High-fat and high-protein diets from different sources induce different intestinal malodorous gases and inflammation

The liver plays a key role in lipid metabolism. Depending on species it is, more or less, the hub of fatty acid synthesis and lipid circulation through lipoprotein synthesis. Eventually the accumulation of lipid droplets into the hepatocytes results in hepatic steatosis, which may develop as a consequence of multiple dysfunctions such as alterations in beta-oxidation, very low density lipoprotein secretion, and pathways involved in the synthesis of fatty acids. In addition an increased circulating pool of non-esterified fatty acid may also to be a major determinant in the pathogenesis fatty liver disease. This review also focuses on transcription factors such as sterol-regulatory-element-binding protein-1c and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha, which promote either hepatic fatty acid synthesis or oxidation. Show more

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor recognized for its role in xenobiotic metabolism. The physiologic function of AHR has expanded to include roles in immune regulation, organogenesis, mucosal barrier function, and the cell cycle. These functions are likely dependent upon ligand-mediated activation of the receptor. High-affinity ligands of AHR have been classically defined as xenobiotics, such as polychlorinated biphenyls and dioxins. Identification of endogenous AHR ligands is key to understanding the physiologic functions of this enigmatic receptor. Metabolic pathways targeting the amino acid tryptophan and indole can lead to a myriad of metabolites, some of which are AHR ligands. Many of these ligands exhibit species selective preferential binding to AHR. The discovery of specific tryptophan metabolites as AHR ligands may provide insight concerning where AHR is activated in an organism, such as at the site of inflammation and within the intestinal tract. Show more

Interactions between the gut microbiota and the host are important for health, where dysbiosis has emerged as a likely component of mucosal disease. The specific constituents of the microbiota that contribute to mucosal disease are not well defined. The authors sought to define microbial components that regulate homeostasis within the intestinal mucosa. Using an unbiased, metabolomic profiling approach, a selective depletion of indole and indole-derived metabolites was identified in murine and human colitis. Indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) was selectively diminished in circulating serum from human subjects with active colitis, and IPA served as a biomarker of disease remission. Administration of indole metabolites showed prominent induction of IL-10R1 on cultured intestinal epithelia that was explained by activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Colonization of germ-free mice with wild-type Escherichia coli, but not E. coli mutants unable to generate indole, induced colonic epithelial IL-10R1. Moreover, oral administration of IPA significantly ameliorated disease in a chemically induced murine colitis model. This work defines a novel role of indole metabolites in anti-inflammatory pathways mediated by epithelial IL-10 signaling and identifies possible avenues for utilizing indoles as novel therapeutics in mucosal disease. Show more