Lactobacillus extracellular vesicles alleviate alcohol-induced liver injury in mice by regulating gut microbiota and activating the Nrf-2 signaling pathway

Food Funct. 2025 Feb 17;16(4):1284-1298. doi: 10.1039/d4fo04364b.

Abstract

Lactobacillus derived extracellular vesicles (LAB-EVs) are nanosized particles secreted from Lactobacillus during fermentation, and therefore exist universally in fermented foods such as yogurt, pickles, and fermented beverages. In this study, three LAB-EVs were prepared using a simple scalable method, and then their structures, compositions, and biosafety properties were characterized. The protective properties and potential mechanisms of action of the LAB-EVs against alcoholic liver disease were studied. All three LAB-EVs alleviated alcohol-induced liver injury. It was shown by reduction of liver index, histological damage, liver function impairment, inflammation, and liver oxidative status. The results showed that three LAB-EVs positively promoted the diversity of intestinal flora in mice. Additionally, the relative hepatic protein level of Nrf-2, HO-1, and CYP2E1 was also regulated by LAB-EVs. In summary, these facts suggest that the three LAB-EVs can alleviate alcohol-induced liver damage, by positively modulating the intestinal flora and activation of the Nrf-2 signaling pathway. These results may facilitate the understanding of the composition and function of Lactobacillus fermented food and also the development of Lactobacillus fermented functional food.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Ethanol / adverse effects
  • Extracellular Vesicles* / metabolism
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome* / drug effects
  • Lactobacillus* / metabolism
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Liver Diseases, Alcoholic* / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2* / genetics
  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2* / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects

Substances

  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2
  • Nfe2l2 protein, mouse
  • Ethanol