Gut microbiota induced epigenetic modifications in the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease pathogenesis

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents a growing global health concern that can lead to liver disease and cancer. It is characterized by an excessive accumulation of fat in the liver, unrelated to excessive alcohol consumption. Studies indicate that the gut microbiota-host crosstalk may play a causal role in NAFLD pathogenesis, with epigenetic modification serving as a key mechanism for regulating this interaction. In this review, we explore how the interplay between gut microbiota and the host epigenome impacts the development of NAFLD. Specifically, we discuss how gut microbiota-derived factors, such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), can modulate the DNA methylation and histone acetylation of genes associated with NAFLD, subsequently affecting lipid metabolism and immune homeostasis. Although the current literature suggests a link between gut microbiota and NAFLD development, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways underlying this crosstalk remains limited. Therefore, more comprehensive epigenomic and multi-omic studies, including broader clinical and animal experiments, are needed to further explore the mechanisms linking the gut microbiota to NAFLD-associated genes. These studies are anticipated to improve microbial markers based on epigenetic strategies and provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of NAFLD, ultimately addressing a significant unmet clinical need.