Microbiota-generated acetaldehyde in the progression of liver disease
The researchers reveal that high sugar intake promotes MASLD progression via microbiota-produced acetaldehyde, which drives fibrosis through MMP7 upregulation.
The authors also demonstrate a dose-dependent correlation between sugar consumption and liver-related mortality, accompanied by a microbial shift favoring acetaldehyde/ethanol fermentation pathways in MASH patients.
An engineered probiotic, Ligilactobacillus salivarius HAM, enhances acetaldehyde clearance and prevents liver fibrosis in preclinical models, offering a novel therapeutic approach.
https://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/fulltext/S1550-4131(26)00043-4
