Natural Microbial Molecule Offers Promising Non-Toxic Approach to Restore Liver and Gut Health

Researchers at UC Davis Health have identified a natural compound produced by gut bacteria that can effectively reverse liver damage and repair the intestinal lining after exposure to harmful toxins like aflatoxin. Aflatoxins, which are produced by mold commonly found in foods such as peanuts and corn, are known to cause significant liver injury. The study focused on 10-hydroxy-cis-12-octadecenoic acid (10-HSA), a molecule generated by Lactobacillus bacteria, and demonstrated its potential to promote healing in mice models.

The research revealed that administering 10-HSA led to the restoration of gut barrier integrity, normalization of bile acid metabolites, improved liver detoxification functions, and balanced immune responses within the gut. Notably, this microbial molecule activated PPARα, a key regulator of lipid metabolism, which contributed to tissue repair without toxic side effects usually associated with synthetic drugs.

This discovery highlights the critical link between the gut and liver, known as the gut-liver axis, which plays a vital role in maintaining overall health. Diseases like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have been escalating worldwide, and current therapies are limited. The study's findings suggest that targeting this gut-liver communication pathway with microbiome-derived compounds could offer a safe and effective treatment strategy.

Dandekar emphasized that, unlike many pharmaceuticals, 10-HSA is naturally produced in the gut and works only when the microbiome and body's processes are in harmony. This provides a promising avenue for developing dietary supplements or therapeutic agents to prevent or treat liver-related conditions, especially in regions with high exposure to mycotoxins. The researchers are now preparing for human clinical trials to evaluate its safety and effectiveness further.

This work emphasizes the potential of microbiome-based interventions to heal and protect vital organs, making it an exciting advancement in the field of metabolic and liver health treatment.