Microbial molecule may offer non-toxic way to restore liver and gut health (Lactobacillus plantarum)

Medical Xpress / UC Davis / mBio ^ | Aug. 12, 2025 | Nadine A Yehya / Satya Dandekar at al

[ConservativeMind]

Researchers have discovered that a natural molecule made by gut bacteria can reverse liver damage and repair the gut lining after aflatoxin exposure. The treatment may offer a new, non-toxic way to prevent and treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

The study revealed that 10-hydroxystearic acid (10-HSA), a compound produced by Lactobacillus bacteria, successfully restored gut-liver health in mice exposed to aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is a toxic substance made by mold commonly found in peanuts, corn and other crops. It is known to cause liver injury.

"This is the first time a single microbial molecule has been shown to repair both the liver and gut together," said the lead author, Satya Dandekar.

The gut and the liver are intricately linked. They communicate through bile acids, immunity responses and lipid metabolism—a relationship known as the gut-liver axis.

Dandekar's team used a mouse model mimicking NAFLD. Exposing mice to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a toxic compound made by Aspergillus fungi, triggered liver injury, inflammation and damage to the gut lining.

But when these mice were treated with 10-HSA, the researchers saw a dramatic reversal of the liver and gut damage:

—Gut epithelial barrier was restored.

—Key bile acid metabolites like cholesterol and deoxycholate returned to healthy levels.

—Energy metabolism and detoxification functions in the liver improved.

—Gut immune responses normalized.

Chronic liver diseases like NAFLD and cirrhosis are driven in part by the suppression of PPARα signaling. 10-HSA activates PPARα, a protein that regulates lipid metabolism. By activating PPARα, the molecule repaired liver tissue and supported gut health—all without the side effects of synthetic drugs.

"What makes this molecule special is that it is produced naturally in the gut and has no cytotoxic effects," said Abhaya Dandekar.

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TOPICS: Health/Medicine
KEYWORDS: bacteria; gitract; gut; ineverdonate; lactobacillus

[ConservativeMind]

The writeup does not say which probiotic culture does it, but the study does.

It is “Lactiplantibacillus plantarum.” I didn’t know that specific name, so I looked into it. It was normally known as “Lactobacillus plantarum.” I know that one.

It’s easily found in products like Lifeway Keifir.

The write up says it even repaired cirrhosis-injured liver damage.

[ConservativeMind]

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[leopud]

Keifir = kefir

[Orosius]

Not that Sutherland kid.

[GrandJediMasterYoda]

Do you know what will happen now? Anything even remotely connected to 10-HSA will be put in a pill and advertised relentlessly a million times a day, especially during Hannitys radio show just like that freakin’ Balance of nature which should be sued for sonic torture.

[GrandJediMasterYoda]

So what they are saying is eat yogurt

[ConservativeMind]

Correct! My typo.

[ConservativeMind]

A fair number of yogurts don’t have this culture.

[GrandJediMasterYoda]

Which ones do? I don’t know, I’m no yogurt expert.

[FrdmLvr]

Thanks for the info! I’m going to have to start making kefir again.

[metmom]

What they’re finding out about the role of the gut in our overall health is STAGGERING.

I NEVER would have imagined what they’re finding out now.

And considering my food intolerances, I find this a fascinating information.

Thanks for posting.

[sauropod]

Interesting. I will follow up on this.