Lactobacillus johnsonii JNU3402 Ameliorates Age-Related Liver Dysfunction Through Stimulating PGC-1α-Mediated SIRT1...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Hepatology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Aging is closely linked to metabolic diseases, particularly liver abnormalities.
• Diet-induced hepatic steatosis is a known condition ameliorated by Lactobacillus johnsonii JNU3402 (LJ3402).
• The potential of LJ3402 to counteract age-related liver issues remains unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the protective effects of LJ3402 against age-related liver dysfunction and metabolic abnormalities.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying LJ3402's action in aging hepatocytes.

Main Methods:

• Administration of LJ3402 to 24-month-old mice.
• Analysis of hepatic function, aging phenotypes, gene expression, and senescence markers.
• In vitro studies using AML12 hepatocytes to explore the PGC-1α-SIRT1-p53 pathway.

Main Results:

• LJ3402 administration reduced hepatic dysfunction and general aging phenotypes in aged mice.
• LJ3402 increased the expression of mitochondrial function genes and decreased senescence markers in the liver.
• The probiotic suppressed p53 acetylation and activity via the PGC-1α-SIRT1 pathway, reducing hepatocyte senescence and mitochondrial dysfunction.
• LJ3402 attenuated age-related hepatic lipid accumulation, a key aspect of MASLD progression.

Conclusions:

• LJ3402 demonstrates protective effects against age-related liver dysfunction and metabolic abnormalities.
• The probiotic mechanism involves enhancing the PGC-1α-SIRT1-p53 pathway, thereby combating mitochondrial dysfunction and hepatocyte senescence.
• LJ3402 holds potential for mitigating age-related liver disease, including MASLD.