Project description:Recently, gut metabolites have been recognized to play significant roles in liver diseases via the gut-liver axis. In this study, we investigate the regulatory effects of the tryptophan metabolite, indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), on immune cells during liver fibrogenesis using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq).
Project description:Purpose: compare the response of DRG neurons to indole-3-propionic acid treatment before and after sciatic nerve injury Results: we found that IPA induced transcription changes before and after injury inside the DRG tissue. In particular expression of immune system related genes
Project description:Lactobacillus intestinalis-derived indole-3-propionic acid mediates benefits of maternal tryptophan metabolism on offspring intestinal health
Project description:Altered tryptophan catabolism has been identified in inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA), but the causal mechanisms linking tryptophan metabolites to disease are unknown. Using the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model we identify alterations in tryptophan metabolism, and specifically indole, that correlate with disease. We demonstrate that both bacteria and dietary tryptophan are required for disease, and indole supplementation is sufficient to induce disease in their absence. When mice with CIA on a low-tryptophan diet were supplemented with indole, we observed significant increases in serum IL-6, TNF, and IL-1β; splenic RORγt+CD4+ T cells and ex vivo collagen-stimulated IL-17 production; and a pattern of anti-collagen antibody isotype switching and glycosylation that corresponded with increased complement fixation. IL-23 neutralization reduced disease severity in indole-induced CIA. Finally, exposure of human colon lymphocytes to indole increased expression of genes involved in IL-17 signaling and plasma cell activation. Altogether, we propose a mechanism by which intestinal dysbiosis during inflammatory arthritis results in altered tryptophan catabolism, leading to indole stimulation of arthritis development. Blockade of indole generation may present a novel therapeutic pathway for RA and SpA.
Project description:Sensing of microbial tryptophan catabolites by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) plays a pivotal role in host-microbiome homeostasis by modulating the host immune response. Thereby the involved cellular processes triggered by the metabolites are largely unknown. We analyzed proteomic changes in macrophages trough 24h after treatment with the tryptophan metabolites indole-3-acetic acid (I3AA) or indole-3-aldehyde (IAld), as well as the prototypic AhR-ligand Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) in the absence and presence of LPS to identify affected processes and pathways.
Project description:Aims: Atorvastatin is a commonly used cholesterol-lowering drug that possesses non-canonical anti-inflammatory properties. However, the precise mechanism underlying its anti-inflammatory effects remains unclear. Materials and methods: The acute phase of ulcerative colitis (UC) was induced using a 5 % dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) solution for 7 consecutive days and administrated with atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) from day 3 to day 7. mRNA-seq, histological pathology, and inflammatory response were determined. Intestinal microbiota alteration, tryptophan, and its metabolites were analyzed through 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics. Key findings: Atorvastatin relieved the DSS-induced UC in mice, as evidenced by colon length, body weight, disease activity index score and pathological staining. Atorvastatin treatment reduced the level of pro_x0002_inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Atorvastatin also relieved the intestinal microbiota disorder caused by UC and decreased the proliferation of pernicious microbiota such as Akkermansia and Bacteroides. Atorvastatin dramatically altered tryptophan metabolism and increased the fecal contents of tryptophan, indolelactic acid (ILA), and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Furthermore, atorvastatin enhanced the expression level of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and interleukin-22 (IL-22) and further promoted the expression level of intestinal tight junction proteins, such as ZO-1 and occludin, in colitis mice. Significance: These findings indicated that atorvastatin could alleviate UC by regulating intestinal flora disorders, promoting microbial tryptophan metabolism, and repairing the intestinal barrier.