The carotenoid torularhodin alleviates NAFLD by promoting Akkermanisa muniniphila-mediated adenosylcobalamin metabolism.

ABSTRACT: Torularhodin, a unique carotenoid, confers beneficial effects on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the precise mechanism underlying its therapeutic effects remains unknown. Here, we report that torularhodin alleviates NAFLD in male mice by modulating the gut microbiota. Additionally, transplanting fecal microbiota from torularhodin-treated mice to germ-free mice also improves NAFLD. Mechanistically, torularhodin specifically enriches the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila, which alleviates NAFLD by promoting the synthesis of adenosylcobalamin. Utilizing a human gastrointestinal system and a colonic organoid model, we further demonstrate that adenosylcobalamin confers protective effects against NAFLD through reducing ceramides, a well-known liver damaging compound, and th

SUBMITTER: Liu C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11978934 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature