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Apelin and the gut microbiome: Potential interaction in human MASLD
Maria Effenberger1, Christoph Grander1, Bela Hausmann2
1Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
Summary
Circulating apelin levels are elevated in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and correlate with liver fibrosis and cancer. Apelin may also interact with the gut microbiome, impacting liver survival.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Metabolic Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a growing global health concern.
- Adipokines, such as apelin (APLN), play a role in MASLD's complex mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of apelin (APLN) in MASLD.
- To explore the relationship between apelin, liver fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in MASLD patients.
Main Methods:
- Collected fecal and blood samples from MASLD patients and healthy controls.
- Measured serum concentrations of apelin (APLN), apelin receptor (APLNR), and cytokines.
- Analyzed gut microbiome composition and its association with apelin levels.
Main Results:
- Apelin levels were elevated in MASLD patients with mild and severe fibrosis, and HCC, correlating with the Fib-4 score.
- Apelin concentrations were negatively associated with liver survival.
- Alterations in gut microbiome composition, including increased Enterobacteriaceae, Prevotellaceae, and Lactobacillaceae, were observed in severe fibrosis, with associations noted between apelin and bacterial lineages.
Conclusions:
- Circulating apelin is linked to liver fibrosis and HCC in MASLD.
- A potential interaction between systemic apelin and the gut microbiome in MASLD warrants further investigation.
