Department of Endocrinology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Jul 11;25(14):7621. doi: 10.3390/ijms25147621.
Multiple organs and tissues coordinate to respond to dietary and environmental challenges. It is interorgan crosstalk that contributes to systemic metabolic homeostasis. The liver and brain, as key metabolic organs, have their unique dialogue to transmit metabolic messages. The interconnected pathogenesis of liver and brain is implicated in numerous metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders. Recent insights have positioned the liver not only as a central metabolic hub but also as an endocrine organ, capable of secreting hepatokines that transmit metabolic signals throughout the body via the bloodstream. Metabolites from the liver or gut microbiota also facilitate a complex dialogue between liver and brain. In parallel to humoral factors, the neural pathways, particularly the hypothalamic nuclei and autonomic nervous system, are pivotal in modulating the bilateral metabolic interplay between the cerebral and hepatic compartments. The term "liver-brain axis" vividly portrays this interaction. At the end of this review, we summarize cutting-edge technical advancements that have enabled the observation and manipulation of these signals, including genetic engineering, molecular tracing, and delivery technologies. These innovations are paving the way for a deeper understanding of the liver-brain axis and its role in metabolic homeostasis.
多个器官和组织协同响应饮食和环境挑战。正是器官间的串扰促成了全身代谢稳态。肝脏和大脑作为关键代谢器官，它们之间存在独特的对话，以传递代谢信息。肝脏和大脑的相互关联的发病机制与许多代谢和神经退行性疾病有关。最近的研究结果不仅将肝脏定位为中央代谢枢纽，还将其定位为一个内分泌器官，能够通过血液分泌将代谢信号传递到全身的肝激素。来自肝脏或肠道微生物群的代谢物也促进了肝脏和大脑之间的复杂对话。与体液因素并行的是，神经通路，特别是下丘脑核和自主神经系统，在调节大脑和肝脏隔室之间的双侧代谢相互作用方面起着关键作用。术语“肝脑轴”生动地描述了这种相互作用。在这篇综述的最后，我们总结了使这些信号的观察和操作成为可能的最新技术进展，包括基因工程、分子追踪和递药技术。这些创新为深入了解肝脑轴及其在代谢稳态中的作用铺平了道路。
