinal barrier function. Materials and methods Twenty healthy subjects participated in a tandem skydive followed by a negative control visit, of which 19 (9 females and 10 males, 25.9 ± 3.7 years) were included in the study. Intestinal permeability was assessed by a multi-sugar urinary recovery test. Sucrose recovery and lactulose/rhamnose ratio in 0-5h urine indicated gastroduodenal and small intestinal permeability, respectively, and sucralose/erythritol ratio in 5-24h urine indicated colonic permeability. Blood samples were taken to assess markers associated with barrier function. This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03644979) on August 23, 2018. Results Skydiving resulted in a significant increase in salivary cortisol levels directly after skydiving compared to the control visit. Cortisol levels were still increased two hours after landing, while cortisol levels before skydiving were not significantly different from the baseline at the control visit. Skydiving did not induce a significant increase in gastroduodenal, small intestinal or colonic permeability. There was also no significant increase in plasma intestinal and liver fatty acid-binding proteins, suggesting no damage to the enterocytes. Discussion These results show that the acute intense psychological stress induced by skydiving does not affect intestinal permeability in healthy subjects. Future models aiming to investigate the effect of stress on human intestinal barrier function should consider a more sustained exposure to the psychological stressor.

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