Epigenomic and transcriptional profiling identifies impaired glyoxylate detoxification in NAFLD as a risk factor for hyperoxaluria

Epigenetic modifications (e.g. DNA methylation) in NAFLD and their contribution to disease progression and extrahepatic complications are poorly explored. Here, we use an integrated epigenome and transcriptome analysis of mouse NAFLD hepatocytes and identify alterations in glyoxylate metabolism, a pathway relevant in kidney damage via oxalate release-a harmful waste product and kidney stone-promoting factor. Downregulation and hypermethylation of alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase (Agxt), which detoxifies glyoxylate, preventing excessive oxalate accumulation, is accompanied by increased oxalate formation after metabolism of the precursor hydroxyproline. Viral-mediated Agxt transfer or inhibiting hydroxyproline catabolism rescues excessive oxalate release. In human steatotic hepatocytes, AGXT is also downregulated and hyper methylated, and in NAFLD adolescents, steatosis severity correlates with urinary oxalate excretion. Thus, this work identifies a reduced capacity of the steatotic liver to detoxify glyoxylate, triggering elevated oxalate, and provides a mechanistic explanation for the increased risk of kidney stones and chronic kidney disease in NAFLD patients.

Automated summary

Epigenetic modifications in NAFLD, particularly in glyoxylate metabolism, contribute to kidney damage via oxalate release. The downregulation and hypermethylation of AGXT in steatotic hepatocytes lead to elevated oxalate levels, explaining the increased risk of kidney stones and chronic kidney disease in NAFLD patients.