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Advanced Microbiome Therapeutics Accelerate MASLD Recovery by Restoring Intestinal Microbiota Equilibrium and the
Johnson Lok1, Congjia Chen2, Valeria Iannone1
1School of Medicine, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70210, Finland.
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
|June 6, 2025
Summary
Advanced microbiome therapeutics, EcNI and EcNA, show promise in treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). These treatments improved liver health and gut balance in mice, suggesting potential new therapeutic options.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Hepatology
- Metabolic Diseases
Background:
- Gut microbiota dysbiosis and endocrine disruption are central to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) pathogenesis.
- Restoring gut-liver axis balance is crucial for MASLD recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of advanced microbiome therapeutics in restoring gut microbial equilibrium and gut-liver axis balance during MASLD recovery.
- To evaluate engineered *Escherichia coli* Nissle 1917 strains (EcNI and EcNA) as potential MASLD treatments.
Main Methods:
- MASLD was induced in mice via a high-fat, high-sugar diet, followed by a standard diet intervention.
- Intervention groups received engineered *E. coli* Nissle 1917 expressing IGF1 (EcNI) or aldafermin (EcNA).
- Control groups received *E. coli* Nissle 1917 vehicle (EcN) or no intervention (CTRL).
Main Results:
- EcNI and EcNA significantly improved MASLD recovery, reducing hepatic fat, plasma cholesterol, and body weight.
- Treatments increased bacterial diversity, plasma acetate, and propionate, indicating improved gut microbial balance.
- Metabolic pathways were modulated, with downregulation of acetyl-CoA and steroid hormone biosynthesis, and upregulation of pathways related to oxidative stress reduction.
Conclusions:
- Engineered *E. coli* Nissle 1917 strains (EcNI and EcNA) demonstrate potential as novel therapeutic agents for MASLD.
- These microbiome-based interventions can restore gut-liver axis balance and alleviate key aspects of MASLD.
- Further research into EcNI and EcNA could lead to new treatment strategies for liver disease.
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