Hepatic Mitochondria-Gut Microbiota Interactions in Metabolism-Associated Fatty Liver Disease

The prevalence of metabolism-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) represents an urgent pandemic, complicated by a higher risk of morbidity and mortality as well as an increased socio-economic burden. There is growing evidence proving the impact of gut microbiota modifications on the development and progression of MAFLD through changes in metabolic pathways, modulation of the immune response, and activation of pro-inflammatory signals. Concurrently, metabolites produced by gut microbiota consisting of short chain fatty acids and bile acids contribute to the regulation of hepatic homeostasis by interacting with mitochondria. Evolving research indicates that innovative therapeutic targets for MAFLD may focus on gut microbiota-mitochondria interplay to regulate hepatic homeostasis. Recent investigations have explored the potential of new treatment strategies, such as prebiotics, probiotics, and metabolites, to change the composition of gut microbiota and simultaneously exert a positive impact on mitochondrial function to improve MAFLD. This review summarizes the significance of mitochondria and reports modifications in the composition of gut microbiota and its metabolites in MAFLD in order to illustrate the fascinating interplay between liver mitochondria and intestinal microbiota, discussing the potential effects of innovative treatments to modulate gut microbiota.

Automated summary

The prevalence of metabolism-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a global pandemic with high morbidity and mortality rates and increased socio-economic burden. Evidence shows that changes in gut microbiota affect the development and progression of MAFLD through metabolic pathways, immune response modulation, and pro-inflammatory signals activation. Additionally, metabolites produced by gut microbiota, such as short chain fatty acids and bile acids, play a role in regulating hepatic homeostasis through interactions with mitochondria. Recent research explores the potential of innovative treatment strategies, including prebiotics, probiotics, and metabolites, to modify gut microbiota composition and improve MAFLD by positively impacting mitochondrial function. This review summarizes the importance of mitochondria, discusses alterations in gut microbiota composition and metabolites in MAFLD, and highlights the potential effects of innovative treatments on modulating gut microbiota.